MADNAP Founders & Activists

1. 
   2009 August 27

   Tara Balcom permalink

   I just happened across your site and am surprised I hadn’t seen more info about you (or other similar orgs) sooner. I have a question for you: is there anywhere on your site that gives us moms any options for treating depression while pregnant/nursing? I have an history of untreated depression that wasn’t “diagnosed” until experiencing PPD after my first child. I never used medication for fear of the”what if’s”. Then when our 2nd child died a year ago this weekend due to a chromosomal defect, I knew I was going to need some help. I did what I could without meds for 4 months then it became evident that I needed some chemical help. I didn’t want to do meds because I wanted to get pregnant soon, but I knew life wasn’t getting any better the way I was. I spoke with my meds Dr about my options of meds during pregnancy and with a number of studies cited and other info, I became convinced that the risks of being pregnant while on meds were the same as not being on meds. “Why not be happy or happier while I’m pregnant – causing less stress to the baby?
   We’re hoping to be pregnant soon (maybe even now!) and I know I DON’T want to be on meds the rest of the pregnancy. I want to have a home birth and have a feeling I won’t even be considered for that if I’m on meds. I’ve ordered some super omega3 to try, I’ve been exercising, and have a great counselor. But looking at your site, instead of being encouraged to get off the meds, I’m scared to death of what might happen if I don’t! But I haven’t found any help for choosing or considering options. Just a big “DON’T DO IT!” Is there anywhere that I can look for help? I know the risks of using meds, but I also know what my life is like without them. I’d love some direction. Thanks!

   Reply
   • 
     2009 August 27

     Amy Philo permalink

     So sorry to hear about your child.

     Go to momsandmeds.com There are some links on the left side to sources for nutritional help. Using orthomolecular medicine (megavitamin therapy) Byron Richards has treated women for psychosis successfully. Depression is not caused by a lack of enough serotonin. Serotonin being elevated makes depression worse. That is why the drugs hurt the babies so much because serotonin is artificially elevated and the inhibitors change the developing brain as well. Overdosing on serotonin can kill adults. Nutrition etc. during pregnancy and postpartum can’t hurt the baby. Also go to the companion blog uniteforlife.wordpress.com. There is an article on there called Preventing and Treating Emotional and Physical problems in moms. http://uniteforlife.wordpress.com/?s=preventing+and+treating+emotional&searchsubmit=Find+%C2%BB this is a search that will pull up that thread as well as another one about sources of self help books etc.

     Also I would suggest grief counseling. Spiritual healing, energy work etc. might be helpful. Some different alternative techniques include EFT (emotional freedom technique), Theta Healing http://thetahealing.com/, prayer, yoga, meditation etc. Nothing is going to take away the pain of losing your child, but perhaps could help with the problems of the body resulting from the extreme stress and emotional pain. Also a book you may like is The Power of Now.

     Good luck.

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