I have a video suggestion. I’d love a video discussing breast health. What’s normal, what’s not normal but isn’t super worrying, and what’s potentially a problem. Like, I’m pretty sure I have fibrositic breasts, but I had no idea what it was until I did some research
I FULLY AGREE! My School didn't even teach how to do a Breast Exam for yourself I had to look up videos and information on how to do it. But also considering that A LOT of Women get it and that it is in OUR DNA. We need to talk about it.
She actually already made a video about myths associated with breasts and breast health. Click on the playlist that she tagged at the end of the video. It’s the first video that comes up.
This is a great suggestion. Whenever I have a mammogram, I get the whole "you have fibrous breast tissue and we recommend an ultrasound". But my insurance won't pay for the ultrasound unless they "see something" that would warrant it. And it's like $600. So is it worth spending that extra money--for us, $600 isn't totally out of the question, but it's a lot of money and we'd have to plan for it. I haven't done it in the past, even though it would probably ease my mind if I did.
My ex-husband doesn't believe in PPD. I had it after our second child was born way back in 2004. I told my Dr and I tried to get help, and was prescribed an anti-depressant. He let me fill the prescription once, and threw a fit because it was $75, and I wasn't allowed to get it after that. He then asked me for a divorce when the baby was 4 months old, so there's that. Honestly, the divorce was the best thing to happen, because I didn't have to deal with him anymore.
This discussion is so important. My mom had PPD after each of her pregnancies but it went unrecognized. When my youngest sister was born in 1964, Mom told the Dr about her PPD symptoms and he said “you’d better snap out of this or your husband may leave you.” It was like PPD was a choice that new mothers were making and that they had the ability to stop having PPD if they wanted to.
I was told the same thing. My aunts told me they had no time to have PPD. My other aunt said, "you better not last too long with it because men get annoyed and hes going to end up with someone else." The biggest doozy of them all came from my husband, "you dont have PPD & Anxiety, youre just making it up." And would do things on purpose to make it worse. Then I lost my only support, my mom that same year.
The father of my first born died when I was 5 months pregnant. We had been together for 4 years. It was extremely traumatic during and after I gave birth. The depression was extremely serious. Especially when I realized that my baby would grow up without his father. It hit me hard. PPD/PPA is not our fault at all. Women's mental health is so important. I'm so glad that we are making headway into being heard.
My SIL apparently went through PPD after her second child. She finally called her OBGYN after struggling for a couple months. She was having a hard time coming to terms with it and getting the courage to ask for help, just to be told "go find a psychiatrist". It shut her down. They had signs all over the office to call the doctor if PPD symptoms crop up. They didn't even schedule her an appointment. It was most likely a receptionist who was REALLY bad at her job. I was livid when she told me this a year later.
So, weird thing about me... I have no children and I am "spayed" lol. Kids really aren't my jam. But I love watching MDJ videos nonetheless. It actually helps me understand other women better and also gives an insight into parents that helps me to soften my edges and be compassionate to them. So thanks for all you do for us childless humans too!! 💖
I love that you take an interest in topics that may not directly affect you as a way to be better informed about and empathetic towards others. ❤ We all should strive to do this.
Ditto! I don’t want to ever be pregnant or parent children, but this channel gives me so much more education about topics that are so relevant to so many people. It helps me be compassionate, teach others, and also be secure in my decision that pregnancy and parenthood aren’t for me!
I want to clarify my next statement with, im not a mom, I’ve never been pregnant. But, it always seemed to me that people avoided bringing it up because they were super worried about being seen as a bad mom. Or even be threatened with CPS or removal of the child. Can you expand on the best ways to discuss this without the fear of these things happening? I don’t know if it would help anyone, it’s just a thought I always had. Also, I do not see these amazing people as bad moms, bad parents or anything of that nature. Just something that was always on my mind with this topic of discussion. As always, fantastic video!
I can assure you those thoughts are very real and very scary, especially when the negative thinking is amplified by the post-partum anxiety a person is experiencing!
Thankfully PPD is not typically a reason to remove, but it may warrant supervision if extreme. But you're right that it's a fear for many women. I was fortunate to have drs that were supportive and recognized that intrusive thoughts were not intent. But it's very scary nonetheless.
"super worried about being seen as a bad mom" - THIS. And it really highlights how the Facebook Mommy Groups became cults who disenfranchised the reality of motherhood and enculturated shaming anyone who wasn't JOYFUL AF because MOTHERHOOD is the fulfillment of WOMANHOOD! I cringe as I type. **shudder**
@@SusanBinks I HATE all the mom shaming. There are a million ways to mom and its not all rainbows and unicorns. Moming is hard, everyone needs a break and some compassion
I needed this. I had a baby two months ago that I placed for adoption. Mentally I’m not ok and it’s starting to affect my physical health. I put a call into my dr today for my appointment next week. Thank you for this video
I just want to send you {{hugs}} and let you know that this internet stranger is rooting for you. I’m glad you have realized that you need some help dealing with this very emotional situation and you’ve taken steps to get that help.
After I had my baby in May my midwife never scheduled my Postpartum visit. I reached out to her many times and she refused to respond to me about the health concerns I was having. I had to reach out to another midwife who saw me the same day and treated me and my PPD/PPA with kindness and respect. Always advocate for yourself! It took 10 weeks after giving birth but I finally found a provider who treats me with the respect I deserve
In Greece where I live, there was absolutely no screening done. I remember passing the two week period for baby blues, and still sobbing many times for no reason. I thought that maybe the two week phase was just an estimate, and it was normal that it took me 2 months to get out of that really dark first phase. Which was followed by a lot of guilt, a lot of anxiety, not feeling like myself, feeling tired and in a constant low mood. Screening is so important, but also having a supportive environment to see those changes in you, help you, but also help you with how hard being a new parent is. I wish I had some help, so I could have a break sometimes and do some self-care
Thanks for this, I had struggled with depression/ anxiety all my life and I was caught off guard by how bad the PPD/A was. I felt ashamed that I felt this way, I felt like I should have been happy that I was even alive after surviving HELLP Syndrome. I felt awful I couldn't produce milk for my baby. Lasted for months, I had a medication adjustment and I finally feel normal now. The postpartum period was the worst time of my life.
Ya know, I felt depressed after birth but honestly, I had every reason to feel that way. My partner pretty much wasnt involved "because taking care of a baby is more of a woman thing." This was from somebody I normally wouldnt consider to be sexist. I was still recovering from birth and the lack of support left me totally reeling. I only have one child and I didnt know what the hell I was doing. And my story isnt unique. Ive heard it hundreds of times from other moms in pretty much every mom group Ive ever been in. I think its important that women get support both with normal household things and with childcare after birth because it will help reduce the number of cases that will pop up. Also its important to note that PPD and PPA arent the only emotional change. You may also experience extreme anger. (Also the hormones involved with lactation can continue to increase your risk of depression and anxiety)
This!! Breastfeeding with my first children was emotional torture which I was later finally told by a dr can be and indication of a chemical imbalance in the brain. And you’re right! Being depressed after having a child when you have all of those external factors going on is completely justifiable. Thanks for sharing.
100% agreed and been pretty much on the same situation : baby daddy and I have never been a couple so he pretty much had it easy from the start, he'd get the good almost without the bad. I had a difficult, very long and traumatic birth, had stitches all over and yet had to take care of baby day and night from the start. Also, reflux baby here so my son couldn't sleep unless vertically, against my chest and would cry for 20 out of 24h. I had a close death 10 days after giving birth so grief entered the chat room too. He's 9mo now and thank God it's getting better but I still wonder how I managed to not get PPD. I did feel burnt out and cried all the time but that was it.
Breastfeeding challenges can absolutely lead to depression. Successful breastfeeding is protective against mental health issues. Rarely a parent may have a condition abbreviated as D-MER in which the lactating person experiences a rush of hormones at letdown that cause feelings of disgust, anger, rage, or despair. It can be complicated which is why it's so vital to have a goof support team in place around every birth. ❤
After I had my baby boy, my kids pediatrician screened me and was so kind. They found me a therapist I was comfortable with and it was life changing. I didn’t know what postpartum depression was and I really needed help. I grateful to God and our healthcare providers. I am fortunate to have an amazing OB-GYN and pediatrician.
Thank you MDJ for this important video. I had PPD as a young mother when my son was almost 6 months old. I became suicidal and ended up in a pysch ward for a 3 day lock down. I had to immediately stop breastfeeding as the medication I was put on would go through the breastmilk. The nurses complained they had to go up to the labor and delivery floor to get a pump for me for my last time before stopping. No one recognized the signs and no one asked either if I was having any difficulties. I felt very alone even though I had my husband, family and friends. Everyone assumed I had the perfect little family and life was complete yet it was the opposite for me. When I became pregnant again 2 years or so later I was very open with my OBGYN about what had happened previously and he and his staff were very supportive. A couple months after my twins were born I couldn't get myself out of bed anymore so I called and he prescribed me something to help get through that time. I did not have to be hospitalized after the 2nd pregnancy. I was very thankful for that.
@@Milkymommy09 it was definitely not an easy time. It took quite a while to recover. My son was not taken from me though. He was at home with my husband for those 3 days. He did have to go on formula though. It was better he had formula and still have his mother to help raise him.
Thank you so much for talking about this!!! My pediatrician also did the screening at every appointment and saw my numbers trending and my daughter's doctor talked to me about going to seeing a therapist, but I had already booked an appointment with one at that time which made her happy. I'm so glad they track things like that. My baby blues phase was pretty intense (woke up with night terrors a couple of times, freaked my husband out when I was screaming in my sleep) and other early PPA/PPD symptoms that my husband and I started to notice. I ended up having both PPA and PPD and my therapist recommended that I get tested for ADHD. I'm curious if there is a connecting between PPA/PPD and ADHD. I tell all my pregnant and new parent friends to keep an eye out for PPA/PPD and for any pelvic floor weirdness. I have so much love for my mental help therapist and my PFPT, both of these ladies helped me get to feeling back to normal and be the best mom I can be.
Another mom with ADHD and PPD/PPA here! My ADHD definitely made my PPD/PPA worse, and vice versa. I’ve heard from multiple sources (including How to ADHD, great UA-cam channel!) that people with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression, so I bet that applies to PPD/PPA as well.
@@abbygryder8780 - I kind of figured they were connected in some way that made the symptoms of one or the other intensify. Thank you for sharing! Now I gotta get my butt into a test and get formally diagnosed with ADHD.....
Not a mum, I saw on another channel, lady in question has three kids and ADHD & ASD, risk of PPD/PPA jumps to 60% if you also have ADHD. I do have ADHD and ASD, and knowing this and ADHD meds help massively.
Thank you for talking about this! it isn't talked about enough. I had no idea about PPA/PPD until i was going through it when i had my son a little less than a year ago. It was the darkest time of my life but I luckily made it through it with a good care team
I am experiencing them both (with intrusive thoughts) at the moment on my second baby, I reached out for help this week, the anxiety was out of control. Hoping things will get better soon
So smart and courageous of you to recognize what's happening and seek medical care. You have my utmost respect and admiration. Repeat to yourself as often as necessary: - It's not your fault! - You are not weak! - You are not a bad mother! - You are not a bad person! Sending you love and encouragement and, of course, congratulations on your new baby!
Thank you for also talking about PPA. When my first baby was born in 2015, I was on the lookout for PPD, but I had no idea about PPA. My anxiety was overwhelming for the first several months, and I just thought it was normal behavior for someone with a newborn. I had a hard pregnancy and traumatic delivery, which had followed two miscarriages. It wasn't until my daughter was about 2 that I realized that what I had experienced wasn't "normal". When I got pregnant a second time a few years later, counseling while I was pregnant helped IMMENSELY. Always appreciate your videos! ❤️
I had my first 5 days ago and I'm so happy that the hospital I delivered at and the pediatrician have made me fill out the EPDS survey. It makes me feel good to know that I'm looked after. It sucks that PPD doesn't always get taken seriously and more need to be aware of it. Another thing I wish was talked about more is how the spouse of the pregnant person feels afterward too. Since the birth of my son was a little traumatic, the nurses made sure my husband was doing OK. I respected the Hell out of them for that. We need better mental health care for parents, especially during that transitional period.
Wow! This video brought me back to my post birth experience with my first. I think my main problem for PPD was a rough recovery and a hard time breastfeeding. The pressure to breastfeed was ridiculous. Everyone had an opinion- my in laws, strangers, other moms , seriously everyone! And everyone expected me to be happy. It’s hard to be happy when you’re in constant pain. Back then PPD wasn’t talked about as much as it is now but I insisted on getting help, which my hubby didn’t understand. He was in his own funk. (2 more kids and 2 dogs later he gets it! ). I’m so glad this generation is more open about mental health.
I had full blown PTSD for about 2 years, after a C-section. I was already trained as a birth instructor, and recognized that it wasn't a legitimate medical necessity, but an issue of hospital policy. *Please, no replies with medical questions or excuses for the hospital routines.* I'm just saying, it's a good thing I was already doing what I could for my mental health. Sh*t like this happens, and we need to know we are not the problem, and we need help. Great video as always, Mama Doctor Jones! 🙏❤
Thank you for discussing! My mum never got the help she needed and I don’t think that the feelings ever really went away for her, it just became “regular” anxiety and depression. I’m now 30 and looking to start a family with my husband. After a lifetime of mental illness, we agreed to make sure that I was fully supported by a therapy team beforehand to make sure there was a measure of me before and after and, also, to make sure I’m ready to go from the onset if it hits me. I have also been very vocal about my fears and have asked for others to check in on me to make sure I’m okay. If you think you may have problems in the future, reach out for help now to make sure you have a good foundation before you even begin.
Thank you for doing this video. 8 years ago when I had my first baby, I had a traumatic labor, and birth, and also a very stressful, and traumatic experience in the hospital for the first few days. My baby had severe colic, and hardly slept. Combine that with a friend who tried to reach out to her doctor around the same time for help for PPD, and had the police called on her, and her baby taken away and put in foster care (not saying whether that was right or wrong, just that it happened) I became petrified to tell anyone, including my husband, just how much I was struggling with my mental health. I lived with that fear, anxiety, and paranoia for a year before I finally broke down and told my husband. He was shocked, I apparently, masked my symptoms very well. It was hell for that first year, and I still carry a lot of negative feelings about it. Women need to know that it’s okay to reach out, and our system needs to do better about making serious situations less traumatic. My friend had to fight the courts for 8 months to get her baby back, not being able to see her even for supervised visits. Yes, she was having a crisis situation when she reached out for help, but that didn’t make her a bad mom, and she shouldn’t have been treated like she was a bad mom for trying to get help.
That’s was the best video about this topic I understand I have anxiety yes anyone can have these emotions but people don’t understand that having any type anxiety disorder or mental illness is not just something you can snap out of or just not think of feeling that way
It so important to talk about PPD and anxiety postpartum. Could you also discuss postpartum psychosis? I had never heard of it until I watched a documentary on it and I think it is another attribute of postpartum that women should be aware of as well. Thank you MDJ for making these videos, I always learn something I didn’t know before.
This is really important. Can we also get a video on postpartum psychosis? I had psychosis and had an awful experience with a couple psych hospitals not knowing what to do for me and making things worse. I also reached out to the PPD group at the hospital and they dismissed me. There was only a couple paragraphs written in all the papers they gave me after delivery
As a licensed mental health therapist myself and a new mom who had postpartum anxiety, I want to say THANK YOU for posting a video on this! It’s so important to normalize this.
Thank you for covering such an important topic!! My mom and grandma both had “baby blues” that were laughed off at the time, but my mom later realized was serious, dangerous depression. I’m so glad we all made it through okay and I know to be careful if I choose to have a family.
So important! I am a former board member of PSI-TN (Postpartum Support International Moving so had to step down). and there isnt enough support out there for everyone.
I had PPD with my 3rd. I watched an episode of Adam Ruins Everything where the focus was PPD. About a month or so later, I really started seeing myself. I couldn't get my baby to stop crying. So, I laid him on the floor as I sat on the couch and just practiced my deep breathing. I went to my now-ex husband and my dad. My 2 main support people. I told them I thought I might have it and that is like to speak with a counselor. They both told me that I was strong for admitting it, that they had my back and were proud of me. In getting help for it, I came to realize that I also most likely also had it with my second baby, 6 years earlier. But I got help. In part thanks to Adam and his crew, part thanks to me being honest enough with myself, as well as my dad and my ex. It's hard. But it's not shameful. It's not weakness. It's not your fault.
Thank you for talking about this. I suffered it with my second. I thankfully knew I was susceptible to depression and already had coordinated with my doctor so I was able to get medication within a couple of days, meaning I felt better after only a week or so of having symptoms. I cannot imagine it going longer, as it was getting worse every day. Awful!!! I hate to think of other moms not getting help and living with those awful feelings.
I had my daughter last year in august and I am not proud to say I had severe PPA. I didn’t trust my husband with her till recently. I was afraid he would harm her unintentionally or intentionally. I tried to bring up this topic at my 6 week checkup and he wouldn’t see me. Instead a nurse told me as they escorted me out the room that it was normal and it would pass. I went months without sleep or eating because i would forget or just didn’t have the time. I spoke with my partner recently and he understood my reasoning and wasn’t offended. I am finally starting to get over it a year later. I couldn’t help but feel like this could’ve been treated sooner if my doctor would’ve listened to me. I do have a history of depression and anxiety. And not even like that did my doctor pay any thought. I am glad to see there are some doctors who care about their patients mental health and are bringing light showing that it is not normal to feel this way.
Thanks so much for talking about PPA. I had only heard of PPD. After I had my twins my heart raced constantly, from the moment I jumped up to change their diapers in the middle of the night until their last bed time feeding. I couldn’t control my fear and temper, like full on screaming at ppl for touching my kids without washing their hands. Everyone called me a momzilla and had no sympathy for my spiraling thoughts. So grateful to you for talking about this. It’s scary as a new mom to be honest with others about what you’re feeling because you never know what the, I guess consequences(?), will come from divulging your scariest thoughts.
Thank you for this video! Pretty sure I had PPD with my first baby although I didn't realize it at the time. I really wish my OB/GYN had educated me about symptoms to look for instead of scaring me with a story of how one her friends had killed herself and the new baby. Because of that traumatic story I had no idea it was safe to go to the Dr for help when I was so completely overwhelmed and had trouble nursing. The first month of my first child's life was the worst time in my life. It was horrible, extremely sleep deprived, and I felt SO isolated and helpless. I was convinced I had to feel suicidal, self harm, or a desire to harm my baby to have PPD and my baby would be taken away from me if I tried to get help. (When was 11 my mother and the doctors taking care of my brother disagreed on his treatment plan and they threatened to take him away, which is where that fear came from.) When I got PPD with my 3rd baby I made sure I was much better educated in what to look for and got help right away. The difference was night and day. I also LOVE the idea of depression screenings at the newborn visits! Again with kiddo number one, he latched great in the hospital but, I received ZERO education regarding how to feed him. I didn't know how long to nurse, how often, what his poop should look like, how he would act if he was hungry. The Lactation consultant came in the room, said he had a great latch and asked if I had any questions. I have ADHD (undiagnosed at the time) and have trouble with unexpected conversations at the best of times. I had no clue what to ask her because I had no information on how to do anything. The encounter with her was the complete opposite of helpful. So when I took him in for his two week check up he weighed a pound less than he did at birth. This naturally triggered extreme feelings of guilt and failure. I had wanted to breastfeed so badly. I took him home and supplemented with formula and tried to pump (again, with zero information on how) for 5 months before I gave up and just gave him formula full time. It took my second child nursing well (after I went to a breastfeeding class and saw a lactation consultant, neither of which I even knew were options the first time around) to heal even though I still have some PTSD (self diagnosed) So, to summarize, we ABSOLUTELY need better doctor -to-patient education in this country!
Thanks for your talk on this important topic. You didn't mention auditory hallucinations, so I'm assuming that I had something twack-doodle going on with me postpartum. I've never heard another woman in the 13 years since my daughter was born tell me she had the same symptom, absolutely not one has owned up to hearing their baby cry while staring at them as they sleep - it was scary confusing. She's fine, 13 and awesome and so am I but I've often wondered about this odd postpartum symptom. Cheers Doc!!!
I'm so glad you made a video addressing this issue! I am a LCSW and practicing therapist. I am also a mom of two and 5 months postpartum with postpartum depression. I didn't even realize that is what I was having for the first two months!!! Mine manifested in extreme irritability. Once I realized it, Zoloft has been a real lifesaver. I hope we can continue conversations like this one to destigmatize mental health and get people the help they need!
Thank you very much for making a video on this important topic. I think it's so important to emphasize, as you did, that having PPD or PPA does not mean that someone doesn't love their baby or isn't a good parent. I'm a grad student in social work going into the mental health field and I wish we talked about PPD and PPA a lot more. I wonder if sometime you could make a video on postpartum psychosis or postpartum PTSD? I don't think they're as common, but they still occur.
I love this video. My psychiatrist and I were talking about the stigma related to mental health. The best statement was most people takes meds related to something whether that is blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, ect. The brain is an organ as well and sometimes it gets "sick" as well. Thank you for all your great content. We all appreciate the time that you put into this channel.
My mom had bad PPD and a lot of very tough circumstances around pregnancy and birth when she had me. It is really quite horrifying how she was treated by everyone around her. I have debilitating depression, and she blames herself due to how she felt before and after having me. She even cries and tries to apologize. I feel so bad for her and try to reassure her that the stuff I experienced a little later in my life from other people is way more of a factor than anything she felt, and it isn't her fault. She is the best mom I could ever hope to have.
My son was preemie, 24 weeker, it was a month after he was born I had to take antidepressants and I took so many different ones and they made me feel so much worse. It was dark I didn’t have thoughts of hurting my child but definitely myself and I wasn’t recommended a therapist. I wanted to crawl in a hole. I’m waaaayyyy better now I got off the antidepressants, hang in there guys it gets better, but you’ll have to come with terms with another person to care for baby for a little while but always remember that baby knows who their momma is. It’s ok to cry and lay down but please be strong! I’m not a doctor but I’m definitely someone who knows how it feels.
I had postnatal depression with my first child 27 years ago(and have weirdly had it off and on since,including after my daughter, but a lot less in the last 5 years).I had depression from day one and I ended up staying in hospital for 8 days, the nurses had already made aN appointment with the clinic ((in Aus you can go to a daytime clinic for mums and bibs.They track babies weight feeding and you).I had the best baby ever.I went home not knowing what I felt.I remember saying I didn’t love my son and it terrified me when he woke and a lot of tears.The night We came home home we were watching a current affairs program we often watched and the nights article was about postnatal depression.I just saw me and I said to my husband that’s me, that’s how I feel! I went on coping an after three weeks of just holding it in.Then the clinic sister said you need help and I could go to a group with others.With a baby that slept like a log and was beautiful I felt so different to the others.I didn’t have a ‘reason’ for how I felt!! It was then as I was getting worse my sister-in-law and her mother who saw a psychiatrist, made me an appointment with him.The best thing that could have happened.I started medication.As I was finding it sooo huge and ingulfing to be feeling as I was, I began to say I just don’t want to be ‘here’ anymore.Family and friends kicked in and I had someone from when my husband left for work until he got home so I was never alone.I gradually became more calm and stopped going to the group because it was making me feel badI was starting to feel better and I had no problems with our baby.My depression was completely chemical and back then no one seemed(except my Psychiatrist) to get that you could have PND without a ‘reason’.I hope young women who have wonderful babies with zero issues know that you can still get severe depression and that it’s recognized as that.Things are so different now.I was blessed that everyone around me supported me and I started medication so early( because that was what I needed not more therapy).I have had therapy at certain times and it’s helped me in life.I have always been open about my depression and that’s a blessing(not because of ability just because I’m just made that way) .I think that helped me because I can do that, but not everyone can so I feel like I should for those who can’t I and I still do now.My niece is due in 4 weeks and she has had so much information about postnatal depression as part of preparation for baby coming , It’s just great!!
When I was pregnant with my first, I noticed an increase in my general anxiety, I asked my OB about postpartum anxiety and testing for it, but she told me they only tested for postpartum depression. When I had my girl, I knew it wasn’t depression. I was anxious all damn day and night. at my 6-week post op appointment, they gave me the depression test. I wasn’t depressed, but I knew if I wanted to get therapy for my anxiety covered by insurance, I’d needed to score for depression on the test, so I deliberately scored for mild depression and got my therapy covered! Postpartum Anxiety is overlooked, but hopefully that will change.
It took me 2 years before I got help. I almost killed myself but with the help of my doctor I was fine in about a year after medication. Now my daughter is an obgyn herself. Talking to her made me understand it better. 😊
what I loved about my midwives I used was they come visit you in your home 3 days after the baby is born to check on the baby and to check on you. then 2 weeks after the baby is born you go back to the birthing center for the checkup on you and your baby and then again at 6 weeks. after the 6 weeks mark as long as there are no complications and nothing's wrong you don't have to come back anymore unless you feel you need to
I sent this to my stepson because his wife is being induced next week. Thank you for posting it because it is so important for those around the new mother to know what to look for.
This is so so important, thank you for making this video! 👏 I never knew anything about PPD or having the BB until I was in the hospital after my only child was born. I was fine and then I wasn't at all. It was the most heaviest, worst feeling I've had in my entire life. As soon as my doctor walked in.. I told him I couldn't stop crying and could not feel happy in the slightest way. He automatically knew what was wrong with me after a few simple questions. He gave me meds and told me that I should not be alone until I'm recovered. No therapy though..but long story short it lasted around a month and then I started feeling like myself again 🙏 There was nothing that could have prepared me for feeling that way. I did end up bonding with my son very much even though I was battling suicidal thoughts and major depression. For any new moms that happen to be reading this just know that this will not last forever and it does get better, I promise you that. Stay strong and know you are not alone ❤
I didn't know I had PPD because I thought it was "baby blues". No one told me baby blues should only last 2 weeks! I didn't get help until a year later. I had trouble breastfeeding and felt like such a failure. A year later, I would still start crying at the mention of breastfeeding, and figured it was time to say something to my doctor. I'm on Zoloft now and have been feeling so much better!
My kid was born 25 years ago, and there was no recognition of PPD at all in my country. Looking back, I probably had it. At one point I was feeling suicidal with intrusive thoughts and called a helpline, and they recommended I go to church. I love my kid so much now, but I definitely felt guilt for a long time because the first year was so bad.
I am 4 months postpartum and have been dealing with PPA. I also was having flashbacks to the birth and panic attacks the first few weeks although luckily those stopped. I had only heard about PPD so it really took me by surprise. So glad this video is out there so others can be prepared. If you're reading this just know that you can get help and it will get better! Never thought I'd be going to therapy but it has made a huge difference for me
I have a 2-year-old little girl and a 5-month-old little girl. I can say that with my second little girl I have never experienced any type of depression/ anxiety/intrusive thoughts along with the traumatic delivery and hospital care that I received. It was so terrible.... From a week before I had her into she was around 3 months old. when I finally got the right medication from my doctor and I started to feel like myself after taking it for around 2/3 weeks. Now that I've been on my medicine for 2 and 1/2 months I'm starting to feel like myself again! My little girl and I have bonded and are completely smitten. I feel like myself I don't wake up everyday wishing that I would just feel normal I can take care of me and my two girls and my husband. But those three months were the worst 3 months of my life. I didn't understand why this was happening to me I didn't understand what I had done wrong but I know that it does get better❤ I suffer with anxiety and depression outside of pregnancy, so I do still have panic attacks and things of that nature but they're a lot more few and far between now. Love you MDJ😘
I was 7 months pregnant and had an 11 month old when I became single quite suddenly. He didn't help and I was a mess. I had a c section and was left at home alone with a 13 month old and a newborn to recover from the surgery. My depression was horrific and I tried to take my own life. My girls are now 2&3 and we are such a happy little family. Please seek help if you need it. You are not alone and people do care.
It's those videos that help me look out for the time to come. I already have depression, I am on medication, Sertralin, recently had to up the dosage, and with clear history of my mother likely having had ppd/ppa - I'm glad my better half can stay a month with me. It also helps we're not in the usa, with generous maternity leave and baby break. Nevertheless, I would be surprised if ppd spared me.
I just had my baby on the 16th and this is a video I needed. I have anxiety and depression, been diagnosed since I was 12. Surprisingly I have been handling everything ok. other then some uncontrollable weeping and anxiety over not having my daughter in my arms or direct eyesight at almost all times and feeling like a bad mom when she cries... I have to remind myself it hasn't even been two weeks yet and I am still recovering from my C-section and to take it easy. My baby is healthy and eating well so I just need to relax more and let my husband and family help me, and that I'm not alone in this.
When I had my first child at 20 looking back I had pnd but at the time I put my feelings down to the fact I was in an abusive relationship and I had moments of depression through the relationship because of what I was going through, I did get out of that relationship and then met a fantastic man who then became my husband. When me and my husband decided to try for a child together I was worried if I'd go back into that dark space but talked myself out of it thinking it was just the situation I was in, it took us 3 years to fall pregnant which in itself was a hit at my mental state then when we finally fell pregnant it was such a happy time and just after I had our daughter I still felt so happy but then the anixety creeped in without me realising and I wouldn't leave her with anyone for more than 10 minutes and I just had this feeling she was only safe with me. I was planning and organising my wedding while my daughter was still young so that helped to keep my mind focused but the closer I got to my wedding the more the anixety and negative thoughts started to creep in (at this time my daughter was about 8 months old 10 when we married) then we had our wedding and that's when my mental health started to decline, paranoia also creeped in which for me is a very unusual mind set for me to have. Over the next few months it got worse, I started self h**ming but didn't see it as that as it was just me biting myself out of frustration if I couldn't cope with certain situations but I felt I couldn't talk to my husband in fear he would leave me, take our daughter with him and my eldest daughter ending up with her dad so I spoke to a friend of mine and she did help as much as she could and I perked up a little then went low again and the lowest I'd ever been, the paranoia and anixety kicked up so many levels and I started taking it out on my husband and we ended up arguing most nights over my behaviour and a situation that was going on with friends of he's that I was struggling to understand/cope with then I suddenly in one argument shouted out about biting myself and I can't cope so we talked it through but it didn't help and I carried on with the behaviour and one day he nearly walked out on me and it was at that moment I knew I needed help not just for myself but for my family so my husband came with me to my doctor (my youngest daughter was 18 months at this point) and I said everything that's been going on in detail and I was put on medication and I then started looking into ways I can help myself cope. This was just before the UK went into the first lockdown so march 2020 and two years later I'm still on my medication, I have found ways to cope but of course still have my off days but I now know that I can talk to my husband on these days which helps so much. I'm also pregnant with my third child due in November and my midwife has been an amazing support throughout my pregnancy and I just hope I don't take a dip after I have my son but if I do at least I now know there is help out there for me 😊 A message to anyone having a low time at the moment please talk to someone, anyone as you may not see it as depression or it's just an off day but someone else may see it as something that needs addressing, I felt so guilty about the fact I had my "perfect" life yet I felt this way so I buried my head and dismissed it but in doing that it nearly cost me everything, your feelings are valid so talk to someone as it does make a world of difference 😊
My mom's friend had post partum anxiety. It was awful for her and everyone else. She would have these extreeme mood swings, crying out of nowhere and fly off the handle any time it seemed anything was even possibly dangerous to her baby. Like, her older kid couldn't be arround it, and she'd randomly scream at other kids for things like playing loudly, outside in a public park.
I know it is different but as a person with Autism, Anxiety, and Depression I have sometimes found helplines like Samaritans very helpful when my symptoms made it difficult to organise my thoughts and come up with a plan to access medical support. Just having someone supportive there to listen while you figure out how to put those emotions into words is often helpful in itself. But I often found that it helped me plan how to bring up what I was experiencing in a face to face consultation with a doctor as my anxiety symptoms would often cause me to completely freeze without their help talking through a coherent plan of what I need to communicate to the doctor and how to express that. I just thought I would mention it in case there are people with a social anxiety component to their symptoms as it can be difficult to get over the seemingly paralysing barriers that can put up in terms of accessing medical services. I am aware that is particularly severe in my case as a result of comorbidities between my Autism and Anxiety but I am sure there are people suffering post-partum anxiety that exhibits with crippling social anxiety whether due to a pre-existing condition making this presentation more likely or otherwise.
Thank you for this. I was convinced I had PPD for a few months until a lactation consultant was able to tell me I had D-MER. I’d love to see a video on D-MER if you get the chance, I think it’s not ever talked about and is really important that people know it’s a possibility.
This is amazing, thank you for bringing this up. I think this conversation is starting to open up which is great, but we also need to talk about post partum psychosis as unfortunately it can happen to any woman even if they haven't experienced psychosis before and it can be scary. If we open up the conversation we can empower new mothers and loved ones around them to spot the signs and get help early. I want new mothers to know that it isn't their fault and you're not a bad mum if this happens to you. There is help out there. ❤
So appreciate your matter of fact description and normalization of this condition. And as a therapist, I’m delighted to hear you describe the importance and benefit of therapy. Great video, thanks!
I think it is really important to say and normalize that the non-birthing parent can be the one who gets PPD! My spouse got it and we didn’t think about that possibility (and also I was the one screened at the pediatrician, not them) and I didn’t realize what had happened until we did have to call a hotline. Once we recognized what it was, we started medication and therapy and it helped immensely. But it took some convincing from me for my spouse to believe that they could, in fact, be experiencing that! Things are amazing now, truly, and we are so grateful we got help. But if you are the non-birthing parent and you have these symptoms, you may have PPD!
For a second there I thought it was Monday and I somehow slept through the whole weekend and missed my first two classes. Looking forward to the more frequent upload schedule though lol
I think it is also important to mention that there is a condition called Post Partum Stress Disorder. I was diagnosed with that after a horrific birth experience. It’s similar to post traumatic stress disorder except obviously, relates to labour.
Such an important topic! The US needs to do better at compensating Social Workers and Therapists to create better access to everyone. As a Social Worker myself I see such high turn over due to burn out and financial strain of being in the field. This leads to long wait lists when referring clients. Also, those who specialize in post partum depression/ anxiety are often private pay (Atleast in my area) further limiting access.
I’ve had one baby in Aussie, and one in NZ. Hands down having a midwife as an LMC made a difference. She was very aware of my moods, and even made me go take a shower and have something to eat during one of her visits. I still miss her
I had perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety that was a hellish 4 and a half years in many ways and yet… Goddamn I can’t imagine not doing it again to get him in my life and now I’m fighting my inner baby fever because I don’t know how I and my man can do this again.
When i was pregnant, i had high blood pressure, so couldn't get stressed at all... imagine what a high risk pregnancy did to my stress levels. So early C section... My baby didn't wake up alone to eat, so we never sleep because he NEEDED it. It was HORRIBLE, for months i was barely eatting, and even taking a shower was too much truble. I think i went though PPD, but in Argentina people think youre just lazy or a bad parent, so you just bear whith it the best you can "because us mothers, can do it all and perfectly on our own"
Thank MDJ for this video, I was screened routinely for ppd but not with the GAD7 anxiety assessment. I would score low on the depression scale but the anxiety was undetected until I took one myself. On zoloft now and feel SOO much better and wish I would have realized the problem sooner.
Currently have ppd, so glad I wasn't afraid to speak up. I'd hate to feel trapped like that and then scared to seek help. If you're struggling please tell some one 🥰
When I developed PPD I was too scared to tell anyone because I thought they would take my daughter. It got to an extreme where I started hallucinating during anxiety attacks and I didn't try to get help until the intrusive thoughts and ideations got to be too much. I lied on the screenings with my doctor. My husband didn't know how bad it was. All because of the stigma and worry of being deemed a terrible parent or being committed or both. I don't think it would have been so bad if I had known that kind of depression could explode after having a baby. Doing much better now, years later, sterilized, and medicated, but it's still an important topic people should not be so terrified to talk about. You aren't a bad mom for needing/getting help.
Our pediatrician and my OB both gave me an Edinburgh Depression screening at every appointment and it missed my Depression. The problem is that it says things like "I've been anxious for no good reason" or "I've been scared and panicky for no good reason." I had a traumatic birth with pelvic floor injuries so I marked no on those questions because I felt that I had a reason. But I definitely had symptoms of fairly severe PPA and some symptoms of postpartum PTSD.
I have had anxiety in the past. And after my baby I had symptoms of anxiety. But luckily I still can overcome all of them and deal with them in a healthy way. I think that having my husband, who is very helpful, makes a great difference. And having paid leave in my country definitely helps! The times before when I had anxiety I was more alone and also lived without my family. I am glad that I notice the signals. And still having a baby is hard, the hormones make me crazy sometimes. The sleep depreviation in the beginning was terrible and has a huge impact. Not being able to go anywhere without checking with my husband if he can be there for our son. It is amazing and difficult at the same time. I felt that I lost myself (even without having depression or anxiety). So I have started therapy for that, and hope that it will help. I must say from 6 months on it became better and better, and I actually look forward to when our son is a few years older.
I wish I had known more about postpartum psychosis before I gave birth. I'm at least the 3rd generation to suffer from it in my family and I still didn't understand what was happening to me or how to get help. I ended up having to wait weeks for an appointment with a psychiatrist and still had trouble getting medication from them because I was breastfeeding. I ended up taking care of an infant largely on my own for weeks when I should have been in a psych hospital because I was hallucinating and didn't believe I was taking care of a real baby. We survived but I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Tbh the one thing that gets me hesitant about getting pregnant is the risk of PPD+A. I've been told that I have a higher likelihood due to my bipolar and manic depression, and I've experienced episodes that still haunt me to this day. I've been stable for quite a while with the correct combo of medications that I can navigate through life semi-normally and safely with a reliable support group. I'm getting to that point in my life where I entertain the idea of having children, many of the people around me have babies and it's a life decision I've been seriously considering for a couple years now, but have avoided going further in talking with a doctor about it because the thought I could mentally ruin my child with potential (likely) PPD is so scary, even with the resources, not to mention the potential change in my medication. I don't think my maternal instincts can win out against my faulty brain chemistry... I think the fear of seeking help has much to do with fear of having their kid taken away, especially if you already are diagnosed with a stigmatized mental disorder, and the idea that you are doing a lot of harm to your baby. I think therapy is a def must before and during pregnancy, whether you have those disorders or not, it's just a shame that at least here in the States it becomes so costly to even do that and it isn't a standard of care. Severity of PPD could be dealt with before birth.
I feel like there needs to be an extra level of screening for people who have family members with depression because i grew up with people feeling like that, and i truly just thought it was a normal way to feel. I did not realize that feeling miserable at all times wasnt normal
Thank you for this topic! I am a doctor and psychotherapiest and the first thing I have done after finding out I was finally happily pregnant - booked my own psychotherapiest for a year:)
My youngest is 3, and when I had her I had what I assumed was ppd. I told my doctor, and she said I’ll be fine, I have a supportive husband so will manage. My baby’s pediatrician was the one who actually pointed it out, and recommended I see my doctor. It’s upsetting to think about now. I also think I went through it all over again after I weaned my baby from breastfeeding. But, I didn’t feel comfortable asking my doctor after what happened the first time.
Add that sometimes the postpartum depressive episode just REALLY HEIGHTENS underlying depression. I went to a psychiatrist for ppd and ended up diagnosed with clinical depression... and a couple years later, still on meds, I feel so much better.
This topic is so important. I’m currently 8 months pp and now looking back I 100% had post partum anxiety and didn’t know it and so didn’t get any help. I filled out the same questionnaire at the pediatrician and my 6 week pp visit but I feel all the questions are geared toward PPD and not PPA. PPD is of course so real and needs to be talked about, but I think it’s a lot more well known than PPA. Because I passed the questionnaire each time I didn’t think I “had” anything. However I definitely did have PPA and it was really difficult. It wasn’t until I googled the symptoms I was having (intrusive thoughts) that I even realized it was a common symptom of PPA. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I still haven’t told anyone about it besides my husband because the thoughts were horrible and I didn’t want to be seen as a bad mom which I know is very common to feel. We definitely need more awareness!
I’d love to see you address the value of the doctor checking things like thyroid health in conjunction with PPMDs, please. Hypothyroidism was the cause of PPD and PPA in our daughter but wasn’t diagnosed until baby was seven months old, and it alerted us to how important bloodwork can be in this issue. Thank you!
I have PTSD which manifests mostly as anxiety but sometimes depression and i am terrified about when i have a child that i will try to hurt them. The antidepressant I’m currently on isn’t safe for pregnancy so I’ll have to find another one when i get pregnant but luckily there is information like this out there to help prepare me and make me feel less alone
Thank you for addressing this. So important. I really wish that anyone who is pregnant and having symptoms of PPD/PPA had access to a reproductive psychiatrist. They exist but a lot are out of network for insurance. A specialist in this is super well versed in women's mental health and are more comfortable being more aggressive with treatment is needed as they are up to date on the most current data. I saw a reproductive psychiatrist while pregnant and even still now at 3 months PP. I have a preexisting mood disorder. She was really able to get me very stable before I delivered my daughter and I firmly believe if not for that I would be in really bad shape eight now. I had a traumatic delivery and started expending and increase in anxiety. Since I was already established in my plan of care it was really easy to do a minot tweak and it definitely improved. I strongly suggest anyone struggling not to feel self conscious or "weak" for asking for help. In fact it makes you super brave to reach out.
After I had my baby I was going through a lot on top of the extreme pain from tearing. I called my OB to tell them and they literally said "well, we can't help you with that", when I said I think Im having PPD issues.
I had really bad postpartum anxiety. I ended having a severe panic attack a couple months after my son was born from constant anxiety. I couldn’t bond with my son until he was about 6 months old because of how bad I felt, which made me feel worse, and from not being able to see him for 36 hours after birth. I’ve been in therapy and on medication for about 8 months now. Doing a ton better now.
I have a video suggestion. I’d love a video discussing breast health. What’s normal, what’s not normal but isn’t super worrying, and what’s potentially a problem. Like, I’m pretty sure I have fibrositic breasts, but I had no idea what it was until I did some research
Yes!! I'm wondering something similar about mine
Agreed!
I FULLY AGREE! My School didn't even teach how to do a Breast Exam for yourself I had to look up videos and information on how to do it. But also considering that A LOT of Women get it and that it is in OUR DNA. We need to talk about it.
She actually already made a video about myths associated with breasts and breast health. Click on the playlist that she tagged at the end of the video. It’s the first video that comes up.
This is a great suggestion. Whenever I have a mammogram, I get the whole "you have fibrous breast tissue and we recommend an ultrasound". But my insurance won't pay for the ultrasound unless they "see something" that would warrant it. And it's like $600. So is it worth spending that extra money--for us, $600 isn't totally out of the question, but it's a lot of money and we'd have to plan for it. I haven't done it in the past, even though it would probably ease my mind if I did.
My ex-husband doesn't believe in PPD. I had it after our second child was born way back in 2004. I told my Dr and I tried to get help, and was prescribed an anti-depressant. He let me fill the prescription once, and threw a fit because it was $75, and I wasn't allowed to get it after that. He then asked me for a divorce when the baby was 4 months old, so there's that. Honestly, the divorce was the best thing to happen, because I didn't have to deal with him anymore.
He sounds generally terrible. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that.
trash took itself out.
Best outcome. Trash took itself out😂
So sorry, I just had a baby a few weeks ago, and my husband is pretty much at the divorce stage to. Men don't get it
This discussion is so important. My mom had PPD after each of her pregnancies but it went unrecognized. When my youngest sister was born in 1964, Mom told the Dr about her PPD symptoms and he said “you’d better snap out of this or your husband may leave you.” It was like PPD was a choice that new mothers were making and that they had the ability to stop having PPD if they wanted to.
Oh my god, what an awful thing to say to someone who is struggling!!!
That is horrible D:
They also used to have women committed to mental institutions for PPD back then! How barbaric!
I was told the same thing. My aunts told me they had no time to have PPD. My other aunt said, "you better not last too long with it because men get annoyed and hes going to end up with someone else." The biggest doozy of them all came from my husband, "you dont have PPD & Anxiety, youre just making it up." And would do things on purpose to make it worse. Then I lost my only support, my mom that same year.
@@marylu2216 Hopefully you lost him too. I'm sorry that happened.
The father of my first born died when I was 5 months pregnant. We had been together for 4 years. It was extremely traumatic during and after I gave birth. The depression was extremely serious. Especially when I realized that my baby would grow up without his father. It hit me hard.
PPD/PPA is not our fault at all. Women's mental health is so important. I'm so glad that we are making headway into being heard.
*hugs*
My condolences on your terrible loss, especially at such a vulnerable time in your life! I hope you and your baby are doing well.
Sending all my love- I hope you and your child are flourishing 💕
My SIL apparently went through PPD after her second child. She finally called her OBGYN after struggling for a couple months. She was having a hard time coming to terms with it and getting the courage to ask for help, just to be told "go find a psychiatrist". It shut her down. They had signs all over the office to call the doctor if PPD symptoms crop up. They didn't even schedule her an appointment. It was most likely a receptionist who was REALLY bad at her job. I was livid when she told me this a year later.
Happend to me too. When I finally dared to ask for help I didn't get any, it definitely made my depression worse. I'm sorry that happened to your sil.
So, weird thing about me... I have no children and I am "spayed" lol.
Kids really aren't my jam.
But I love watching MDJ videos nonetheless. It actually helps me understand other women better and also gives an insight into parents that helps me to soften my edges and be compassionate to them.
So thanks for all you do for us childless humans too!! 💖
I love that you take an interest in topics that may not directly affect you as a way to be better informed about and empathetic towards others. ❤ We all should strive to do this.
Ditto! I don’t want to ever be pregnant or parent children, but this channel gives me so much more education about topics that are so relevant to so many people. It helps me be compassionate, teach others, and also be secure in my decision that pregnancy and parenthood aren’t for me!
how did you get a dr to sterilize you ?
I want to clarify my next statement with, im not a mom, I’ve never been pregnant. But, it always seemed to me that people avoided bringing it up because they were super worried about being seen as a bad mom. Or even be threatened with CPS or removal of the child. Can you expand on the best ways to discuss this without the fear of these things happening? I don’t know if it would help anyone, it’s just a thought I always had. Also, I do not see these amazing people as bad moms, bad parents or anything of that nature. Just something that was always on my mind with this topic of discussion.
As always, fantastic video!
I can assure you those thoughts are very real and very scary, especially when the negative thinking is amplified by the post-partum anxiety a person is experiencing!
Thankfully PPD is not typically a reason to remove, but it may warrant supervision if extreme. But you're right that it's a fear for many women. I was fortunate to have drs that were supportive and recognized that intrusive thoughts were not intent. But it's very scary nonetheless.
I had cps called for it the day my son was born , so I can't get help without that fear either.. I suffered from a few symptoms I can't express here.
"super worried about being seen as a bad mom" - THIS. And it really highlights how the Facebook Mommy Groups became cults who disenfranchised the reality of motherhood and enculturated shaming anyone who wasn't JOYFUL AF because MOTHERHOOD is the fulfillment of WOMANHOOD! I cringe as I type. **shudder**
@@SusanBinks I HATE all the mom shaming. There are a million ways to mom and its not all rainbows and unicorns. Moming is hard, everyone needs a break and some compassion
I needed this. I had a baby two months ago that I placed for adoption. Mentally I’m not ok and it’s starting to affect my physical health. I put a call into my dr today for my appointment next week. Thank you for this video
I just want to send you {{hugs}} and let you know that this internet stranger is rooting for you. I’m glad you have realized that you need some help dealing with this very emotional situation and you’ve taken steps to get that help.
Hey, I've been through that. DM me if you want to talk.
It was the best decision I could make at the time but it wasn't easy at all. Hugs!!!!
After I had my baby in May my midwife never scheduled my Postpartum visit. I reached out to her many times and she refused to respond to me about the health concerns I was having. I had to reach out to another midwife who saw me the same day and treated me and my PPD/PPA with kindness and respect. Always advocate for yourself! It took 10 weeks after giving birth but I finally found a provider who treats me with the respect I deserve
In Greece where I live, there was absolutely no screening done. I remember passing the two week period for baby blues, and still sobbing many times for no reason. I thought that maybe the two week phase was just an estimate, and it was normal that it took me 2 months to get out of that really dark first phase. Which was followed by a lot of guilt, a lot of anxiety, not feeling like myself, feeling tired and in a constant low mood. Screening is so important, but also having a supportive environment to see those changes in you, help you, but also help you with how hard being a new parent is. I wish I had some help, so I could have a break sometimes and do some self-care
Thanks for this, I had struggled with depression/ anxiety all my life and I was caught off guard by how bad the PPD/A was. I felt ashamed that I felt this way, I felt like I should have been happy that I was even alive after surviving HELLP Syndrome. I felt awful I couldn't produce milk for my baby. Lasted for months, I had a medication adjustment and I finally feel normal now. The postpartum period was the worst time of my life.
Ya know, I felt depressed after birth but honestly, I had every reason to feel that way. My partner pretty much wasnt involved "because taking care of a baby is more of a woman thing." This was from somebody I normally wouldnt consider to be sexist. I was still recovering from birth and the lack of support left me totally reeling. I only have one child and I didnt know what the hell I was doing. And my story isnt unique. Ive heard it hundreds of times from other moms in pretty much every mom group Ive ever been in. I think its important that women get support both with normal household things and with childcare after birth because it will help reduce the number of cases that will pop up. Also its important to note that PPD and PPA arent the only emotional change. You may also experience extreme anger. (Also the hormones involved with lactation can continue to increase your risk of depression and anxiety)
This!! Breastfeeding with my first children was emotional torture which I was later finally told by a dr can be and indication of a chemical imbalance in the brain. And you’re right! Being depressed after having a child when you have all of those external factors going on is completely justifiable. Thanks for sharing.
100% agreed and been pretty much on the same situation : baby daddy and I have never been a couple so he pretty much had it easy from the start, he'd get the good almost without the bad. I had a difficult, very long and traumatic birth, had stitches all over and yet had to take care of baby day and night from the start. Also, reflux baby here so my son couldn't sleep unless vertically, against my chest and would cry for 20 out of 24h. I had a close death 10 days after giving birth so grief entered the chat room too. He's 9mo now and thank God it's getting better but I still wonder how I managed to not get PPD. I did feel burnt out and cried all the time but that was it.
Breastfeeding challenges can absolutely lead to depression. Successful breastfeeding is protective against mental health issues. Rarely a parent may have a condition abbreviated as D-MER in which the lactating person experiences a rush of hormones at letdown that cause feelings of disgust, anger, rage, or despair. It can be complicated which is why it's so vital to have a goof support team in place around every birth. ❤
After I had my baby boy, my kids pediatrician screened me and was so kind. They found me a therapist I was comfortable with and it was life changing. I didn’t know what postpartum depression was and I really needed help. I grateful to God and our healthcare providers. I am fortunate to have an amazing OB-GYN and pediatrician.
Thank you MDJ for this important video. I had PPD as a young mother when my son was almost 6 months old. I became suicidal and ended up in a pysch ward for a 3 day lock down. I had to immediately stop breastfeeding as the medication I was put on would go through the breastmilk. The nurses complained they had to go up to the labor and delivery floor to get a pump for me for my last time before stopping. No one recognized the signs and no one asked either if I was having any difficulties. I felt very alone even though I had my husband, family and friends. Everyone assumed I had the perfect little family and life was complete yet it was the opposite for me. When I became pregnant again 2 years or so later I was very open with my OBGYN about what had happened previously and he and his staff were very supportive. A couple months after my twins were born I couldn't get myself out of bed anymore so I called and he prescribed me something to help get through that time. I did not have to be hospitalized after the 2nd pregnancy. I was very thankful for that.
See that sounds horrible, tearing my baby away from me, locking me up, taking away my ability to feed/nurse my baby. I'm so scared of that.
@@Milkymommy09 it was definitely not an easy time. It took quite a while to recover. My son was not taken from me though. He was at home with my husband for those 3 days. He did have to go on formula though. It was better he had formula and still have his mother to help raise him.
Thank you so much for talking about this!!! My pediatrician also did the screening at every appointment and saw my numbers trending and my daughter's doctor talked to me about going to seeing a therapist, but I had already booked an appointment with one at that time which made her happy. I'm so glad they track things like that. My baby blues phase was pretty intense (woke up with night terrors a couple of times, freaked my husband out when I was screaming in my sleep) and other early PPA/PPD symptoms that my husband and I started to notice. I ended up having both PPA and PPD and my therapist recommended that I get tested for ADHD. I'm curious if there is a connecting between PPA/PPD and ADHD.
I tell all my pregnant and new parent friends to keep an eye out for PPA/PPD and for any pelvic floor weirdness. I have so much love for my mental help therapist and my PFPT, both of these ladies helped me get to feeling back to normal and be the best mom I can be.
Another mom with ADHD and PPD/PPA here! My ADHD definitely made my PPD/PPA worse, and vice versa. I’ve heard from multiple sources (including How to ADHD, great UA-cam channel!) that people with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression, so I bet that applies to PPD/PPA as well.
@@abbygryder8780 - I kind of figured they were connected in some way that made the symptoms of one or the other intensify. Thank you for sharing!
Now I gotta get my butt into a test and get formally diagnosed with ADHD.....
Not a mum, I saw on another channel, lady in question has three kids and ADHD & ASD, risk of PPD/PPA jumps to 60% if you also have ADHD. I do have ADHD and ASD, and knowing this and ADHD meds help massively.
Thank you for talking about this! it isn't talked about enough. I had no idea about PPA/PPD until i was going through it when i had my son a little less than a year ago. It was the darkest time of my life but I luckily made it through it with a good care team
I am experiencing them both (with intrusive thoughts) at the moment on my second baby, I reached out for help this week, the anxiety was out of control. Hoping things will get better soon
So smart and courageous of you to recognize what's happening and seek medical care. You have my utmost respect and admiration. Repeat to yourself as often as necessary:
- It's not your fault!
- You are not weak!
- You are not a bad mother!
- You are not a bad person!
Sending you love and encouragement and, of course, congratulations on your new baby!
Hugs 💙
Sending love your way! Good on you to get the help you need!
Thank you to you all, I really appreciate it
Thank you for also talking about PPA. When my first baby was born in 2015, I was on the lookout for PPD, but I had no idea about PPA. My anxiety was overwhelming for the first several months, and I just thought it was normal behavior for someone with a newborn. I had a hard pregnancy and traumatic delivery, which had followed two miscarriages. It wasn't until my daughter was about 2 that I realized that what I had experienced wasn't "normal". When I got pregnant a second time a few years later, counseling while I was pregnant helped IMMENSELY.
Always appreciate your videos! ❤️
I had my first 5 days ago and I'm so happy that the hospital I delivered at and the pediatrician have made me fill out the EPDS survey. It makes me feel good to know that I'm looked after. It sucks that PPD doesn't always get taken seriously and more need to be aware of it. Another thing I wish was talked about more is how the spouse of the pregnant person feels afterward too. Since the birth of my son was a little traumatic, the nurses made sure my husband was doing OK. I respected the Hell out of them for that. We need better mental health care for parents, especially during that transitional period.
Wow! This video brought me back to my post birth experience with my first. I think my main problem for PPD was a rough recovery and a hard time breastfeeding. The pressure to breastfeed was ridiculous. Everyone had an opinion- my in laws, strangers, other moms , seriously everyone! And everyone expected me to be happy. It’s hard to be happy when you’re in constant pain. Back then PPD wasn’t talked about as much as it is now but I insisted on getting help, which my hubby didn’t understand. He was in his own funk. (2 more kids and 2 dogs later he gets it! ). I’m so glad this generation is more open about mental health.
I had full blown PTSD for about 2 years, after a C-section. I was already trained as a birth instructor, and recognized that it wasn't a legitimate medical necessity, but an issue of hospital policy. *Please, no replies with medical questions or excuses for the hospital routines.* I'm just saying, it's a good thing I was already doing what I could for my mental health. Sh*t like this happens, and we need to know we are not the problem, and we need help.
Great video as always, Mama Doctor Jones! 🙏❤
Thank you for discussing! My mum never got the help she needed and I don’t think that the feelings ever really went away for her, it just became “regular” anxiety and depression.
I’m now 30 and looking to start a family with my husband. After a lifetime of mental illness, we agreed to make sure that I was fully supported by a therapy team beforehand to make sure there was a measure of me before and after and, also, to make sure I’m ready to go from the onset if it hits me. I have also been very vocal about my fears and have asked for others to check in on me to make sure I’m okay.
If you think you may have problems in the future, reach out for help now to make sure you have a good foundation before you even begin.
Thank you for doing this video. 8 years ago when I had my first baby, I had a traumatic labor, and birth, and also a very stressful, and traumatic experience in the hospital for the first few days. My baby had severe colic, and hardly slept. Combine that with a friend who tried to reach out to her doctor around the same time for help for PPD, and had the police called on her, and her baby taken away and put in foster care (not saying whether that was right or wrong, just that it happened) I became petrified to tell anyone, including my husband, just how much I was struggling with my mental health. I lived with that fear, anxiety, and paranoia for a year before I finally broke down and told my husband. He was shocked, I apparently, masked my symptoms very well. It was hell for that first year, and I still carry a lot of negative feelings about it. Women need to know that it’s okay to reach out, and our system needs to do better about making serious situations less traumatic. My friend had to fight the courts for 8 months to get her baby back, not being able to see her even for supervised visits. Yes, she was having a crisis situation when she reached out for help, but that didn’t make her a bad mom, and she shouldn’t have been treated like she was a bad mom for trying to get help.
That’s was the best video about this topic I understand I have anxiety yes anyone can have these emotions but people don’t understand that having any type anxiety disorder or mental illness is not just something you can snap out of or just not think of feeling that way
It so important to talk about PPD and anxiety postpartum. Could you also discuss postpartum psychosis? I had never heard of it until I watched a documentary on it and I think it is another attribute of postpartum that women should be aware of as well. Thank you MDJ for making these videos, I always learn something I didn’t know before.
This is really important. Can we also get a video on postpartum psychosis? I had psychosis and had an awful experience with a couple psych hospitals not knowing what to do for me and making things worse. I also reached out to the PPD group at the hospital and they dismissed me. There was only a couple paragraphs written in all the papers they gave me after delivery
As a licensed mental health therapist myself and a new mom who had postpartum anxiety, I want to say THANK YOU for posting a video on this! It’s so important to normalize this.
Thank you for covering such an important topic!! My mom and grandma both had “baby blues” that were laughed off at the time, but my mom later realized was serious, dangerous depression. I’m so glad we all made it through okay and I know to be careful if I choose to have a family.
So important! I am a former board member of PSI-TN (Postpartum Support International Moving so had to step down). and there isnt enough support out there for everyone.
I had PPD with my 3rd.
I watched an episode of Adam Ruins Everything where the focus was PPD.
About a month or so later, I really started seeing myself. I couldn't get my baby to stop crying.
So, I laid him on the floor as I sat on the couch and just practiced my deep breathing.
I went to my now-ex husband and my dad. My 2 main support people. I told them I thought I might have it and that is like to speak with a counselor.
They both told me that I was strong for admitting it, that they had my back and were proud of me.
In getting help for it, I came to realize that I also most likely also had it with my second baby, 6 years earlier.
But I got help. In part thanks to Adam and his crew, part thanks to me being honest enough with myself, as well as my dad and my ex.
It's hard. But it's not shameful. It's not weakness. It's not your fault.
Thank you for talking about this. I suffered it with my second. I thankfully knew I was susceptible to depression and already had coordinated with my doctor so I was able to get medication within a couple of days, meaning I felt better after only a week or so of having symptoms. I cannot imagine it going longer, as it was getting worse every day. Awful!!! I hate to think of other moms not getting help and living with those awful feelings.
I had my daughter last year in august and I am not proud to say I had severe PPA. I didn’t trust my husband with her till recently. I was afraid he would harm her unintentionally or intentionally. I tried to bring up this topic at my 6 week checkup and he wouldn’t see me. Instead a nurse told me as they escorted me out the room that it was normal and it would pass. I went months without sleep or eating because i would forget or just didn’t have the time. I spoke with my partner recently and he understood my reasoning and wasn’t offended. I am finally starting to get over it a year later. I couldn’t help but feel like this could’ve been treated sooner if my doctor would’ve listened to me. I do have a history of depression and anxiety. And not even like that did my doctor pay any thought. I am glad to see there are some doctors who care about their patients mental health and are bringing light showing that it is not normal to feel this way.
Thanks so much for talking about PPA. I had only heard of PPD. After I had my twins my heart raced constantly, from the moment I jumped up to change their diapers in the middle of the night until their last bed time feeding. I couldn’t control my fear and temper, like full on screaming at ppl for touching my kids without washing their hands. Everyone called me a momzilla and had no sympathy for my spiraling thoughts. So grateful to you for talking about this. It’s scary as a new mom to be honest with others about what you’re feeling because you never know what the, I guess consequences(?), will come from divulging your scariest thoughts.
Thank you for this video! Pretty sure I had PPD with my first baby although I didn't realize it at the time. I really wish my OB/GYN had educated me about symptoms to look for instead of scaring me with a story of how one her friends had killed herself and the new baby. Because of that traumatic story I had no idea it was safe to go to the Dr for help when I was so completely overwhelmed and had trouble nursing. The first month of my first child's life was the worst time in my life. It was horrible, extremely sleep deprived, and I felt SO isolated and helpless. I was convinced I had to feel suicidal, self harm, or a desire to harm my baby to have PPD and my baby would be taken away from me if I tried to get help. (When was 11 my mother and the doctors taking care of my brother disagreed on his treatment plan and they threatened to take him away, which is where that fear came from.)
When I got PPD with my 3rd baby I made sure I was much better educated in what to look for and got help right away. The difference was night and day.
I also LOVE the idea of depression screenings at the newborn visits! Again with kiddo number one, he latched great in the hospital but, I received ZERO education regarding how to feed him. I didn't know how long to nurse, how often, what his poop should look like, how he would act if he was hungry. The Lactation consultant came in the room, said he had a great latch and asked if I had any questions. I have ADHD (undiagnosed at the time) and have trouble with unexpected conversations at the best of times. I had no clue what to ask her because I had no information on how to do anything. The encounter with her was the complete opposite of helpful. So when I took him in for his two week check up he weighed a pound less than he did at birth. This naturally triggered extreme feelings of guilt and failure. I had wanted to breastfeed so badly. I took him home and supplemented with formula and tried to pump (again, with zero information on how) for 5 months before I gave up and just gave him formula full time. It took my second child nursing well (after I went to a breastfeeding class and saw a lactation consultant, neither of which I even knew were options the first time around) to heal even though I still have some PTSD (self diagnosed)
So, to summarize, we ABSOLUTELY need better doctor -to-patient education in this country!
Thanks for your talk on this important topic. You didn't mention auditory hallucinations, so I'm assuming that I had something twack-doodle going on with me postpartum. I've never heard another woman in the 13 years since my daughter was born tell me she had the same symptom, absolutely not one has owned up to hearing their baby cry while staring at them as they sleep - it was scary confusing.
She's fine, 13 and awesome and so am I but I've often wondered about this odd postpartum symptom.
Cheers Doc!!!
Could have been some PPP, when I had it I kept hearing my baby cry and my partner asking for help when both were asleep or I was in the hospital
I'm so glad you made a video addressing this issue! I am a LCSW and practicing therapist. I am also a mom of two and 5 months postpartum with postpartum depression. I didn't even realize that is what I was having for the first two months!!! Mine manifested in extreme irritability. Once I realized it, Zoloft has been a real lifesaver. I hope we can continue conversations like this one to destigmatize mental health and get people the help they need!
Thank you very much for making a video on this important topic. I think it's so important to emphasize, as you did, that having PPD or PPA does not mean that someone doesn't love their baby or isn't a good parent. I'm a grad student in social work going into the mental health field and I wish we talked about PPD and PPA a lot more. I wonder if sometime you could make a video on postpartum psychosis or postpartum PTSD? I don't think they're as common, but they still occur.
I love this video. My psychiatrist and I were talking about the stigma related to mental health. The best statement was most people takes meds related to something whether that is blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, ect. The brain is an organ as well and sometimes it gets "sick" as well. Thank you for all your great content. We all appreciate the time that you put into this channel.
My mom had bad PPD and a lot of very tough circumstances around pregnancy and birth when she had me. It is really quite horrifying how she was treated by everyone around her. I have debilitating depression, and she blames herself due to how she felt before and after having me. She even cries and tries to apologize. I feel so bad for her and try to reassure her that the stuff I experienced a little later in my life from other people is way more of a factor than anything she felt, and it isn't her fault. She is the best mom I could ever hope to have.
My son was preemie, 24 weeker, it was a month after he was born I had to take antidepressants and I took so many different ones and they made me feel so much worse. It was dark I didn’t have thoughts of hurting my child but definitely myself and I wasn’t recommended a therapist. I wanted to crawl in a hole.
I’m waaaayyyy better now I got off the antidepressants, hang in there guys it gets better, but you’ll have to come with terms with another person to care for baby for a little while but always remember that baby knows who their momma is. It’s ok to cry and lay down but please be strong! I’m not a doctor but I’m definitely someone who knows how it feels.
I had postnatal depression with my first child 27 years ago(and have weirdly had it off and on since,including after my daughter, but a lot less in the last 5 years).I had depression from day one and I ended up staying in hospital for 8 days, the nurses had already made aN appointment with the clinic ((in Aus you can go to a daytime clinic for mums and bibs.They track babies weight feeding and you).I had the best baby ever.I went home not knowing what I felt.I remember saying I didn’t love my son and it terrified me when he woke and a lot of tears.The night We came home home we were watching a current affairs program we often watched and the nights article was about postnatal depression.I just saw me and I said to my husband that’s me, that’s how I feel! I went on coping an after three weeks of just holding it in.Then the clinic sister said you need help and I could go to a group with others.With a baby that slept like a log and was beautiful I felt so different to the others.I didn’t have a ‘reason’ for how I felt!! It was then as I was getting worse my sister-in-law and her mother who saw a psychiatrist, made me an appointment with him.The best thing that could have happened.I started medication.As I was finding it sooo huge and ingulfing to be feeling as I was, I began to say I just don’t want to be ‘here’ anymore.Family and friends kicked in and I had someone from when my husband left for work until he got home so I was never alone.I gradually became more calm and stopped going to the group because it was making me feel badI was starting to feel better and I had no problems with our baby.My depression was completely chemical and back then no one seemed(except my Psychiatrist) to get that you could have PND without a ‘reason’.I hope young women who have wonderful babies with zero issues know that you can still get severe depression and that it’s recognized as that.Things are so different now.I was blessed that everyone around me supported me and I started medication so early( because that was what I needed not more therapy).I have had therapy at certain times and it’s helped me in life.I have always been open about my depression and that’s a blessing(not because of ability just because I’m just made that way) .I think that helped me because I can do that, but not everyone can so I feel like I should for those who can’t I and I still do now.My niece is due in 4 weeks and she has had so much information about postnatal depression as part of preparation for baby coming , It’s just great!!
When I was pregnant with my first, I noticed an increase in my general anxiety, I asked my OB about postpartum anxiety and testing for it, but she told me they only tested for postpartum depression. When I had my girl, I knew it wasn’t depression. I was anxious all damn day and night. at my 6-week post op appointment, they gave me the depression test. I wasn’t depressed, but I knew if I wanted to get therapy for my anxiety covered by insurance, I’d needed to score for depression on the test, so I deliberately scored for mild depression and got my therapy covered! Postpartum Anxiety is overlooked, but hopefully that will change.
It took me 2 years before I got help. I almost killed myself but with the help of my doctor I was fine in about a year after medication.
Now my daughter is an obgyn herself. Talking to her made me understand it better. 😊
what I loved about my midwives I used was they come visit you in your home 3 days after the baby is born to check on the baby and to check on you. then 2 weeks after the baby is born you go back to the birthing center for the checkup on you and your baby and then again at 6 weeks. after the 6 weeks mark as long as there are no complications and nothing's wrong you don't have to come back anymore unless you feel you need to
I sent this to my stepson because his wife is being induced next week. Thank you for posting it because it is so important for those around the new mother to know what to look for.
I had PND I didn't want to admit it at first but thankfully I did I struggled for over two years before I felt right.
This is so so important, thank you for making this video! 👏 I never knew anything about PPD or having the BB until I was in the hospital after my only child was born. I was fine and then I wasn't at all. It was the most heaviest, worst feeling I've had in my entire life. As soon as my doctor walked in.. I told him I couldn't stop crying and could not feel happy in the slightest way. He automatically knew what was wrong with me after a few simple questions. He gave me meds and told me that I should not be alone until I'm recovered. No therapy though..but long story short it lasted around a month and then I started feeling like myself again 🙏 There was nothing that could have prepared me for feeling that way. I did end up bonding with my son very much even though I was battling suicidal thoughts and major depression. For any new moms that happen to be reading this just know that this will not last forever and it does get better, I promise you that. Stay strong and know you are not alone ❤
Love this!! I work in mental health and truly my maternal health providers are amazing and just want to help moms as much as possible.
I didn't know I had PPD because I thought it was "baby blues". No one told me baby blues should only last 2 weeks! I didn't get help until a year later. I had trouble breastfeeding and felt like such a failure. A year later, I would still start crying at the mention of breastfeeding, and figured it was time to say something to my doctor. I'm on Zoloft now and have been feeling so much better!
This topic is so important, my first baby was born in 1977 and I never knew about but I had depression for about 3 months
My kid was born 25 years ago, and there was no recognition of PPD at all in my country. Looking back, I probably had it. At one point I was feeling suicidal with intrusive thoughts and called a helpline, and they recommended I go to church. I love my kid so much now, but I definitely felt guilt for a long time because the first year was so bad.
I am 4 months postpartum and have been dealing with PPA. I also was having flashbacks to the birth and panic attacks the first few weeks although luckily those stopped. I had only heard about PPD so it really took me by surprise. So glad this video is out there so others can be prepared. If you're reading this just know that you can get help and it will get better! Never thought I'd be going to therapy but it has made a huge difference for me
Such an important topic. I'm so happy to see a collab between MDJ and Ned & Ariel. 😊
Thank you for not only supporting therapy as a valid option, but for supporting mental health professionals.m
I will start my pediatrics residency soon. I will keep in my mind to screen for it during my practice.
Thank you
I have a 2-year-old little girl and a 5-month-old little girl. I can say that with my second little girl I have never experienced any type of depression/ anxiety/intrusive thoughts along with the traumatic delivery and hospital care that I received. It was so terrible.... From a week before I had her into she was around 3 months old. when I finally got the right medication from my doctor and I started to feel like myself after taking it for around 2/3 weeks. Now that I've been on my medicine for 2 and 1/2 months I'm starting to feel like myself again! My little girl and I have bonded and are completely smitten. I feel like myself I don't wake up everyday wishing that I would just feel normal I can take care of me and my two girls and my husband. But those three months were the worst 3 months of my life. I didn't understand why this was happening to me I didn't understand what I had done wrong but I know that it does get better❤ I suffer with anxiety and depression outside of pregnancy, so I do still have panic attacks and things of that nature but they're a lot more few and far between now. Love you MDJ😘
I was 7 months pregnant and had an 11 month old when I became single quite suddenly. He didn't help and I was a mess. I had a c section and was left at home alone with a 13 month old and a newborn to recover from the surgery. My depression was horrific and I tried to take my own life. My girls are now 2&3 and we are such a happy little family.
Please seek help if you need it. You are not alone and people do care.
It's those videos that help me look out for the time to come. I already have depression, I am on medication, Sertralin, recently had to up the dosage, and with clear history of my mother likely having had ppd/ppa - I'm glad my better half can stay a month with me.
It also helps we're not in the usa, with generous maternity leave and baby break. Nevertheless, I would be surprised if ppd spared me.
I just had my baby on the 16th and this is a video I needed.
I have anxiety and depression, been diagnosed since I was 12.
Surprisingly I have been handling everything ok. other then some uncontrollable weeping and anxiety over not having my daughter in my arms or direct eyesight at almost all times and feeling like a bad mom when she cries... I have to remind myself it hasn't even been two weeks yet and I am still recovering from my C-section and to take it easy. My baby is healthy and eating well so I just need to relax more and let my husband and family help me, and that I'm not alone in this.
When I had my first child at 20 looking back I had pnd but at the time I put my feelings down to the fact I was in an abusive relationship and I had moments of depression through the relationship because of what I was going through, I did get out of that relationship and then met a fantastic man who then became my husband.
When me and my husband decided to try for a child together I was worried if I'd go back into that dark space but talked myself out of it thinking it was just the situation I was in, it took us 3 years to fall pregnant which in itself was a hit at my mental state then when we finally fell pregnant it was such a happy time and just after I had our daughter I still felt so happy but then the anixety creeped in without me realising and I wouldn't leave her with anyone for more than 10 minutes and I just had this feeling she was only safe with me.
I was planning and organising my wedding while my daughter was still young so that helped to keep my mind focused but the closer I got to my wedding the more the anixety and negative thoughts started to creep in (at this time my daughter was about 8 months old 10 when we married) then we had our wedding and that's when my mental health started to decline, paranoia also creeped in which for me is a very unusual mind set for me to have.
Over the next few months it got worse, I started self h**ming but didn't see it as that as it was just me biting myself out of frustration if I couldn't cope with certain situations but I felt I couldn't talk to my husband in fear he would leave me, take our daughter with him and my eldest daughter ending up with her dad so I spoke to a friend of mine and she did help as much as she could and I perked up a little then went low again and the lowest I'd ever been, the paranoia and anixety kicked up so many levels and I started taking it out on my husband and we ended up arguing most nights over my behaviour and a situation that was going on with friends of he's that I was struggling to understand/cope with then I suddenly in one argument shouted out about biting myself and I can't cope so we talked it through but it didn't help and I carried on with the behaviour and one day he nearly walked out on me and it was at that moment I knew I needed help not just for myself but for my family so my husband came with me to my doctor (my youngest daughter was 18 months at this point) and I said everything that's been going on in detail and I was put on medication and I then started looking into ways I can help myself cope.
This was just before the UK went into the first lockdown so march 2020 and two years later I'm still on my medication, I have found ways to cope but of course still have my off days but I now know that I can talk to my husband on these days which helps so much.
I'm also pregnant with my third child due in November and my midwife has been an amazing support throughout my pregnancy and I just hope I don't take a dip after I have my son but if I do at least I now know there is help out there for me 😊
A message to anyone having a low time at the moment please talk to someone, anyone as you may not see it as depression or it's just an off day but someone else may see it as something that needs addressing, I felt so guilty about the fact I had my "perfect" life yet I felt this way so I buried my head and dismissed it but in doing that it nearly cost me everything, your feelings are valid so talk to someone as it does make a world of difference 😊
My mom's friend had post partum anxiety. It was awful for her and everyone else. She would have these extreeme mood swings, crying out of nowhere and fly off the handle any time it seemed anything was even possibly dangerous to her baby. Like, her older kid couldn't be arround it, and she'd randomly scream at other kids for things like playing loudly, outside in a public park.
I know it is different but as a person with Autism, Anxiety, and Depression I have sometimes found helplines like Samaritans very helpful when my symptoms made it difficult to organise my thoughts and come up with a plan to access medical support. Just having someone supportive there to listen while you figure out how to put those emotions into words is often helpful in itself. But I often found that it helped me plan how to bring up what I was experiencing in a face to face consultation with a doctor as my anxiety symptoms would often cause me to completely freeze without their help talking through a coherent plan of what I need to communicate to the doctor and how to express that. I just thought I would mention it in case there are people with a social anxiety component to their symptoms as it can be difficult to get over the seemingly paralysing barriers that can put up in terms of accessing medical services. I am aware that is particularly severe in my case as a result of comorbidities between my Autism and Anxiety but I am sure there are people suffering post-partum anxiety that exhibits with crippling social anxiety whether due to a pre-existing condition making this presentation more likely or otherwise.
Thank you for this. I was convinced I had PPD for a few months until a lactation consultant was able to tell me I had D-MER. I’d love to see a video on D-MER if you get the chance, I think it’s not ever talked about and is really important that people know it’s a possibility.
This is amazing, thank you for bringing this up. I think this conversation is starting to open up which is great, but we also need to talk about post partum psychosis as unfortunately it can happen to any woman even if they haven't experienced psychosis before and it can be scary. If we open up the conversation we can empower new mothers and loved ones around them to spot the signs and get help early. I want new mothers to know that it isn't their fault and you're not a bad mum if this happens to you. There is help out there. ❤
So appreciate your matter of fact description and normalization of this condition. And as a therapist, I’m delighted to hear you describe the importance and benefit of therapy. Great video, thanks!
Hi! You've a gorgeous photo there! Just decided to stop by and say hi. I hope I get a thank you 🌹
I think it is really important to say and normalize that the non-birthing parent can be the one who gets PPD! My spouse got it and we didn’t think about that possibility (and also I was the one screened at the pediatrician, not them) and I didn’t realize what had happened until we did have to call a hotline. Once we recognized what it was, we started medication and therapy and it helped immensely. But it took some convincing from me for my spouse to believe that they could, in fact, be experiencing that! Things are amazing now, truly, and we are so grateful we got help. But if you are the non-birthing parent and you have these symptoms, you may have PPD!
For a second there I thought it was Monday and I somehow slept through the whole weekend and missed my first two classes. Looking forward to the more frequent upload schedule though lol
I think it is also important to mention that there is a condition called Post Partum Stress Disorder. I was diagnosed with that after a horrific birth experience. It’s similar to post traumatic stress disorder except obviously, relates to labour.
Such an important topic! The US needs to do better at compensating Social Workers and Therapists to create better access to everyone. As a Social Worker myself I see such high turn over due to burn out and financial strain of being in the field. This leads to long wait lists when referring clients.
Also, those who specialize in post partum depression/ anxiety are often private pay (Atleast in my area) further limiting access.
I’ve had one baby in Aussie, and one in NZ. Hands down having a midwife as an LMC made a difference. She was very aware of my moods, and even made me go take a shower and have something to eat during one of her visits. I still miss her
I had perinatal depression and post party depression for a long time like the entire first year.. I would just cry all the time
I had perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety that was a hellish 4 and a half years in many ways and yet… Goddamn I can’t imagine not doing it again to get him in my life and now I’m fighting my inner baby fever because I don’t know how I and my man can do this again.
When i was pregnant, i had high blood pressure, so couldn't get stressed at all... imagine what a high risk pregnancy did to my stress levels. So early C section...
My baby didn't wake up alone to eat, so we never sleep because he NEEDED it.
It was HORRIBLE, for months i was barely eatting, and even taking a shower was too much truble. I think i went though PPD, but in Argentina people think youre just lazy or a bad parent, so you just bear whith it the best you can "because us mothers, can do it all and perfectly on our own"
Thank MDJ for this video, I was screened routinely for ppd but not with the GAD7 anxiety assessment. I would score low on the depression scale but the anxiety was undetected until I took one myself. On zoloft now and feel SOO much better and wish I would have realized the problem sooner.
Currently have ppd, so glad I wasn't afraid to speak up. I'd hate to feel trapped like that and then scared to seek help. If you're struggling please tell some one 🥰
When I developed PPD I was too scared to tell anyone because I thought they would take my daughter. It got to an extreme where I started hallucinating during anxiety attacks and I didn't try to get help until the intrusive thoughts and ideations got to be too much. I lied on the screenings with my doctor. My husband didn't know how bad it was. All because of the stigma and worry of being deemed a terrible parent or being committed or both. I don't think it would have been so bad if I had known that kind of depression could explode after having a baby. Doing much better now, years later, sterilized, and medicated, but it's still an important topic people should not be so terrified to talk about. You aren't a bad mom for needing/getting help.
Thanks for making a video about this MDJ!
Our pediatrician and my OB both gave me an Edinburgh Depression screening at every appointment and it missed my Depression. The problem is that it says things like "I've been anxious for no good reason" or "I've been scared and panicky for no good reason." I had a traumatic birth with pelvic floor injuries so I marked no on those questions because I felt that I had a reason. But I definitely had symptoms of fairly severe PPA and some symptoms of postpartum PTSD.
Video suggestion: or at least answered in a Q&A. PostPartum Psychosis. And when it’s going past postpartum depression
Could do you a video on pelvic floor dysfunction, childbirth injuries (for the mother), Vulvodynia, bladder problems, etc?
So, what I'm hearing is.... BABY STEPS IS COMING BACK?!!
This was great info! Thanks doc!
I have had anxiety in the past. And after my baby I had symptoms of anxiety. But luckily I still can overcome all of them and deal with them in a healthy way. I think that having my husband, who is very helpful, makes a great difference. And having paid leave in my country definitely helps!
The times before when I had anxiety I was more alone and also lived without my family. I am glad that I notice the signals.
And still having a baby is hard, the hormones make me crazy sometimes. The sleep depreviation in the beginning was terrible and has a huge impact. Not being able to go anywhere without checking with my husband if he can be there for our son. It is amazing and difficult at the same time.
I felt that I lost myself (even without having depression or anxiety). So I have started therapy for that, and hope that it will help.
I must say from 6 months on it became better and better, and I actually look forward to when our son is a few years older.
I wish I had known more about postpartum psychosis before I gave birth. I'm at least the 3rd generation to suffer from it in my family and I still didn't understand what was happening to me or how to get help. I ended up having to wait weeks for an appointment with a psychiatrist and still had trouble getting medication from them because I was breastfeeding. I ended up taking care of an infant largely on my own for weeks when I should have been in a psych hospital because I was hallucinating and didn't believe I was taking care of a real baby. We survived but I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Tbh the one thing that gets me hesitant about getting pregnant is the risk of PPD+A. I've been told that I have a higher likelihood due to my bipolar and manic depression, and I've experienced episodes that still haunt me to this day. I've been stable for quite a while with the correct combo of medications that I can navigate through life semi-normally and safely with a reliable support group. I'm getting to that point in my life where I entertain the idea of having children, many of the people around me have babies and it's a life decision I've been seriously considering for a couple years now, but have avoided going further in talking with a doctor about it because the thought I could mentally ruin my child with potential (likely) PPD is so scary, even with the resources, not to mention the potential change in my medication. I don't think my maternal instincts can win out against my faulty brain chemistry...
I think the fear of seeking help has much to do with fear of having their kid taken away, especially if you already are diagnosed with a stigmatized mental disorder, and the idea that you are doing a lot of harm to your baby. I think therapy is a def must before and during pregnancy, whether you have those disorders or not, it's just a shame that at least here in the States it becomes so costly to even do that and it isn't a standard of care. Severity of PPD could be dealt with before birth.
I feel like there needs to be an extra level of screening for people who have family members with depression because i grew up with people feeling like that, and i truly just thought it was a normal way to feel. I did not realize that feeling miserable at all times wasnt normal
Hey, Mama: is nice to see that, in your NZ episodes, you look better rested. Keep it up!
Thank you for this topic! I am a doctor and psychotherapiest and the first thing I have done after finding out I was finally happily pregnant - booked my own psychotherapiest for a year:)
I feel like the only criticism I have about this video is that it's so short! This definitely needs to be talked about more
My youngest is 3, and when I had her I had what I assumed was ppd. I told my doctor, and she said I’ll be fine, I have a supportive husband so will manage. My baby’s pediatrician was the one who actually pointed it out, and recommended I see my doctor. It’s upsetting to think about now. I also think I went through it all over again after I weaned my baby from breastfeeding. But, I didn’t feel comfortable asking my doctor after what happened the first time.
I was scared to tell my doctors because my anxiety told me I’d lose my kid if I was going through insane intrusive thoughts 🥺
I wonder if you discuss the Andrea Yates case , as far as the postpartum psychosis which led to her doing what she did.
Add that sometimes the postpartum depressive episode just REALLY HEIGHTENS underlying depression. I went to a psychiatrist for ppd and ended up diagnosed with clinical depression... and a couple years later, still on meds, I feel so much better.
This topic is so important. I’m currently 8 months pp and now looking back I 100% had post partum anxiety and didn’t know it and so didn’t get any help. I filled out the same questionnaire at the pediatrician and my 6 week pp visit but I feel all the questions are geared toward PPD and not PPA. PPD is of course so real and needs to be talked about, but I think it’s a lot more well known than PPA. Because I passed the questionnaire each time I didn’t think I “had” anything. However I definitely did have PPA and it was really difficult. It wasn’t until I googled the symptoms I was having (intrusive thoughts) that I even realized it was a common symptom of PPA. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I still haven’t told anyone about it besides my husband because the thoughts were horrible and I didn’t want to be seen as a bad mom which I know is very common to feel. We definitely need more awareness!
I’d love to see you address the value of the doctor checking things like thyroid health in conjunction with PPMDs, please. Hypothyroidism was the cause of PPD and PPA in our daughter but wasn’t diagnosed until baby was seven months old, and it alerted us to how important bloodwork can be in this issue. Thank you!
Such an important topic. Unfortunately my great grandmother took her life due to postpartum depression, thankfully health care is much better now x
I have PTSD which manifests mostly as anxiety but sometimes depression and i am terrified about when i have a child that i will try to hurt them. The antidepressant I’m currently on isn’t safe for pregnancy so I’ll have to find another one when i get pregnant but luckily there is information like this out there to help prepare me and make me feel less alone
Thank you for addressing this. So important. I really wish that anyone who is pregnant and having symptoms of PPD/PPA had access to a reproductive psychiatrist. They exist but a lot are out of network for insurance. A specialist in this is super well versed in women's mental health and are more comfortable being more aggressive with treatment is needed as they are up to date on the most current data. I saw a reproductive psychiatrist while pregnant and even still now at 3 months PP. I have a preexisting mood disorder. She was really able to get me very stable before I delivered my daughter and I firmly believe if not for that I would be in really bad shape eight now. I had a traumatic delivery and started expending and increase in anxiety. Since I was already established in my plan of care it was really easy to do a minot tweak and it definitely improved. I strongly suggest anyone struggling not to feel self conscious or "weak" for asking for help. In fact it makes you super brave to reach out.
My and my husband are so anxious of this. We’re due soon. Thank you for educating us 💕
After I had my baby I was going through a lot on top of the extreme pain from tearing. I called my OB to tell them and they literally said "well, we can't help you with that", when I said I think Im having PPD issues.
I had really bad postpartum anxiety. I ended having a severe panic attack a couple months after my son was born from constant anxiety. I couldn’t bond with my son until he was about 6 months old because of how bad I felt, which made me feel worse, and from not being able to see him for 36 hours after birth. I’ve been in therapy and on medication for about 8 months now. Doing a ton better now.