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How long does PPD (Postpartum Depression) last?

Would getting a pet help my PPD?

  • I had a baby 9 months ago and the doctors said i had Postpartum Depression. I never got on medication for it, because i didnt want to believe it, i just thought i didnt feel well and i would surely get over it. Not only has the PPD gotten BAD, but i am pregnant again, and now i dont have the choice to take medicine. My doctor suggested that having a pet, like a dog or cat, might help me, because its been known to help people with PPD. I love animals, but the thought of having to clean up after an animal, plus having a 9 month old baby and another baby coming soon, seems like more stress. So i guess my question is, would having an animal help? Or would it just add on to the list of stressful things going on in my life, like i think it would?

  • Answer:

    No, that's a lot of added work, though cuddling a cat or dog can be helpful, the work would only make things worse. You can "borrow" a pet if you want a trial run (borrowing the pet of a trusted friend for a few days) or just visit a pet store or shelter and ask to hug friendly animals. Other things that will provide lasting help: Light, getting more light into dark rooms and getting sunshine everyday will help a lot. Not like, getting skin cancer amounts, just 10-15min doses. Exercise, just little bits like a nice walk in the fresh air, a little stretching to music you like, yoga... Carving out "recharge" time for yourself. There is something, it's different for everyone, but there is something that recharges you faster than anything else. For me it's reading, when I get really harried, it's reading an old favorite. Maybe watching a treasured movie or TV show (uninterrupted), or crafting, or cooking, whatever is your favorite thing. Make time for this, and request someone (Dad, grandparents, aunts, friends) watch your baby so you cab recharge. Writing/Journaling, some people like to keep a journal or diary and write about their day and their feelings, it drives me crazy and I feel either ridiculous or exposed. I prefer to write little stories. You don't necessarily have to "get your feelings out" just let your brain take a vacation and think of someone else's life, or write fan fiction. Just something to help your brain burn off those hormones. I got powerfully sick with each pregnancy, the morning sickness was terrible. It was because my body didn't just produce hormones, it went crazy with them. That spilled over after I gave birth and while I was nursing. I got PPD and was really upset with myself. I felt guilty for not "being stronger and better" and for not loving my son enough. I had a dear friend who called me out. She said allowed all the things I was afraid to think and then promptly helped me see that while strong hormones make strong babies, they also make strong emotions. Hang in there.

Momofthr... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Honestly, I think it would just add to your stress. Pets can be calming if you already have one established in the home, but introducing a new pet into a home, especially since you already have an infant, is a bit more challenging. Now, if you have experience with cats and you're willing to consider an adult cat rather than a kitten, that *may* be a good choice for you since cats are pretty low maintenance. The only thing is that you'd have to have someone else clean the litter box since you can't do that while pregnant. Also, you'd have to watch the cat closely at first to see how it would handle being around a baby. For what it's worth, my cats have been perfectly fine with the kids (they actually stayed away from them as infants), but they were already here before my first baby was born. Other things that may help you... -- exercise. Take regular walks, esp. with a friend if possible. Or look into prenatal yoga or water aerobics in your area. -- finding a social network. Look into moms' groups at your church or in your neighborhood, or see if your library offers an infant story hour. -- getting time to yourself. Have a friend or relative watch the baby for an hour or two here and there while you do something alone or have a date with your husband. Let your husband bathe the baby each night while you get 30-60 minutes to yourself to shower, take a bath, read a book, or whatever relaxes you. I hope you can find something that works for you.

Mom to 3 under 10

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