The Postpartum Resource Center of NY, Inc.

http://www.postpartumny.org/

Great organization that is having their second annual 5k run on May 9, 2009 at Jones Beach State Park at 9:30 (rain or shine) If you live in the area and want to take part please go to the site and register. Plus any donations would be appreciated as proceeds contributed to the Sounds of Silence, Friends of Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. will benefit The Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc.
Please also visit the site if you live in NY and need any help.

The Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. is a self-help organization established to provide emotional support, educational information and healthcare and support group referrals to mothers suffering from prenatal and postpartum depression (PPD).
Our mission is to serve New York state women and their families at risk for and experiencing prenatal and postpartum depression/psychosis
increase prevention, screening, awareness and treatment
provide support programs and services
train healthcare providers and consumers
build community partnerships
PRC of NY — Finding the help you need. PPD Moms need to know…You are not alone. You are not to blame. You will feel better and get well. Up to 50,000 women in New York State will experience depression/anxiety related to childbearing each year. PPD is a treatable illness.
If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing depression/anxiety during pregnancy or the birth of a child, help is available. We provide emotional support, educational information and healthcare and support group referrals.

Another great article on SSRIs

I found this article on http://www.nwmhp.nhs.uk/pharmacy/ssris.htm I liked it because it had many links that you could click on to see the different reasons why you are being treated with an SSRI and also because it answers many questions that you may want to ask while taking it. Again, consult your doctor if you have any questions on any medications that you are taking and do not stop any medications without a doctors advice.


TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION
Drugs known as antidepressants
CLASS:- "SPECIFIC SEROTONIN RE-UPTAKE INHIBITORS"(SSRIs or sometimes the "5-HT RE-UPTAKE BLOCKERS")
Drugs available
Brand name(s)
Forms available
Tablets
Capsules
Liquid
Injection
Citalopram
Cipramil (Seropram in France)


Escitalopram (2)
Cipralex


Fluoxetine
Prozac


Fluvoxamine
Faverin



Paroxetine
Seroxat (Deroxat in France)


Sertraline
Lustral



Related drugs*;-





Nefazodone (1)
Dutonin, now discontinued



Trazodone (1)
Molipaxin
(sugar-free)

(1) These two drugs are included here for convenience (see below)
(2) Escitalopram is a cleaner version of citalopram. Citalopram is a mixture of two molecules, which are identical except that they are mirror images of each other. Escitalopram is the molecule that actually has the antidepressant action and is now available in UK without the other molecule, which had no action. The result is the same, but escitalopram may have slightly fewer side effects and may even be slightly more effective.
For some of the advantages and advantages of different forms of medicines e.g. tablets, capsules, syrups, injections and patches, click here.
What are the SSRIs used for ?
SSRIs are antidepressants which are used to help to improve mood in people who are feeling low or depressed. Fluoxetine ("Prozac") may also be used to help treat the eating disorder "Bulimia nervosa". In addition to this, the SSRIs are now widely used to help a variety of other symptoms. These include anxiety (where a lower starting dose often helps), social phobia and social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic, pre-menstrual syndrome and agoraphobia. Some drugs are "licensed" (ie officially approved) for some of these conditions (e.g. paroxetine for social phobia) but this does not necessarily mean the others do not help, just one manufacturer can prove it and has applied for a licence.
Trazodone ("Molipaxin") and nefazodone ("Dutonin") are not strictly pure "SSRIs" but have many of the same effects and so are included in this group for convenience.
The SSRIs are now one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants but there are many other similar drugs. All these antidepressants seem to be equally effective at the proper dose but have different side effects to each other. Apart from nausea, the SSRIs generally have less side effects than the older drugs. If one drug does not suit you, it may be possible to try another. Starting with a lower dose for a week or so may also help the drugs to be more tolerable or have less side effects.
How do the SSRIs work ?
The brains has many naturally occurring chemical messengers. One of these are called serotonin (sometimes called 5-HT) and is important in the areas of the brain that control mood and thinking. It is known that this serotonin is not as effective or active as normal in the brain when someone is feeling depressed. The SSRI antidepressants increase the amount of this serotonin chemical messenger in the brain. This can help correct the lack of action of serotonin and help to improve mood. For a more detailed explanation, click here.

How should I take them ?
Tablets and capsules:
Tablets and capsules should be swallowed with at least half a glass of water whilst sitting or standing. This is to make sure that they reach the stomach and do not stick in your throat.
Trazodone modified release tablets ("Molipaxin CR") should be swallowed whole and not chewed. This is because they are made so that they release the drug over a longer period of time. This can help to reduce side-effects or reduce the number of times a day you need to take your medicine. Crushing or chewing these will cause the drug to be released too quickly.
Liquids:
Your pharmacist should give you a medicine spoon or oral syringe. Use it carefully to make sure you measure the correct amount. Ask your pharmacist for a medicine spoon if you do not have one.
What are the alternatives to medicines ?
This will depend on why you are taking the medication. Click the links below for the appropriate answer if you are taking an SSRI for:
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder or manic-depression
Bipolar mania
Bipolar depression
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis and schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Social anxiety or social phobia
When should I take the SSRI ?
Take your medication as directed on the medicine label. Try to take it at regular times each day. If you are told to take your dose once a day this will usually be best in the morning, except with fluvoxamine, which is probably best in the evening. If you feel sick when you first start taking your SSRI, this should only last for a few days, but this can be helped by taking your medicine with or after food. Also, taking them at mealtimes may make it easier to remember as there is no problem about taking any of these drugs with or after food. They are not sleeping tablets.
How long will the SSRI take to work ?
It may take as long as two weeks or more before the SSRIs start to have any effect on your mood, and a further three or four weeks for this effect to be reaching its maximum. Unfortunately in some people the effect may take even longer to occur e.g. several months, especially if you are older.
If the SSRI isn’t working, how long will it be before a change is considered ?
This will depend on why you are taking the medication. Click the links below for the appropriate answer if you are taking an SSRI for:
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder or manic-depression
Bipolar mania
Bipolar depression
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis and schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Social anxiety or social phobia
How long will I need to keep taking them for ?
This will depend on why you are taking the medication. Click the links below for the appropriate answer if you are taking an SSRI for:
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder or manic-depression
Bipolar mania
Bipolar depression
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis and schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Social anxiety or social phobia
Are the SSRIs addictive ?
They are not addictive, but if you have taken them for eight weeks or more you may experience some mild "discontinuation" effects if you stop them suddenly. These do not mean that the antidepressant is addictive. For a drug to be addictive or produce dependence, then it must have a number of characteristics:
should produce craving for the drug when the last dose "wears off"
should produce tolerance ie you need more drug to get the same effect
there should be an inability to cut down or control use
should produce withdrawal symptoms
there should be continued use of the drug despite knowing of harmful consequences
Thus antidepressants, if stopped suddenly, may produce some "discontinuation" symptoms but these are more of an "adjustment" reaction from sudden removal of a drug rather than withdrawal. For further discussion, click here.
Can I stop taking the SSRI suddenly ?
It is unwise to stop taking them suddenly, even if you feel better. Two things could happen. Firstly, your depression can return if treatment is stopped too early (see "How long will I need to keep taking them for?"). Secondly, you might also experience some mild "discontinuation" symptoms (see also above). At worst, these could include dizziness, vertigo/light-headedness, nausea fatigue, headache, "electric shocks in the head", insomnia, abdominal cramps, chills increased dreaming, agitation and anxiety. They can start shortly after stopping or reducing doses, are usually short lived, will go if the antidepressant is started again and can even occur with missed doses. These effects have been reported for all the SSRIs, but it seems that they occur more often with paroxetine than the others. If you get these discontinuation symptoms, you have a number of options:
If they are not severe, you can wait for the symptoms to go - they usually only last for a few days or weeks
Ask for something to help your symptoms in the short-term e.g. a sedative or sleeping tablet
Start the medication again (the symptoms should go) and then try reducing the dose more slowly over a longer time e.g. reduce the dose by about a quarter (25%) every 4-6 weeks. Another system that works for some people is to use the syrup; everytime you take a dose, add some diluent (e.g. syrup or water) and then the syrup gradually (rather than suddenly) gets more and more dilute.
Switch to another antidepressant - this sometimes helps e.g. fluoxetine has a long "half-life" and is easier to stop than is e.g. paroxetine
When the time comes your doctor should withdraw the drug slowly e.g. by reducing the dose gradually every few weeks. You should discuss this with your doctor.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose ?
Start again as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose, then go on as before. Do not try to catch up by taking two or more doses at once as you may get more side-effects. You should tell your doctor about this next time you meet.
If you have problems remembering your doses (as very many people do) ask you pharmacist, doctor or nurse about this. There are some special packs, boxes and devices which can be used to help you remember.
What sort of side-effects might occur ?
Side effect
What happens
What to do about it
COMMON
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling sick and being sick.
Take your medicine after food. If you are sick for more than a day, contact your doctor. This tends to wear off after a few days or a week or so.
Insomnia
Not being able to get to sleep at night.
Discuss with your doctor. He or she may change the time of your dose, or reduce the dose a little to start with.
Sexual dysfunction
Finding it hard to have an orgasm. No desire for sex.
Discuss with your doctor. See also a separate question in this section.
LESS COMMON
Drowsiness
Feeling sleepy or sluggish. It can last for a few hours after taking your dose.
Don't drive or use machinery. Ask your doctor if you can take your SSRI at a different time of day.
Headache
Your head is pounding and painful.
Try aspirin or paracetamol. Your pharmacist will be able to advise if these are safe to take with any other drugs you may be taking.
Loss of appetite
Not feeling hungry. You may lose weight.
If this is a problem, contact your doctor or chemist for advice.
Diarrhoea
Going to the toilet more than usual and passing loose, watery stools.
Drink plenty of water. Get advice from your pharmacist. If it lasts for more than a day, contact your doctor.
UNCOMMON
Restlessness or anxiety
Being more on edge. You may sweat a lot more.
Try and relax by taking deep breaths. Wear loose fitting clothes. This often happens early on in treatment and should gradually ease off over several weeks. A lower starting dose may help sometimes.
RARE
Rashes and pruritis
Rashes anywhere on the skin. These may be itchy.
Stop taking and contact your doctor now.
Dry mouth
Not much saliva or spit.
Suck sugar-free boiled sweets. If it is bad, your doctor may be able to give you a mouth spray.
Skin rashes
Blotches seen anywhere.
Stop taking and contact your doctor now. This is a particular problem with fluoxetine (Prozac)
Tremors and dystonias
Feeling shaky. You may get a twitch or feel stiff.
It is not dangerous. If it troubles you, contact your doctor.
Table adapted from UK Psychiatric Pharmacy Group leaflets, with kind permission (www.ukppg.org.uk )
Do not be worried by this list of side effects. You may get none at all. There are other rare side-effects. If you develop any unusual symptoms ask your doctor about them next time you meet.
There has been much in the newspapers and magazines about people who are supposed to have become more aggressive or suicidal whilst taking fluoxetine (‘Prozac’). There has also been much which implies that ‘Prozac’ is somehow a "wonder drug". It might be worth noting that;-
All antidepressants can cause a very few people to become more aggressive or suicidal. There is now plenty of evidence to show that fluoxetine (‘Prozac’) is the same as (and certainly no worse than) any other antidepressant in this respect.
There is no particular evidence that fluoxetine or any other drug in this group is a wonder drug. It is just that they generally have less side effects than the older antidepressants and are much less toxic than the older antidepressants.
Will the SSRI cause me to put on weight ?
Fluoxetine ("Prozac") may cause you to lose weight. You tend to lose more the heavier you are so this "side effect" is not usually one which people complain about! The other drugs in this group tend to have less of an effect on body weight. If, however, you do start to have problems with your weight tell your doctor next time you meet as he or she can arrange for you to see a dietician for advice. It may be that in the long term (ie several years), there may be tendency to gain a little weight.
Will it affect my sex life?
Drugs can affect desire (libido), arousal (erection) and orgasmic ability. The SSRIs are know to affect all three stages in some people. Delayed orgasm is known to occur in many people. Indeed some of these drugs are now widely used to help treat premature ejaculation. If this does seem to have happened, you should discuss this with your doctor, as a change in dose, when you take the dose or drug may help reduce any problem.
With trazodone, a serious condition known as priapism has been reported very rarely. Priapism occurs in men and is defined as a persistent painful erection without sexual stimulation. It is no joke and should be treated as an emergency, as it can cause permanent damage. If this should happen, you should go to a hospital accident and emergency department as soon as possible, and certainly within a couple of hours.
Will the SSRI make me drowsy ?
These drugs may make you feel drowsy, although this effect is less than with other antidepressants. You should not drive (see below) or operate machinery until you know how they affect you. You should be careful as they may affect your reaction times or reflexes. They are not, however, sleeping tablets, although if you take them at night they may help you get to sleep.
Can I drink alcohol while I am taking the SSRI ?
You should avoid alcohol except in moderation while taking these drugs as they may make you feel more sleepy. This is particularly important if you need to drive or operate machinery and you must seek advice on this. Also, the effects of alcohol can be increased if it is taken while you are taking fluvoxamine ("Faverin").
Are there any foods or drinks that I should avoid ?
You should have no problems with any food or drink other than alcohol (see above).
Will the SSRI affect my other medication ?
If you are taking "Faverin" (fluvoxamine) tablets do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day. This is because these tablets are 'enteric coated'. Indigestion remedies contain alkalis, substances which can break down the coating of the tablet before it reaches the stomach. You might then get more side effects. If you need to take something for indigestion wait for at least 2 hours after taking your "Faverin" tablets.
You should have no problems if you take any other medications although a few problems can occur. The SSRIs can "interact" with "MAOI's", lithium, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin etc.) and anticoagulants e.g. warfarin, although your doctor should know about these. This also does not necessarily mean the drugs can not be used together, just that you may need to follow your doctors instructions very carefully. Make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking. Some other medicines e.g. some of the antihistamines used for hay fever can make you drowsy. Combined with your SSRI this could make you even drowsier. There has been much concern about the safety of St. John's wort with antidepressants. Until more information is available, you should avoid taking St. John's wort along with any other antidepressant. You should tell your doctor before starting or stopping these or any other drugs.
If I am taking a contraceptive pill, will this be affected ?
It is not thought that the contraceptive pill is affected by any of these drugs, although if you suffered diarrhoea and vomiting this might reduce the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive.
What if I want to start a family or discover I'm pregnant?
It is important to consider that there will be a risk to you and your child from taking a medicine during pregnancy but also a possible risk from stopping the medicine e.g. getting ill again. Unfortunately, no decision is risk-free. It will be for you to decide which is the least risk. All we can do here is to help you understand some of the issues, so you can make an informed decision. For your information, major malformations occur "spontaneously" in about 2-4% of all pregnancies, even if no drugs are taken. The main problem with medicines is termed "teratogenicity" i.e. a medicine causing a malformation in the unborn child. A medicine causing teratogenicity is called a "teratogen". Since a baby has completed it's main development between days 17 and 60 of the pregnancy (the so-called "first trimester") these first 2-16 weeks are the main concern. After that, there may be other problems e.g. some medicines may cause slower growth. The infant may also be affected after birth e.g. withdrawal effects are possible with some drugs. If possible, the best option is to plan in advance. If you think you could become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor and it may be possible to switch to medicines thought to carry least risk, and take other risk-reducing steps e.g. adjusting doses, taking vitamin supplements etc. If you have just discovered you are pregnant, don't panic, but seek advice from your GP within the next few days if possible. He or she may also want to refer you on to someone with more specialist knowledge of your medicine. Very few medicines have been shown to be completely safe in pregnancy and so no manufacturer or advisor can ever say any medicine is safe. They will usually advise not to take a medicine during pregnancy, unless the benefit is much greater than the risk. In the UK, there is the NTIS (National Teratology Information Service) who offer individual risk assessments. However, their advice should always be used to help you and your doctor decide what is the risk to you and your baby. There is a risk from taking the medicine and a risk should you stop a medicine e.g. you might become ill again and need to go back on the medication again. The advice offered here is just that i.e. advice, but may give you some idea about the possible risks and what (at the time of writing) is known through the medical press.It may be helpful to know that in the USA, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) classifies medicines in pregnancy in five groups:
A = Studies show no risk, so harm to the unborn child appears only a remote possibility B = Animal and human studies indicate a lack of risk but are not fully conclusive C = Animal studies indicate a risk but there is no safety data in humans D = a definite risk exists but the benefit may outweigh the risk in some people X = the risk outweighs any possible benefit
The SSRIs are classified as "B" or "C" (fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline are "B", citalopram and fluvoxamine are "C"). The SSRIs are not teratogenic in animals, and most human data is for fluoxetine. No major abnormalities have been reported to date with paroxetine, but some "discontinuation" effects (such as increased breathing rate and jitteriness) have been seen in a few infants for a couple of days after birth, so it may be wise to reduce the dose a little before your due date. Fluoxetine is the most widely studied SSRI in pregnancy. Information on over 2000 pregnancies indicates that the risk of "spontaneous abortion" may be slightly higher than normal but that the number of abnormalities is the same as the general population and so fluoxetine did not appear to be a major risk. A recent study has shown no evidence of any short or long-term effects on intelligence and language development, although there was a slight reduction in the length of pregnancy (by about 6 days). You should, however, still seek personal advice from your GP, who may then if necessary seek further specialist advice. Trazodone and nefazodone are both classified as "C". There is no evidence of a teratogenic effects, and animal tests show a low risk of danger but you should seek personal advice from your GP, who may then if necessary seek further specialist advice.
Will I need a blood test ?
You will not need a blood test to check on your SSRI.
Can I drive while I am taking the SSRI ?
You may feel drowsy at first when taking any of these drugs. Until this wears off or you know how your drug affects you do not drive or operate machinery. You should be careful as they may affect your reaction times.
It is against the law to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a vehicle when unfit, either through illness or from the side effects of medication. Under UK law, it is the drivers responsibility to let the DVLA and insurance company know if you may be "unfit" to drive. If you do not, and you have an accident, it could effect your insurance cover. Your doctor will be able to advise you, and may wish to access the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) guidelines website, which has the current DVLA guidelines on anxiety/depression, psychotic disorders, mania and other conditions. If your doctor advises you not to drive, and you continue to do so, the doctor can inform the DVLA directly, as he or she would be lawfully responsible were you to have an accident. Once told, the DVLA may wish to carry out an enquiry, but you are entitled to drive until a decision is made.

The baby blues or postpartum depression?

The Baby Blues
For the last nine months you have done nothing but anticipate the arrival of your new baby. You have imagined how exciting, fun, and joyful it would be to spend time with her. You couldn’t wait to hold her in your arms. But now that she is here well, things aren’t as great as you thought they would be. If you have been feeling a little bit anxious, nervous, and sad now that baby has arrived, you may be wondering exactly what’s wrong with you. These feelings are actually very common in moms who have just given birth. Known as the “baby blues” this mild change in mood can be distressing, but it is a completely normal part of pregnancy.
What are the baby blues? The baby blues is the affectionate term given to a mild form of depression that occurs after labor and delivery. It’s also known as the postpartum blues, and usually occurs about three or four days after baby has arrived. The baby blues are best described as a general feeling of sadness or anxiety that typically lasts no more than two weeks. The baby blues usually pop up out of the blue and disappear all on their own.
How Common are the Baby Blues? The baby blues are actually a lot more common then most women think. In fact, between 50% and 80% of all new mothers experience some form of the baby blues in the days after childbirth. It tends to be more common in women who have just given birth to their first child.
What Causes the Baby Blues? Researchers aren’t 100% sure about what causes the baby blues, however, a variety of factors do seem to be involved.

Physical Changes: The physical changes that you undergo in the days after labor and delivery probably have a great deal to do with the mood changes associated with the baby blues. During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels continuously rise. In fact, your progesterone and estrogen levels were probably up to ten times their pre-pregnancy levels in order to help support fetal development. After labor, your hormone levels begin to drop suddenly, because they are no longer needed to support baby’s growth. And different hormones begin to kick in, allowing you to breastfeed you new little one. These hormonal ups and downs can really take their toll on your emotions.
Fatigue: The exhaustion caused by childbirth as well as by the constant care you may be providing your little one also seem to contribute to the baby blues.
Anxiety over Baby: Welcoming a new baby into the world can be a very scary thing to do. You may feel overwhelmed with your new responsibilities or you may be worried about how you are going to take on this new role. While these fears are perfectly normal, they can also contribute to the baby blues.

Symptoms Associated With the Baby BluesSymptoms of the baby blues are usually mild and typically appear in the days immediately following birth. They also tend to clear up on their own within two weeks after birth. Symptoms of depression may include:

irritability
sadness and crying
loneliness
feeling overwhelmed or anxious
mood swings
lack of energy and fatigue

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression? It is important that you are able to distinguish between the baby blues and postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a more severe form of depression that can occur in the year following childbirth. Its symptoms are usually intense and last much longer than those of the baby blues. Here is a quick comparison to help you identify which type of depression your are suffering from.

Baby Blues: Occasional crying or sadness; lack of energy; anxiety or nervousness; disturbed sleep patterns; reduced appetite; lonliness.

Postpartum Depression: frequent crying and pervasive sadness; persistent fatigue; severe anxiety which may include panic attacks or hyperventilation; loss of appetite; loss of interest in regular activities; weight changes; thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Dealing with the Baby Blues If your symptoms seem to be those of the baby blues, there are some things that you can do to help boost your mood.

Express your feelings to those around you.
Ask for support from friends and family members.
Get lots of rest.
Prioritize. You don’t have to do everything right away.
Speak with your partner about dividing the parenting responsibilities.
Take time out for yourself. Go out with friends, watch a movie, or just take a relaxing bath.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

If your symptoms seem to be getting worse or have lasted longer than a couple of weeks, it may be time to consult with your health care practitioner. She may be able to suggest a depression treatment that will help to alleviate your symptoms.

I found this article on www.epigee.org and one of the reasons why I liked it is because it has a chart of what the baby blues is as compared to postpartum depression. After I had given birth everyone kept telling me I had the baby blues. I felt so guilty that I felt so bad and kept telling myself, well if every women goes through this, then I am not alone. Again, every women is different and if you are not sure what you are experiencing, please see your doctor.

Depression during and after pregnancy

I found this article on www.about.com I liked it because not only does it have useful tips, but it also has some great numbers for additional support at the bottom of the article. When I was pregnant I did go through numerous life changes, I got married; put two houses up for sale; I had to adjust two dogs to living together; worked two jobs; worried about money and had to get used to living with my husband in my house that I had lived alone in for years. I then worried about how the dogs were going to adjust to the baby. I had so much going on, but I never knew that could add to possibly suffering from postpartum depression. If you do have a lot going on in your life when you are pregnant, slow down and ask for help. We cannot all be superwoman.
What is depression?
Depression is more than just feeling “blue” or “down in the dumps” for a few days. It’s a serious illness that involves the brain. With depression, sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings don’t go away and interfere with day-to-day life and routines. These feelings can be mild to severe. The good news is that most people with depression get better with treatment.
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How common is depression during and after pregnancy?
Depression is a common problem during and after pregnancy. About 13 percent of pregnant women and new mothers have depression.
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How do I know if I have depression?
When you are pregnant or after you have a baby, you may be depressed and not know it. Some normal changes during and after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. But if you have any of the following symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor:
Feeling restless or moody
Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
Crying a lot
Having no energy or motivation
Eating too little or too much
Sleeping too little or too much
Having trouble focusing or making decisions
Having memory problems
Feeling worthless and guilty
Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Withdrawing from friends and family
Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don’t go away
Your doctor can figure out if your symptoms are caused by depression or something else.
Call 911 or your doctor if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby!


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What causes depression? What about postpartum depression?
There is no single cause. Rather, depression likely results from a combination of factors:
Depression is a mental illness that tends to run in families. Women with a family history of depression are more likely to have depression.
Changes in brain chemistry or structure are believed to play a big role in depression.
Stressful life events, such as death of a loved one, caring for an aging family member, abuse, and poverty, can trigger depression.
Hormonal factors unique to women may contribute to depression in some women. We know that hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. We also know that women are at greater risk of depression at certain times in their lives, such as puberty, during and after pregnancy, and during perimenopause. Some women also have depressive symptoms right before their period.
Depression after childbirth is called postpartum depression. Hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. When you are pregnant, levels of the female hormones estrogen (ESS-truh-jen) and progesterone (proh-JESS-tur-ohn) increase greatly. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly return to normal. Researchers think the big change in hormone levels may lead to depression. This is much like the way smaller hormone changes can affect a woman’s moods before she gets her period.
Levels of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that helps regulate how your body uses and stores energy from food. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause symptoms of depression. A simple blood test can tell if this condition is causing your symptoms. If so, your doctor can prescribe thyroid medicine.
Other factors may play a role in postpartum depression. You may feel:
Tired after delivery
Tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep
Overwhelmed with a new baby
Doubts about your ability to be a good mother
Stress from changes in work and home routines
An unrealistic need to be a perfect mom
Loss of who you were before having the baby
Less attractive
A lack of free time
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Are some women more at risk for depression during and after pregnancy?
Certain factors may increase your risk of depression during and after pregnancy:
A personal history of depression or another mental illness
A family history of depression or another mental illness
A lack of support from family and friends
Anxiety or negative feelings about the pregnancy
Problems with a previous pregnancy or birth
Marriage or money problems
Stressful life events
Young age
Substance abuse
Women who are depressed during pregnancy have a greater risk of depression after giving birth.
If you take medicine for depression, stopping your medicine when you become pregnant can cause your depression to come back. Before you stop any prescribed medicines, talk with your doctor. Not using medicine that you need may be harmful to you or your baby.
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What is the difference between “baby blues,” postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis?
Many women have the baby blues in the days after childbirth. If you have the baby blues, you may:
Have mood swings
Feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed
Have crying spells
Lose your appetite
Have trouble sleeping
The baby blues most often go away within a few days or a week. The symptoms are not severe and do not need treatment.
The symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe. Postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth. If you have postpartum depression, you may have any of the symptoms of depression listed above. Symptoms may also include:
Thoughts of hurting the baby
Thoughts of hurting yourself
Not having any interest in the baby
Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor.
Postpartum psychosis (seye-KOH-suhss) is rare. It occurs in about 1 to 4 out of every 1,000 births. It usually begins in the first 2 weeks after childbirth. Women who have bipolar disorder or another mental health problem called schizoaffective (SKIT-soh-uh-FEK-tiv) disorder have a higher risk for postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include:
Seeing things that aren’t there
Feeling confused
Having rapid mood swings
Trying to hurt yourself or your baby
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What should I do if I have symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy?
Call your doctor if:
Your baby blues don’t go away after 2 weeks
Symptoms of depression get more and more intense
Strong feelings of sadness or anger come on 1 or 2 months after delivery
It is hard for you to perform tasks at work or at home
You cannot care for yourself or your baby
You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Your doctor can ask you questions to test for depression. Your doctor can also refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.
Some women don’t tell anyone about their symptoms. They feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed when they are supposed to be happy. They worry they will be viewed as unfit parents.
Any woman may become depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby. It doesn’t mean you are a bad or “not together” mom. You and your baby don’t have to suffer. There is help.
Here are some other helpful tips:
Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
Don’t try to do too much or try to be perfect.
Ask your partner, family, and friends for help.
Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
Discuss your feelings with your partner, family, and friends.
Talk with other mothers so you can learn from their experiences.
Join a support group. Ask your doctor about groups in your area.
Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy or right after giving birth. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes can’t be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.
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How is depression treated?
The two common types of treatment for depression are:
Talk therapy. This involves talking to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.
Medicine. Your doctor can prescribe an antidepressant medicine. These medicines can help relieve symptoms of depression.
These treatment methods can be used alone or together. If you are depressed, your depression can affect your baby. Getting treatment is important for you and your baby. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking medicine to treat depression when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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What can happen if depression is not treated?
Untreated depression can hurt you and your baby. Some women with depression have a hard time caring for themselves during pregnancy. They may:
Eat poorly
Not gain enough weight
Have trouble sleeping
Miss prenatal visits
Not follow medical instructions
Use harmful substances, like tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs
Depression during pregnancy can raise the risk of:
Problems during pregnancy or delivery
Having a low-birth-weight baby
Premature birth
Untreated postpartum depression can affect your ability to parent. You may:
Lack energy
Have trouble focusing
Feel moody
Not be able to meet your child’s needs
As a result, you may feel guilty and lose confidence in yourself as a mother. These feelings can make your depression worse.
Researchers believe postpartum depression in a mother can affect her baby. It can cause the baby to have:
Delays in language development
Problems with mother-child bonding
Behavior problems
Increased crying
It helps if your partner or another caregiver can help meet the baby’s needs while you are depressed.
All children deserve the chance to have a healthy mom. And all moms deserve the chance to enjoy their life and their children. If you are feeling depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby, don’t suffer alone. Please tell a loved one and call your doctor right away.
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For More Information . . .
For more information on depression during and after pregnancy, call womenshealth.gov at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations.
National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHSPhone: (301) 496-9576Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHSPhone: (800) 789-2647Internet Address: http://www.mentalhealth.org
American Psychological AssociationPhone: (800) 374-2721Internet Address: http://www.apa.org
National Mental Health AssociationPhone: (800) 969-NMHAInternet Address: http://www.nmha.org
Postpartum Education for ParentsPhone: (805) 564-3888Internet Address: http://www.sbpep.org
Postpartum Support InternationalPhone: (805) 967-7636Internet Address: http://www.postpartum.net
This FAQ was expert reviewed by:John W. Schmitt, MDAssociate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Virginia Medical School

Men, what you can do to help your wife with Postpartum Depression

http://thefatherlife.com/mag/2008/01/07/postpartum-depression-what-you-can-do/

I found this article on www.thefatherlife.com and I thought it was good because it gave an insight for men on how to deal better with their wife who has ppd. I know it was very tough on my husband as he did not know what was wrong with me. There were times I did not know what was wrong with me. I think it is very important that men must be there for the mother of their child not matter what. Please support her even if you do not understand what she is going through. It makes it a lot harder if the man in her life gives her resistance every step of the way.

I know this from experience. I think if my husband knew how to get help for me he would have. I think if he knew where to turn it would have helped him. Please, if you think she needs help, any kind of help, please get it for her any way that you can.

Need Help on Long Island?

www.northshorechildguidance.org This is an organization that helps in Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Services, and Triage and Emergency. If you are on Long Island and need help, please contact them. I have a dear friend that volunteers for them and this organization is very dear to her heart.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is the pre-eminent not-for-profit children's mental health agency on Long Island. Dedicated to strengthening the emotional well-being of children and families, the Guidance Center leads the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, and advocacy.
We help families to raise healthy children and work with kids (ages 0-24) who are troubled, in trouble, or causing trouble and parents who need help in these stressful times. Difficulties range from depression and anxiety, developmental delays and school failure, and substance abuse to family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma, and divorce.
Our highly-qualified staff consists of teams of caring psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and drug & alcohol counselors with expertise in treating children. We provide every client with a personalized treatment plan. We work with many managed care and insurance companies but no one is turned away because of inability to pay.
In addition to providing tens of thousands of client contacts per year through our core services, the Guidance Center offers training for parents, caregivers, student interns and professionals. We also advocate in public and governmental forums for improved mental health services for children.
We are centrally located on the eastbound service road of the LIE in Roslyn Heights, with additional offices in Manhasset and Westbury.
As government funding continues to diminish, the Guidance Center's valuable work in our community is threatened and we must increasingly depend on the generosity of individuals to support existing programs and meet new needs. There are many satisfying ways you can get involved - become a volunteer, lend your expertise, or make a gift to our Annual Fund.

Would love to hear from you....

I would love to post any stories anyone has to share. I think we can all learn from each other with our experiences and how to cope with postpartum depression either whether you are still not sure that you have ppd; are newly diagnosed; or have recovered. Plus, feel free to share on any other story also posted. Thanks! Hope to hear from you...

My Baby's Smile. My Journey and Recovery Through Postpartum Depression.

http://www.booklocker.com/books/3938.html


Title: My Baby’s Smile. My Journey and Recovery Through Postpartum Depression. Author: Beth Benoliel Formats: PDF (ebook) Paperback Pages: 108
Ebook:
$7.95
Paperback:
$11.95
+ $3.00 shipping for your whole order!(Media Mail, US addresses only)Faster service available for more.

Category: Self Help
About the Book
Free Excerpt From The Book (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
At 39 years old and just having had my first child, I never imagined that I could be dealing with postpartum depression. None of the baby books that I read while I was pregnant could have ever prepared me for what was ahead.
After my baby was born, whenever I cried or felt sad everyone just kept telling me that I had the baby blues or that it was my hormones still out of sorts. I was not sleeping; I couldn’t eat; I was anxious and nervous all the time. I suffered panic attacks, and then eventually I thought I was going to lose my mind and hurt my baby. I was living in fear.
It took four months before I was finally diagnosed with postpartum depression and put on medication. I sought out therapy and started doing my own research. This book is to let whoever reads it know that postpartum depression shows itself in many different forms. There are an array of symptoms for this illness. However, with therapy and possibly medication you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and make it through. I have proved it. If you read my story you will know that you are not alone.

About the Author
Beth Benoliel currently lives in Southern Florida with her husband, son and two dogs. This is her first book as she wanted to tell her story and be able to help other women and their families. She is currently a full time mother and owns her own business.

More on Melanie...

http://www.melaniesbattle.org/story.html

More about Melanie and her webpage dedicated to her. Again, do not be afraid to speak out on what is going on. I too felt like I could not talk to anyone at first because they would have thought that I was crazy. It took me four months to really seek help because I knew I could not live like I was any longer. Please do not wait.

About Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum Psychosis affects between 1-3 of every one thousand new mothers. This mood disorder affects new mothers indiscriminately. In some cases, the woman that develops postpartum psychosis has no history of depression or other mood disorders. In other cases, a woman may have a latent condition that surfaces as she experiences the hormonal intensity of the postpartum months.
Postpartum Psychosis is a devastating mood disorder that can develop two to four weeks postpartum or immediately after a woman gives birth. Postpartum psychosis causes paranoia, hallucinations (hearing voices urging a new mother to kill herself or her child), severe insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety and depression. A woman suffering from postpartum psychosis often suffers alone because of the shame associated with this illness.
A woman experiencing postpartum psychosis may be in danger of taking her own life or that of her child. This condition is considered a psychiatric emergency and demands an aggressive response, including immediate hospitalization. A woman in the throes of postpartum psychosis may not realize how ill she is. She needs her family and friends to be proactive and help her get the treatment she needs.
It is it critical that pregnant women disclose any history (family or personal) of depression, Bipolar Mood Disorder, or Schizophrenia. This history may increase her risk of developing postpartum depression or psychosis. But by disclosing these risk factors during the pregnancy, she and her physician can work towards an effective treatment plan should a depressive or psychotic incident occur. A woman who has already had an incident of postpartum psychosis increases her risk of a second incident of postpartum psychosis with a subsequent pregnancy by 50 percent.
Learn more about this devastating mood disorder and visit NPR’s discussion board.
Learn more about the way that hormonal fluctuations affect women’s moods.

The Mother's Act Debate

I found this article on on www.naturalnews.com After reading it I am still shocked that there still is a debate about whether or not medication is necessary for a woman suffering postpartum depression. I so much disagree with what was said in this article and I would love to hear from others out there that have either had ppd in the past or are suffering from it now.

I believe that medication truly saved my life. I did read the drug facts and knew that the medication would take several weeks to take effect and maybe it would not work and I may have to try something else. I had contact with my doctor and therapist every step of the way. Of course I was concerned when I read the warning that this medication could cause "suicidal thoughts", but I had to try something to save my sanity. I can agree with one aspect of the article that possibly doctors may be too quick to diagnose and prescribe meds when not needed, but I caution on the safe side: After what I went through I would never want another woman to have to feel like that and not have anyone out there help her. I would love to hear your thoughts on this debate. I am all for the Mother's Act!

The Mother's Act - Mandatory Screening of Moms for Depression is Like a Bad Movie Rerun
Monday, April 20, 2009 by: Evelyn Pringle, health freedom writer

NaturalNews) The promotion of the Mother's Act is like a rewind of a bad movie dating back to the 1960's when rock stars were singing songs about "mother's little helpers."
Women fought for years to gain acceptance of the fact that many female health problems were real and not symptoms of hypochondria. The psycho-pharmaceutical cartel's profit-driven invention of an epidemic of pregnancy-related mental disorders will wipe out a century of work toward that acceptance.
Sadly, the end result of this latest marketing scheme will be that the relatively few women who truly do suffer from postpartum depression will not be taken seriously.
The Mother's Act legislation has already passed in the US House of Representatives. A majority vote in the Senate would represent a major coup for a multibillion dollar industry.
"Like many of the acts of Congress, the real beneficiary will not be the mothers and their children but the "mental health" workers who will be handsomely paid and the drug companies that are behind this legislation," says Steve Hayes, the director of he Novus Medical Detox Center, in the center's July 31, 2008 newsletter.
"The drug store chains will expand more because more people will be hooked on these dangerous drugs," he points out.
"Doctor's offices will be more crowded because we know that these dangerous drugs often lead to serious health side effects that will require medical treatment," he writes.The advocacy groups battling against passage of the Mother's Act are nearly equal in number to the Act's supporters, and include Unite for Life, AbleChild, the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology; Alliance for Human Research Protection; International Coalition For Drug Awareness; Law Project for Psychiatric Rights, Mindfreedom International, and the Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
Same old song and dance
The Mother's Act technique has been used again and again in this country. A new sub-group of people is identified as not receiving enough treatment for mental disorders and the drug makers funnel money to front groups to fund the disease marketing campaign and set up screening programs.
The internet is now flooded with reports about the rise in pregnancy related disorders and the places to find treatment. Websites with names like "Postpartum Progress" and "PerinatalPro," provide links to programs that claim women need screening for postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.
However, nowhere to be found, are reports about the sub-groups targeted in the past and all the depressed and anxious patients who became mentally healthy as a result of being screened and treated.
Dr David Cohen, a professor of Social Work at Florida International University and co-author with Dr Peter Breggin of the book, "Your Drug May Be Your Problem," gave a keynote address titled, "Needed: Critical Thinking About Psychiatric Medications," at the International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health, in Quebec City, Canada in May 2004, and noted the following:
"For the past 50 years, physicians in the West have been prescribingpsychotropic drugs systematically to hundreds of millions of people to alter undesirable and disruptive emotions and behavior."
"For the treatment of every single psychological affliction in men and women, in all ethnic groups, from the toddler to the aged, taking psychotropic drugs is now the cornerstone remedy, all other efforts secondary."
"Despite the reliance on psychopharmaceuticals, however, not even modest improvements in the incidence, prevalence, relapse rate, duration, or long-term outcome of any condition routinely treated today with psychotropics, such as depression and schizophrenia, can be discerned."
Childbearing years represent huge market
Childbearing years cover women from roughly sixteen to fifty and the Mother's Act proves the drug makers will go to any lengths to hold onto this market.
"The labels for antidepressants warn of the increased risk of SSRI-induced suicidality in youth and young adults, the women most likely to become pregnant," Dr Breggin, author of the new book, "Medication Madness," points out. "So the drugs not only threaten to cause the death of the mother through suicide but the death of the child through lethal birth defects as well," he advises.
"The exposed fetus is at risk for a variety of potentially serious disorders, from cardiovascular anomalies to withdrawal symptoms at birth," Dr Breggin warns.
"If pregnant women feel anxious or sad," he says, "they should seek counseling or family therapy with the child's father involved, along with other sources of emotional support."
In February, with little to no fanfare, the FDA said it was once again evaluating the risk of birth defects of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants due to the number of adverse event reports.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are rarely told that antidepressants take anywhere from three to six weeks to work, if they work at all. "We know that the natural history of depression means that many patients will improve within weeks whether treated or not," says Dr David Healy, author of "Let Them Eat Prozac."
"The overwhelming majority of women who are prescribed antidepressants are at little or no risk for suicide or other adverse outcomes from their nervous state," he points out
"Treatment runs the risk of stigmatizing the person," he says, "as well as giving them problems that they didn't have to being with."
"Only one in ten women will likely have a true response to an antidepressant even if they are depressed, so nine women will be subject to the risks for the one who might benefit," he states.
According to Jonathan Leo, an Associate Professor at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, whose website, Chemical Imbalance is focused on debunking the "chemical imbalance" in the brain myth, the public health argument goes something like this:
"Helping one out of every ten does not sound very good but if you give the medications to 10 million people then you are helping one million."
"This may be of little consolation to the nine million people exposed to potential side-effects," he points out.
In December 2008, the FDA announced that anticonvulsants, widely prescribed as "mood" stabilizers, would now carry a warning about an increased risk of suicidality. They are also known to cause serious birth defects.
New Best Sellers - Atypical Antipsychotics
For a decade and a half, the new antidepressants were not only the best selling psychiatric drugs in the US, they became the top selling class of medications.
However, in 2008, antipsychotic revenues, at more than $14 billion, topped all other classes of drugs in the US, surpassing even cholesterol medications. The rest of the world apparently has not gone mad because the US accounted for over $3 billion of the close to $4.5 billion of worldwide sales of Seroquel, the fifth top selling drug in the US last year.
Anticonvulsants were the fourth class of drugs in terms of revenue, with over $11 billion in sales. Antidepressants held the fifth position, earning their makers more than $9.5 billion in 2008.Like the SSRIs before them, the atypical antipsychotics are now prescribed off-label for everything from mild depression to anxiety to sleep problems to PTSD and ADHD, and for one reason. They are the biggest money-makers. The prices at a middle dose as of April 2009 on DrugStore.com were: Abilify 90 tablets $1230, Geodon 100 capsules $787, Invega 100 tablets $1168, Risperdal 90 tablets $716, Seroquel 100 tablets $839, and Zyprexa 90 tablets $1195.The drugs were originally approved only to treat schizophrenia and later the manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Health estimates that schizophrenia effects 2.4 million adults in any given year and 5.6 million adults have bipolar disorder.
"The story's pretty clear, and pretty embarrassing for the profession of psychiatry, which has allowed itself to be led by marketing," Dr Robert Rosenheck, a psychiatrist at Yale who has studied the expanded use and effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotics, told the LA Times on April 13, 2009.
"We know now what these companies' strategies are: The number of people with schizophrenia is limited, so the road to profitability goes through soccer moms. They need to market these drugs to ordinary people who have dissatisfactions in life," he said.
Serious side effects
Antipsychotics come with serious side effects, some of them lethal. "The atypicals can cause a severe metabolic syndrome consisting of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular problems," according to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania psychiatrist, Dr Stefan Kruszewski.
Diabetes is a major cause of vascular disease and the number one cause of adult blindness, end-stage kidney disease and non-traumatic amputations, according to a 2006 report by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.
"The atypicals have some of the same neurological side effects as SSRIs," Dr Kruszewski says. "They also cause tardive dyskinesia, an often irreversible movement disorder."
"Tardive dyskinesia looks so "strange" or "bizarre," that it is often mistaken for a mental illness rather than a neurological disorder," Dr Breggin reports.
"One variety," he explains, "involves painful spasms of muscles that can literally torture the victim, and another involves an agonizing inner agitation that drives people to move their arms or legs, or to pace."
"In some cases, the severe pain of tardive dyskinesia causes patients to become exhausted and ultimately disabled," he reports.
"Tardive dyskinesia occurs at a cumulative rate of 4-7% per year in otherwise healthy patients treated with antipsychotics," Dr Breggin says. "After taking the drugs for only a few years, 20% or more will be afflicted and older patient have an even higher risk."
Helpless children harmed
There is no way to predict the adverse effects on the organs and bodies of children who receive psychiatric drugs filtered through pregnant and nursing mothers.
A study in the February 2004 journal, Pediatrics, reported abnormal sleep patterns, heart rhythms, and levels of alertness in babies exposed to SSRIs in the womb. The lead author, Dr Philip Zeskind, told the Sunday Telegraph: "What we've found is that SSRIs disrupt the neurological systems of children, and that this is more than just a possibility, and we're talking about hundreds of thousands of babies being exposed to these drugs during pregnancy."
"These babies are bathed in serotonin during a key period of their development and we really don't know what it's doing to them or what the long-term effects might be," he warned.
A year and a half later, Christine K sat in a neonatal intensive care unit and watched and waited as her baby lie in an incubator with tubes and needles stuck all over his body for four days.
After a single bout of psychosis following a traumatic event in her life, a psychiatrist labeled Christine schizophrenic and kept her on Paxil, Risperdal and Depakote for five years. When she became pregnant, the shrink told her the drugs were safe for the fetus. In fact, she insisted that Christine keep taking them even when she asked to go off the concoction six months into her pregnancy after reading that Paxil could harm her baby.
After looking up more information on the internet, Christine decided to wean herself off the drugs in her seventh month against doctors' advice. However, when she tried to explain that she quit taking the medications long before the infant was born, Christine was informed that he would still have to remain in intensive care due to the fact that he had been exposed to the drugs in the womb early on.
For the first two years of life, the baby would not sleep for any length of time - waking up every two or 3 hours. For the first three months, his whole body would jump at the least little sound even when he was asleep. He could not suck hard enough to nurse and resisted bottles. For the first year, he required hours of feeding attempts each day to make sure he received enough formula.
He was three last October and still has a strong aversion to eating - "including cake, cookies and all the things kids will normally eat even if nothing else," his mother says.
"He was well over 2-years-old before he started sleeping through the night," she reports.
In addition to the extra hospital costs for intensive care, "in the first three years of his life, this child has needed more medical care and doctor's appointments than my other three children combined," Christine reports.
In this case, the problems were nondescript. Doctors do not know enough about the effects of psychiatric drugs on the developing fetus to know if or how to treat them. "All I can do is watch and wait and hope they resolve on their own," she says.
Christine is by no means a supporter of the Mother's Act. She was scared and worried for a year after her son came home from the hospital but not from postpartum depression, she says. "It was mostly guilt and fear over what the drugs may have done to my baby."
Drugged into Madness
The drugging cycle with women often starts with a loose diagnosis of postpartum depression. "My daughter was one of those poor souls prescribed an antidepressant for a "possible" case of mild postpartum depression with no warning about the adverse effects of the drug," says Marcia Christensen of Australia.
"This caused a devastating cascade of events with further prescribing of multiple classes of antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, Lithium and electro-convulsive therapy," Marcia recalls.
"She made several attempts on her own life, developed type I diabetes and had her liberty denied over a 3 year period," Marcia recounts.
Her daughter, Rebekah Beddoe, has documented the family's ordeal in the book "Dying for a Cure," in which she describes her decline from an ambitious, successful career women to a chronic mental patient as a result of being diagnosed with postpartum depression.
After a kick-off with Zoloft, Rebekah was on six different drugs within two years, diagnosed with a myriad of different disorders and feeling like a psychiatric hospital might be her permanent home. Electric shock treatment came in the midst of numerous suicide attempts.
She credits a BBC documentary on SSRIs with saving her life because she immediately recognized that the bizarre behaviors began shortly after she took the first drug. Rebecca decided they had to go and gradually weaned off each medication one by one. It took her 9 months to get off the antidepressant because the withdrawal problems were so severe.
Rebecca and Christine are not rare cases. Mixtures of antipsychotics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, now used as "mood" stabilizers, are regularly prescribed for the all "anxiety" and "mood" disorders sought to be marketed via the Mother's Act. Drug cocktails represent dollar signs. A woman like Christine, taking Depakote, Paxil and Risperdal, can easily ring up over $15,000 a year for the drug makers alone in the US.
The doctors make out like bandits as well. "Psychiatry has increasingly replaced psychotherapy with something called "medication management," which largely consists of symptom assessment and prescription updates," Dr Bruce Levine, author of, "Surviving American's Depression Epidemic," reports in the August 13, 2008 Huffington Post.
"Medication management typically takes ten or fifteen minutes and is scheduled every two to three months," he explains.
While psychiatrists bill about half as much as they do for a psychotherapy hour, they can conduct a minimum of four sessions for every one psychotherapy session, he says.
Many psychiatrists do five- or ten-minute sessions, so they can complete five or six in the same hour that it would take to do a psychotherapy therapy session, including preparation and note writing, Dr Levine reports.
"The bottom line," he says, "is that psychiatrists who offer only medication management routinely make nearly triple the income as do psychiatrists who provide mostly psychotherapy."
About the author: Evelyn Pringle is a leading writer on the dangers of psychiatric medications. She's a columnist for Scoop Independent News and an investigative journalist focused on exposing corruption in government and corporate America.

What is a birth trauma?

http://www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/what_is_trauma.htm

I found this article to be very interesting for me. I too had a very traumatic birth and when I got home from the hospital and could not sleep I often asked myself, “why?” I would start to fall asleep and awaken shaking, having a panic attack, and thinking that I was surely going to die. The first few times this happened I often asked myself if this was related to how I had given birth and maybe I was scared to fall asleep as this was in the back of my mind. I think for myself the trauma of the birth really did have an effect on me and my postpartum depression. I would love to hear any comments from the readers as to your experiences.

Postpartum Depression and the choice to breasfeed...

I found this article on storknet.com. It hit home because I too had to face the facts about breasfeeding and my postpartum. The first time my doctor told me to stop breasfeeding and it could help with my hormones, help my period return and maybe release me from some of the pressure, I thought he was nuts. I left his office and said to myself, “why would he tell me to stop breastfeeding.” Two months later when I returned to his office and really needed help, I made the decision to stop and go on medication.

At that time, however, I was not educated enough to know that I may be able to take some medications and still breastfeed, but I did feel a loss when I did stop. Again, breastfeeding is an issue in the book that I wrote because I was torn. Although I did have problems breastfeeding along the way, I do think that the postpartum went hand-in-hand with those problems. Again, I did not realize that at the time. I too felt the pressure to continue and did feel like a failure when I had to stop. I do realize now that there were so many factors involved that I did not fail. I was able to breasfeed my son until he was four months old, he grew well and was healthy. Do not feel guilty if you have to stop. You have to do what is right for you, not anyone around you telling you what you need to do.

Is Breast Always Best?A discussion of breastfeeding and postpartum depressionby Karen Kleiman, MSW
The message is all around us, breast is best. Human milk is superior for infant feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that exclusive breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for every infant.I’m a strong breastfeeding advocate. I breastfed both my children. Although my intentions were to breastfeed each until one year of age, in both cases, I had medical circumstances that forced me to stop breastfeeding against my wishes. It was worse with my second, when I had to stop at two months postpartum, with the realization that she would be my last child. The loss was devastating, though I knew there were few people I could talk to about this because, well, who could relate, other than perhaps another breastfeeding mother? I understand the indescribable commitment to a relationship that is not easily understood by women who have never breastfed. I am familiar with the unique properties of this attachment as well as the feelings of loss when this balance is disrupted.So I pause and think hard about this. About the pressure to breastfeed. And I wonder where it all comes from. The pressures are monumental. They come from society, they come from our friends, our mothers, our doctors and nurses, our husbands, but most of all, they come from deep within ourselves. We hear it all the time: Breastfeeding is natural. It’s least expensive, it’s convenient, it’s healthiest, it initiates a bond between mother and baby that is unmatched by other feeding options and so forth. I certainly would not dispute the truth of these statements, even now. I used to think these declarations were important. Now, I think they’re potentially dangerous.
In our attempt to educate, promote optimal health and support the breastfeeding mother, we have let a vulnerable group of women fall through the cracks. For the 20-30% of postpartum women who struggle with postpartum depression, the situation can be critical.
Because of their illness, this is what they hear:
If you choose not to breastfeed . . . you’re not a good mother. If you have difficulties breastfeeding . . . you are doing something wrong. If you don’t enjoy breastfeeding . . . your maternal instincts are impaired in some way. If the breastfeeding relationship does not go along smoothly . . . you are unable to do what comes naturally to all other women. If you quit breastfeeding . . . you will continue to fail as a mother.
The feelings attached to these statements may be obvious at first glance, but the extent to which they impact a woman is unimaginable to anyone who has not experienced a major depression after childbirth. The profound feelings of guilt, shame, inadequacy, fear, insecurity, abandonment, failure, and despair can immobilize the mother and prevent her from taking steps toward recovery.Depressed women do not think clearly. They get lost in the battle against their own distorted thoughts, misguiding them toward a decision they cannot adequately make. Depression will rob a woman of her ability to make informed decisions because confusion and lack of clarity predominate. Things that were previously black and white, now appear blurry. Issues that are usually vague and open to compromise, become rigid and inflexible. What might be evident to a non-depressed person, may be incomprehensible to someone preoccupied with faulty beliefs.
Those of us who consider ourselves enthusiastic supporters of breastfeeding have an obligation to examine this carefully. Because we are the ones that are in a position to help mothers best understand their options, it must come from us. Because when opposition to breastfeeding is offered by individuals who do not possess a passion for this relationship, it will be dismissed as uncaring advice and likely to fall upon deaf ears. If, on the other hand, this message comes from those of us who have fought hard to protect the intrinsic value of this connection, I think women will listen.
What should this new message be? It’s okay not to breastfeed.
It’s that simple.
It doesn’t matter who we are in relation to this woman. We might be her friend or her counselor. We might be her sister or her doctor. If this woman is suffering with postpartum depression and breastfeeding, we might have to help her through this process by explaining her options, by telling her there are medications that are compatible with breastfeeding, or by giving her permission to stop. That option doesn’t feel good to a depressed mother. It feels like someone is yanking the anchor from the very last thing that is keeping her afloat. It feels terrifying and incapacitating. It feels absolutely impossible and nothing short of catastrophic.
This is because breastfeeding, to the depressed mother, is more than breastfeeding. It is a lifeline. It’s as if it provides the single opportunity for her to feel that her presence is making a difference. This is why we need to help her navigate the rough waters and make the right decision, particularly if she needs medication. It may be to continue breastfeeding. It may be to stop. Either way, she may not be able to make this decision without the clarity of an outside perspective.
This process is complicated and raises important questions:
Does she need medication? How does she feel about taking medication while breastfeeding? Is it possible that breastfeeding may somehow contribute to her feelings of despair? Is breastfeeding depleting her of her strength and energy, thereby worsening her illness? Is her insistence on breastfeeding interfering with her treatment? Does she have proper guidance to wean sufficiently so as not to aggravate the delicate hormonal balance? Does she have enough information and support to discontinue the breastfeeding relationship, should it come to that?
These are considerations that I dare say have been largely ignored by breastfeeding organizations and the medical community. And frankly, I’m afraid for the women who continue to work so hard, with painstaking determination, against such formidable odds, to stay on track, to prove something to someone. I’m not sure what they are trying to prove, exactly. Perhaps they strive to meet their own self-driven, impassioned expectations. To follow the rules they’ve always believed in. To do it right. To be the best mother they can be.It’s time we let them off the hook. So they can rest easy. So they can learn that good mothers, indeed, have lots of choices. So they can get the treatment they need. So they can get better.
Editorial by Karen Kleiman, MSW, Founder and Clinical Director of The Postpartum Stress Center in Rosemont, PA.

Understanding Male Postpartum Depression

Taken from http://www.newsweek.com/ This ties together with my previous entry from Dr. Will Courtenay.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/192914

Great interview for Men dealing with postpartum depression in their new family

I just found this website http://www.willcourtenay.com/podcasts.htm and his podcast
Listen to Dr. Courtenay as the Guest Host of Childhood Matters taking calls from listeners and talking with Lee Safran, Marriage and Family Therapist, and David Klinker, founder of PostpartumDads.org, about the experiences of male partners of women with postpartum depression – and what fathers can do to support these new moms.

Listen here for the complete interview

Great interview with great insight to what is going on with your wife and how you can help her. As I was listening I could relate to so much of it. It is a long show, but worth it if you do not understand what is going on with your wife and how to help her. Just remember to support her with whatever she needs. Make sure she gets outside help as well from a doctor or therapist.

Postpartum Depression and the Breasfeeding Mom

Great article I found from La Leche League International. I wish I had known some of the information when I was diagnosed with PPD. It is long, but at the end it does talk about medications and the risk on the baby. It also discusses diet, nutrition and herbs. Again, talk to you doctor about any article read on this site and any questions that you may have.

http://www.granitescientific.com/granitescientific%20home%20page_files/PPDP4.pdf

Medications: What is an SSRI?

This article was taken from the www.Mayoclinic.com On another blog site that I have www.bethann17.wordpress.com I noticed that when I put a note up about medications it was a big hit. So I decided to follow up with this article on SSRIs. When I started on Paxil when I had postpartum depression I had no idea what an SSRI was until I read up on it. Once I read up on them it made sense and I felt more comfortable taking the medication. Again, sometimes medications that works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes you may have to switch medications to see which one works best for you. Again, please consult your doctor on any medications that you are taking or any questions on any of the articles posted on this site.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs, a popular antidepressant type, can help you overcome depression symptoms and feel good again. Discover how Prozac and other SSRIs boost your mood and what side effects they may cause. By Mayo Clinic staff
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular class of antidepressant medications. The first drug in this class was fluoxetine (Prozac), which hit the U.S. market in 1987.
How SSRIs work
Precisely how SSRIs affect depression isn't clear. Certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are associated with depression, including the neurotransmitter serotonin (ser-oh-TOE-nin). Some research suggests that abnormalities in neurotransmitter activity affect mood and behavior. SSRIs seem to relieve symptoms of depression by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. This leaves more serotonin available in the brain. Increased serotonin enhances neurotransmission — the sending of nerve impulses — and improves mood. SSRIs are called selective because they seem to affect only serotonin, not other neurotransmitters.
Antidepressants, in general, may also work by playing a neuroprotective role in how they relieve anxiety and depression. It's thought that antidepressants may increase the effects of brain receptors that help nerve cells keep sensitivity to glutamate — an organic compound of a nonessential amino acid — in check. This increased support of nerve cells lowers glutamate sensitivity, providing protection against the glutamate overwhelming and exciting key brain areas related to anxiety and depression.
Therapeutic effects of antidepressants may vary in people, due in part to each person's genetic makeup. It's thought that people's sensitivity to antidepressant effects, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor effects, can vary depending on:
How each person's serotonin reuptake receptor function works
His or her alleles — the parts of chromosomes that determine inherited characteristics, such as height and hair color, which combine to make each person unique
Antidepressant medications are often the first treatment choice for adults with moderate or severe depression, sometimes along with psychotherapy. Although antidepressants may not cure depression, they can help you achieve remission — the disappearance or nearly complete reduction of depression symptoms.
SSRIs approved to treat depression
Some SSRIs are available in extended-release form or controlled-release form, often designated with the letters XR or CR. These forms provide controlled release of the medication throughout the day or for a week at a time with a single dose.
Here are the SSRIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically to treat depression, with their generic, or chemical, names followed by available brand names in parentheses:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Also, an olanzapine and fluoxetine combination (Symbyax) recently received FDA approval for treating bipolar depression. Symbyax is classed as both an SSRI antidepressant and an atypical antipsychotic.
These medications may also be used to treat conditions other than depression.
Side effects of SSRIs
All SSRIs have the same general mechanism of action and side effects. However, individual SSRIs have some different pharmacological characteristics. That means you may respond differently to certain SSRIs or have different side effects with different SSRIs. For instance, you may have unpleasant side effects with one SSRI but not another. Also, they're less likely to have adverse interactions with other medications and are less dangerous if taken as an overdose.
Side effects of SSRIs include:
Nausea
Sexual dysfunction, including reduced desire or orgasm difficulties
Dry mouth
Headache
Diarrhea
Nervousness
Rash
Agitation
Restlessness
Increased sweating
Weight gain
Drowsiness
Insomnia
You may experience less nausea with extended- and controlled-release forms of SSRIs.
Serotonin syndrome and SSRIs
A rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of SSRIs is serotonin syndrome. This condition, characterized by dangerously high levels of serotonin in the brain, can occur when an SSRI interacts with antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Because of this, don't take any SSRIs while you're taking any MAOIs or within two weeks of each other. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when SSRIs are taken with other medications, including:
Pain relief medication such as tramadol (Ultram)
Migraine medications such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Supplements that affect serotonin levels, such as St. John's wort
Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical treatment. Signs and symptoms include:
Confusion
Restlessness
Hallucinations
Extreme agitation
Fluctuations in blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Seizures
Coma
Safety concerns with SSRIs
Studies show that Paxil increases the risk of birth defects in women taking the drug during their first trimester of pregnancy. Women who take Paxil during their first three months of pregnancy are nearly two times as likely to give birth to a child with a birth defect — in particular a heart defect — as are women taking other antidepressants.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends avoiding Paxil during pregnancy, if possible. If you're taking Paxil and you're considering getting pregnant, talk to your doctor or mental health provider about switching to another antidepressant or stopping treatment. Don't stop taking Paxil without contacting your doctor first, though.
Also, the FDA warns that infants whose mothers took SSRIs while pregnant may be at an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension. This risk is increased in women who take SSRIs at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. This rare but serious lung problem occurs when a newborn's circulatory system doesn't adapt to breathing outside the womb.
Use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin), while taking SSRIs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and should be monitored by your doctor.
Recent studies have shown that Symbyax and other antipsychotics should not be prescribed to older people for treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Symbyax and other antipsychotic drugs raise the risks of heart failure, sudden death and pneumonia in older people with dementia-related psychosis.
Stopping treatment with SSRIs
SSRIs aren't considered addictive. However, stopping treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms, including:
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Lethargy
Flu-like symptoms
This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Talk to your doctor before stopping so that you can gradually taper off.
Suicidal feelings and SSRIs
Antidepressants may be associated with worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior in those ages 18 to 24. These symptoms or thoughts are most likely to occur during the first one to two months of treatment or when you change your dosage, but they can occur at any time during treatment. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. You may need more careful monitoring when starting treatment or changing dosage, or you may need to stop the medication if your symptoms worsen. Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Talk with your doctor or mental health provider to nix your irritability, sadness or anger and boost your mood with SSRIs. Feel good again.

How to Deal with Postpartum Depression - Dr. Victoria Hendrick

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Deal-with-Postpartum-Depression---Dr-Victoria-Hendrick-80244753

I found this video clip that has some very good information. However I do have an opinion in the point that postpartum depression means an uninterest in your baby. When I suffered with PPD I did not experience an uninterest in my child. I was with him all the time. That is why I wrote a book on my experience, to show that postpartum depession has many different forms. It can be different with each women and you have to look at each sign with each individual. Again, if you experience any signs in any article mentioned, please consult your doctor for help.

Free excerpt from book..//

My Baby's Smile. My Journey and Recovery Through Postpartum Depression.

http://www.freebookexcerpts.com/2009/04/15/my-babys-smile-my-journey-and-recovery-through-postpartum-depression-by-beth-ann-benoliel/

General Hospital Partners with Postpartum Support International

I have been watching GH for almost 30 years now and I am very happy to see this story line addressed. Tomorrow they will feature a public service announcement following the show from PSI. Postpartum.net is who I turned to when I needed help. Please reach out to them if you or anyone you know is suffering.

ABC’S “GENERAL HOSPITAL” PARTNERS WITH POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL TO LAUNCH PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ON POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
April 8, 2009 by J!-ENT
PSA Featuring Kimberly McCullough to Air on April 16;May Sweep Storyline Will Integrate Real Life Mothers Afflicted with Illness
ABC’s top-rated daytime drama “General Hospital” has partnered with Postpartum Support International (PSI) to feature a public service announcement (PSA) on postpartum depression, it was announced today by Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group and Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, president, PSI.
The informative PSA will air immediately following the THURSDAY, APRIL 16 episode featuring the ongoing storyline centered on Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) and her battle with the illness following the birth or her daughter, Emma. During May sweeps, she will finally come to terms with the affliction, deciding to seek professional help, and later join a support group that will be cast with real-life mothers who had postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is experienced by nearly one million women in the United States each year. The PSA will include information on the symptoms of postpartum depression, as well as how to contact Postpartum Support International to get help. It will remind new mothers and family members that no one is to blame for this illness, and that it is a treatable medical disease.
“As our viewers expect to be entertained each day, they also want to be educated when an important medical issue is integrated into storyline. I am sure some members of our audience are either directly affected with post partum depression or know someone who is, and we believe it is important to direct our audience to the organizations that can help them,” said Jill Farren Phelps, executive producer, “General Hospital.”
“PSI is honored that the producers and writers of ‘General Hospital’ felt the topic of postpartum depression was an important one to share with their audience,” said Meyer. “Millions of women’s lives can be saved by ending the fear and isolation of sufferers and offering access to treatment resources. We are grateful to ABC Daytime following up with a public service announcement and helping to raise awareness of what is truly the most common complication of childbirth.”
Meyer served as a medical consultant for the postpartum depression storyline, and the public service announcement was written by PSI board member Katherine Stone.
In the past several years, “General Hospital” has worked alongside and been praised by national organizations for elevating the public awareness of several important health issues. These have included HIV/AIDS, bipolar disorder, drug addiction and breast cancer.
“General Hospital” airs at 3:00 p.m., ET and 2:00 p.m., PT on the ABC Television Network and on SOAPnet at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT. Recently awarded a record 10th Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Daytime Drama, the program celebrates 46 years of broadcasting on April 1, 2009, and is the longest-running dramatic serial on ABC, having aired more than 11,500 episodes. “General Hospital” is consistently one of the top Daytime programs in the key demographic of Women 18-49 and Women 18-34. Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, its executive producer is Jill Farren Phelps, producers are Mary O’Leary, Mercer Barrows and Michelle Henry, and head writer is Robert Guza, Jr.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. PSI was founded in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties that women can experience during and after pregnancy. The organization offers support, reliable information, best practice training, and volunteer coordinators in all 50 U.S. states as well as 26 countries around the world. Working together with volunteers, caring professionals, researchers, legislators and others, PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring that compassionate and quality care is available to all families. To learn more, call PSI at 800-944-4PPD or visit www.postpartum.net.