Ways to prevent postpartum depression?

I had PPD so bad after my daughter was born 4 1/2 years ago that I was firm that I would never have any more kids. I had sick morbid thoughts, would cry all the time, I didn't want to hold my baby because I knew I wasn't in my right mind. I went to my doctor and asked for help and he told me to take B vitamins! I tried diet, exercise, I saw a psychologist, you name it. I should have been on medication for depression, but my doctor didn't put me on it. And I really suffered. I saw a new doctor with this pregnancy and told him about my 1st experience, and he wants me to start on Zoloft 2 weeks prior to delivery to ensure that it doesn't happen again. I'm not sure if I'm going to start on it 2 weeks prior to delivery or if I will wait til baby is born, but I will definitely take it this time around. I hear it really helps. Good luck sweetie, it's not forever but make sure you get help early on and don't wait like I did. Edit: Josephine, I exclusively breastfed for 14 months, my daughter never had a drop of formula or a bottle and I still got PPD. Maybe it helps some women feel better, and I loved nursing and plan to nurse this one, but it doesn't prevent it. At least, not in my experience.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk. It lets out the "happy chemicals" ;) TD? Ok, look it up. Why whenever I post something positive about breastfeeding (without insulting anyone), I get TD's? Do formula feeders really just not want to hear it/believe it so they feel better? That was a question, I'm honestly curious. http://www.ivillage.com/postpartum-depression-can-nursing-lessen-its-impact/6-n-137722 http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-west-palm-beach/can-breastfeeding-prevent-postpartum-depression 2 resources in just 30 seconds. ETA - I never said it prevented it, I said it LOWERS THE RISK.

PPD is very real. You also could be having depression now while pregnant. There are a few safe medications that you can take to make you feel better now. As for PPD - you might develop it and you might not. The good thing is you are being aware that it is a possibility and that will make you better prepared to handle it. If you do start to see more signs of depression, seek a medical professional quickly. Again there are medications that are available that will really help the symptoms and are safe to use even if nursing. I would also discourage you from thinking any further - you know it is a possibility but dwelling and dreading is not the way to go through the next 11 weeks! Start planning for the joy of having your son and what wonderful things you can do with him. If this isn't working, then you are probably already depressed and need to seek treatment. If your current MD can't help, get a second opinion.

There is no sure fire way to avoid postpartum. Given you already have a history of depression you are at risk. You have already done two things right. One you recongnize that it's possible and two have told you support system your fiancée and parents. They are being positive and telling you the best but now that they are aware they will notice before you might. Another thing is not to become overwhelmed. You can do that by making sure you have your me time after he is born. It doesn't not make you a bad mother at all!!!! After having my son I went into postpartum and that triggered a bipolar episode for me that last for 3 yrs. Given your history maybe you might want to see a psychologist just in case or at least have one on call. Also in your area might be some new mom clubs you can get into. Basically those are just new moms who get together and talk. The more support you have the better. With my history I also plan on doing these things to avoid the worst as well. Hope that helps and good luck. Oh oh have you talked to your ob about this also? He or she might know of some good doctors for you to see afterwards too!

well I am going to be honest since you have a history of depression it is more likely for you to develop it, but it ranges on how it affects women. I didn't have PPD with my first but with my second I did, it had little to do with my children I still took care of them, but I felt irritable and had insomnia, I went through a traumatic birth experience though that I think triggered it. I also had problems with bonding with my daughter, it felt like I was taking care of someone elses child (the best way I can describe it) I did get on meds about a month later when I was able to admit there was something wrong with me, ate a good diet and made sure I exercised as well, it did go away shortly after Ella's first birthday. I do want to add women that have c-secs are more likely to get PPD. I did breastfeed my daughter infact she is still nursing.

I suffer from anxiety and was also scared and worried about post pardum depression. I honestly don't think I had it fully but with my husband watching over me 24-7 and announcing that I had depression whenever I would cry, I felt that it was difficult for me after my son was born. I did start taking an anti-depressant (some that I had leftover from the previous year) which made me feel a little bit better. Now that I am pregnant again and just have 10 more weeks remaining, I am more prepared to deal with any feelings after the birth. I have been taking Zoloft for the past several months (April, May, and June were quite difficult personally for me) and feel I need to continue taking the medication. My feelings towards avoiding PPD is to listen to myself and not let my husband feel for me (which I had in the previous post pardum) I had listened to the doctors tell my husband that he should be aware of any drastic changes in my mood and advise me to get help. Any tear or complaint that I had, he assumed was PPD and that I needed serious help. The majority of the time, he was wrong and I needed to have just a moment to cry or worry or be down. My suggestion is to talk with your doctor and see whether it would be possible to get a prescription for an anti-depressant. You don't have to take it if you don't want to ... Good luck.