Postpartum Depression - Baby, Pregnancy And Birth Forum

**Lily** · 01-29-07, 05:40 PM

Is there anything you can do during pregnancy to reduce your chances of postpartum depression, or is that something that is just completely beyond your control?

TheNanna · 02-01-07, 05:11 PM

Good question and a hard one to answer without tons of research.
I say a lot depends on the woman as all women are different. I never experienced it or if I did I wasn't aware of it.

**Lily** · 02-02-07, 03:14 PM

My mom said she thought that's what she had. But I don't think it was really bad. She never had the urge to kill me or anything. It does make you worry that it might be hereditary though. I guess I'll try to research it a little more.

babysaurus · 02-05-07, 08:19 AM

Brooke Shields wrote a book about her struggle with Post Partum Depression. It was called "Down Came The Rain". I haven't read it, but I know someone who has and she swears it's a wonderful book. It might give you a little insight from someone who's actually gone through it.

Dr. Cox · 02-11-07, 03:38 PM

I was reading an article talking about exercise reducing post partum depression. They even mentioned Brooke Shields in the article. After her last baby, she was doing yoga, taking spinning classes and hiking. The article did mention pre and post partum exercise, so it sounds like you should develop some sort of routine at the very beginning and follow through with it.

DCMerkle · 02-16-07, 11:58 AM

PPD can affect you in so many different ways as someone here has already said. I know that I bonded with my first baby right away. I guess that I didn't have time to be depressed. There were times when it just seemed all so overwhelming that I didn't know if I could do it. But two children and 22 years later I'm still here.

Having family support in place before the baby is born would seem to be the way to try and avoid it, if not, at least it helps lessen the load.

DCMerkle

loops · 03-06-07, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cox

I was reading an article talking about exercise reducing post partum depression. They even mentioned Brooke Shields in the article. After her last baby, she was doing yoga, taking spinning classes and hiking. The article did mention pre and post partum exercise, so it sounds like you should develop some sort of routine at the very beginning and follow through with it.

Ive also heard exercise helps decrease the risk of having post partum depression. Im no expert but thats what are doctor said. people should exercise anyway.

seekerladyblue · 03-07-07, 12:32 AM

Ever tried excersing when you're sleep deprived and depressed? Not as easy as it sounds.

seeker

GrannyVi · 03-12-07, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekerladyblue

Ever tried excersing when you're sleep deprived and depressed? Not as easy as it sounds.

seeker

Exercise?!?! Don't we get enough exercise taking care of a new baby? Up, down, lift the baby, carry the baby, bend over, squat down, walk with the baby, bounce the baby... most personal trainers couldn't keep up.

Mom2Twins · 03-14-07, 09:18 AM

Thankfully, this is not anything that I'll ever have to deal with. I just hope it's not a problem for our surrogate. I would hate to think someone that loving and giving was forced to go through an ordeal like postpartum depression.