[RCsMommy]

Hi all, I have recently started seeing a therapist because of different issues and complications that I have been facing and she says that I have postpartum depression. I just started taking Zoloft after 2 weeks of saying that I didn't want to take medication. Zoloft is one of the better antidepressants to take while I am still breastfeeding, I guess. I just got to the point where I feel like I am not being fair to my kids or my husband and most of all, myself. It is really hard for me to say that. I have 2 boys, a 2 year old and an almost 4 month old. I am also trying to live a healthy life but I have been having such a hard time lately. Going through this all has changed my thoughts about depression in general. I used to not really believe in mental health disorders or thought that people were just really crazy or something awful must have happened when in all actuality, that is not the case. Anyways, I haven't gotten to the point where I feel comfortable talking to my friends and family about this. I talk to my husband but he has a hard time understanding. I thought this would be a great outlet for me. So, thanks for listening and I hope I get to know you all better.

[midwife]

RC'sMommy,

As someone who has had postpartum depression, and as someone who cares for women with it, I just wanted to offer you a hug and my understanding. A midwife friend of mine did a study where 3 out of 5 postpartum women showed serious symptoms and two out of five could be actually diagnosed. So it is very very common and there are lots of ways to help. Women should not suffer in silence anymore.

I personally found Zoloft very helpful. It helped me be the "real" me, if that makes sense. I am very very glad that you are taking steps to help with your symptoms.

[Julia123]

Can someone tell me the signs of this disease? I gave birth in early september and I am not exactly in love with my baby yet. I find myself forcing to coo at him and stuff....I feel extremely guilty of that.....I always loved the day I would have a baby but it has come and I dread hearing him waking up at night crying.

I was assessed by a public health RN and she said I was at risk because the first 3 weeks I was only sleeping 2 hours a night.

Are the feelings I have above signs of PP or is it just fatigue draining me of energy to play with my son? BTW I love him to death.

[midwife]

Are the feelings I have above signs of PP or is it just fatigue draining me of energy to play with my son? BTW I love him to death.[/QUOTE]

I think both. Exhaustion can contribute to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is called the "thief that steals motherhood" and I think that is so true. There are screening tests one can take for postpartum depression, but I think the short answer is that if you are having feelings or behaviors that are keeping you from being the person/mother you truly are or truly want to be, then, yes, postpartum depression can be a real possibility. Some of those feelings are sadness, anger, frustration, irritability. Some of the behaviors are extreme sleepiness, changes in appetite, difficulty "bonding" (I put that in quotes because I am sure that you are creating loving behaviors toward your child, but it sounds like those behaviors are mindful and not quite instinctive--do not feel bad or guilty about that, but that is one reason why you might want to be evaluated...to help you feel more spontaneous and natural with those behaviors...does that make sense?).

It is soooo incredibly common and there are great treatments, not just meds (although I am a huge proponent of them), but other coping strategies.

Please, please, please be evaluated. The best thing for your child is for you to be as healthy (physically and emotionally) as possible. It is very clear how much you love him....care for yourself during this time, too.