Need oomph

[ailbhe]

I have posts to make about post-natal depression, the post-natal experience in general, the recently-suggested 200 quid for pregnant women who agree to speak to a dietician, the child trust fund money, mortgages, breastfeeding support groups, organic food cooperatives, and other stuff.

But no oomph.

Comments

[ailbhe]

My cousin Nollaig drowned herself and her almost 9 month old son because of untreated postnatal depression.

Breastfeeding and antidepressants are a grand combination. Many, many antidepressants are tested safe even when secreted in mother's milk - the quantity that gets filtered through is miniscule anyway.

Untreated postnatal depression can kill. It really, really can.

If she won't see a doctor, she can call her midwife, her health visitor, her local La Leche League or Breastfeeding Network helper, or the NCT.

Stopping breastfeeding abruptly can and does cause hormonal surges which make depression worse. Basically, as a breastfeeding session progresses, happy hormones like those released during sex are spread throughout the system, to the benefit of mother and baby. The opposite happens if the body expects to be releasing milk and it doesn't happen. This can be devastating. Also, difficulty breastfeeding can cause and be caused by depression.

I have been taking my antidepressants regularly as prescribed since Emer was born, more or less. She's bright, alert, interesting, and not having any withdrawal symptoms as I come off them.

Your friend's wife may also need to investigate the Birth Trauma Association, if her depression is caused by a poor birth experience.