Can I take St. John's Wort as a new breast-feeding mother? Any natural ways of staving off post nat dep?

Question

I am the proud mother of a beautiful 3 wk girl. I am breast feeding her on demand and that is going well. She's also a good sleeper but despite these things I still find myself feeling teary and a bit over-whelmed. Is this normal? I love her dearly and want to be the best mum I can be but feel bad for feeling down when I should be happier. Can you differentiate between baby blues and post natal depression?

Answer 1

The biggest cure will be to try to get as much sleep as possible. DON'T worry that the house is a wreck and dinner isn't ready. Your life for the moment is on hold. I was a wreck after both of my children were born and wouldn't have another one because I can't hack that depression again. By the time your baby is a sleeping a 5-7 hour stretch at night you will start to feel better. Breast feeding is a huge commitment, but at least try to get out by yourself for a walk in the evening that will also help, by the time spring rolls around you'll feel like your old self. Hang in there.

Answer 2

post nat blues lasts only for a few days. If it lasts for more than a week, then see your doc. You can't take St. Johns Wort. Can't take hayfever meds either as they stop your milk production.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and teary as hormone levels are now rapidly dropping so your body is just adusting to that and the new body changes that breast feeding brings.

To help the Post Nat Dep not get too bad, join a mothers group so you can talk to other mums and get out abit. It does wonders for you. Don't just stay couped up at home constantly- it makes you feel more overwhelmed and depressed.

Answer 3

Sounds like you may have the baby blues. Your hormones are still all over the place this early on, which can make you feel weepy.

Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD, author of Medications and Mothers' Milk, says that St. John's Wort appears to be relatively safe for nursing mothers, but recommends that caution be used. He suggests that other treatments (Zoloft, Paxil) are probably preferred.

Lots more info at the link below.

Answer 4

I have suffered severe post-natal depression, bordering on psychosis, and an underlying anxiety disorder, for over four years now. I'm glad to see that you've recognised the possibility of PND this early on, as it should be a lot easier to treat.
Lots of things can cause depression, but in new mums the biggest factor is almost always hormones.
I perservered with traditional medicine - anti-depressants, psychiatrists, blah blah blah - for a very long time with absolutely zero to show for it.
In early September I went to a kinesiologist. Thanks to prolonged depression, stress, anxiety, a myriad of anti-depressant medication, etc etc, pretty much every system in my body was completely screwed up. My digestive system was hopeless, my hormones were so out of whack it was insane, my brain was barely ticking over, I was suffering copper toxicity, I had several severe nutritional deficiencies, I'd started having panic attacks. The list goes on and on and on.
My kinesiologist has straightened me right out, in nine sessions. I've made tremendous progress, almost beyond belief. There is still some work for me to do, but it's not stuff she can help with. She sent me to a psychologist who is helping me with cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, hypnotherapy, emotional (something!) therapy, and general counselling. She's a real all-rounder.
So, kinesiology is what worked for me. It's such a simple and fast way of getting your body back into order, and I wish to God I'd found it four years ago. Better late than never, though, right? :)
Do go and see someone, hon. Don't let it get as bad as I got. I wish you the very best of luck, and hugs to your lovely new bub.

Answer 5

NO, you can't take St. John's Wort while breast feeding. It sounds like you just have a touch of the blues, but if it worsens, talk to your doctor about it. You may want to stop breast feeding and go on medication.

Answer 6

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. It is overwhelming to have this little creature totally dependent on you!!

I would talk to your doctor before you take any sort of medicine while breastfeeding and talk to them about how you are feeling too.

The best thing you can do is to try and get as much sleep as you can, eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and try to get out for a little while every day. Get friends and family to come around and fix you meals or hold the baby so you can do some stuff for yourself, like shower and wash your hair and have a hot drink!

If you haven't got friends and family around see if there are any mother and baby groups you can join so you have adult company during the day - it's really important to have some adult company for support.

The first months are hard, but it will get easier eventually - honestly!!

Answer 7

I had the equal situation and giving him a dummy used to be heaven! I am selective about giving it to him even though (not only for the sake of it) and he enjoys it. The primary dummy I gave him, he entirely rejected despite the fact that it used to be an pricey orthadontic one! The one he prefers is a massive bulb one so despite the fact that your child does no longer take to a dummy in the beginning, possibly you could try distinctive varieties.I'm a nursery nurse with the support of career and had quite plenty of experience with children and its high-quality to try this. That is such a usual main issue and most mums use a dummy. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Giving birth can cause deficiencies in your vitamin and mineral status. PND can be caused or made worse by a zinc deficiency in particular.
Buy yourself a good multivit that is intended for pregnancy/ lactation.
And don't feel bad for feeling down. You are probably just over-tired and have been through a difficult experience physically and emotionally. Give yourself some time to adjust.

Answer 9

It's very normal. You're overwhelmed and sleep-deprived. I had postpartum depression and didn't want to go on drugs. I gave up all sugar, honey, molasses, syrup, etc, and it cured it totally within a few weeks with no other changes. I highly recommend it. I am pregnant again and this time I'm starting no sugar early, before I give birth, and hope to avoid depression altogether.