Thread: Postpartum anxiety question

Oh, and I forgot!? The elevated bp was anxiety related....went to my OB before the naturopath.? And it is back to normal now.?

An herbal supplement called valerian root is really good. It doesn't make you sleepy just relaxed. You can get it at the pharmacy or even walmart. Its safe for you since you LO is already here.

I suffered after my last two deliveries and ended up taking paxil.? It was an awful experience and this time I'm going to start paxil as soon as I deliver and hopefully minimize the problems.? I wasn't depressed, but I was very anxious and couldn't focus/hold attention on anything.? I felt completely checked out of life.? Good news is that as soon as I started on the a/d I felt wonderful!!!? I don't know of any natural...

I second the advice about Valerian Root for mild anxiety/sleeplessness.? I haven't heard/read anything bad about it but always check.? Another one that might help with anxiety is St. Johns Wort, but I have heard some negative info on that for use during pregnancy, not sure how/if that would apply to nursing.? Please check with the doc before taking either of these, my only experience with these supplements is outside of pregnancy/nursing.

A lot of SSRIs work well for anxiety and can be taken while breastfeeding.? I had really bad PPA with DS and I wish I hadn't waited so long to get help.? How old is your little one?? Mild depression and anxiety are completely normal for the first couple weeks but if it lasts longer or starts getting worse instead of better, please don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.?

When I had my ds I didn't have anxiety but at night I'd try to go to sleep and just start bawling (baby blues type thing) I read that certain foods can trigger it. Not sure if it's the same for anxiety though. I read that sweets and caffeine can make it worse which I noticed was the cause when I slowed down on the sugar. My dh suffers from anxiety so I know it's not fun. Have you found anything that helps you relax? For...

No advice, I've not had my lo yet, but I can totally sympathize. Though, I've taken Prozac throughout my pregnancy and plan to continue postpartum (and breastfeed). Why did you wean yourself off? Did your doctor suggest it? Maybe you should consider what would be better for you and baby, continue as you are or take meds, be more at ease and able to enjoy these early days? I don't mean to pressure you about meds, I just...

Try some relaxation techniques. Progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing can help prevent/reduce symptoms for some people. You can look them up and find how to do it. Good luck...cognitive behavioral therapy is very effective for anxiety...but, here's my standard reply Meds work, therapy works...meds plus therapy works best.