Postpartum Depression/Anxiety?

[FLuwrchLd]

Hi all, I havent had an official diagnosis from a doctor, I am going to see my OB thursday but I had a beautiful baby boy 3 months ago, after a tough process. I had an emerngency C-Section, after having pre-eclampsia and blood pressure of 185/103. Anyhow, I am all of a sudden having problems falling asleep at night, and just feeling all together awfully negative and emotional about myself. I just cant get out of this "slump" since I am now a stay at home mom, which is very hard!

Anyhow, does anyone know if a raw food diet can help?
Thanks for any advice :)

[Zoocrew10]

congrats on the wee baby, mama! As far as the raw diet, I can't personally say because I was on a SAD diet for my bio six babies. having BTDT though with PPD, I can say that getting up and walking when you can, will greatly help your mood. If you dont' already have one, I'd strongly suggest a baby carrier - any will do, but my personal favorite is the Mei Tai - you can wear the baby front facing when they are small and on your back when they become bigger - lots of versatility and they are very comfortable - that way you can take your babe WITH you when you walk! ;)

[Raw Angel Mom]

Good for you for having the courage to post and talk about this.

Give yourself permission to be selfish, meaning sleep as much as you can even though it means 5 min now and there. Don't be afraid to ask for help if available to you.

Consider to include green smoothie in your diet, they are rich in minerals and will help with your hormones.

I hope you find the perfect help you need.

All those negatives thoughts that pup up once in a while, just talk back and tell them, "i DON'T think so". Know they aren't yours ever.

You are a good mother and don't ever doubt this. You will get the help you need, i pray for you and your little baby boy.

p.s I was literally burnt out physically and especially when i went back to work full time. Raw food literally saved me. It was green smoothies that got me back on track and one month later i was 100% raw. I still provide the milk to my daughter and she is 3 year 1/2. I never thought i could do that and raw food is what helped me to do this. It looks more over complicated that it is. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, raw food is so much easier then cook food. It demands planning for raw gourmet but not for the food that normally eat now. If you could just add some green smoothie in your diet, you will feel a major shift.

[ShantiLove]

Congratiolation :D
What everyone have said so far plus: load up on the fatty acids, vitamines and minerals.
Lots of fruits and vegies specialy dark leafy greens. Green smoothies or juice would be great.
Flax seed oil for good omega 3s or maby even better hempseed oil because of the GLA and omega 3. (virgin coldpressed oils, keept on cool)
A good vitamine/mineral suppliment (natural one).
Probiotics. (udos is great)
E3 live or Crystal Mana, There is also Blue Mana wich is good for the mind (depression a.s.o.).
And ofcourse a general raw food diet, or as much raw as you can in your diet.
I was heavely depleade in nutriens when I got my daughter so I know how important that is for mom feeling good ;-)

As much sleep as you can, nursing, lot of physical contact with the little one. Do things you enjoy. A sling or carrier will make you life so much easyer and free. Go for nice walks in nature and spend time with good friends.

I hope you feel good really soon :)

[FLuwrchLd]

Thanks so much ladies, I will definitely up the green smoothies and check out the other ideas too :)

[Dimond]

Brain/depression foods, herbs & supplements:
High doses of Omega-3s
High doses of Magnesium-the form varies for each person
St. John's Wort
Sam-E
Phenylethylamine (such as E3Live BrainOn)
Maca
Cacao
Quality green food powder such as Vitamineral Green
Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Ginseng
Phosphotidyl Serine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid
Spinach, Garlic, Kale, blueberries, blackberries, Strawberries, raspberries, prunes, raisins, cranberries
Hemp Seeds, DHA Omega-3, Flaxseeds/Oil, Olive Oil, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds
Avocados, Bananas, Romaine, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, Collard Greens, legumes, oatmeal, Oranges, peas, potatoes, wheat germ
Choline (B vitamin), Folic acid, Rosemary
Vinpocetine-extract, derived from Periwinkle plant
Huperzine A

[Raw Angel Mom]

VITAMIN D and B12

Also is so important!

[asecretchord]

Not sure how raw can help, but I know what you're going through. Went through the same thing after my son was born. Unfortunately, I had to quit nursing and be put on meds. It was difficult. Hope you don't have to do that. Hang in there. It will get better!

[Colorawdo girl]

Awwwww thinking of you today. Hope you and baby are well. It will be ok, it will..lv

[Coolexplosion]

Postpartum depression's cause is very simple. During pregnancy, especially during the last couple months, progesterone levels are at exorbitant amounts. This makes the expectant mother appear to have that "glow." Directly after the pregnancy, progesterone levels fall to almost zero from their peak levels. A good example is a roller coaster ride. Levels are highest while one is at the top, but after the baby is delivered, they fall sharply, just like a roller coaster drop. While the depression doesn't strike all new mothers, it does hit others very hard.

My suggestion is to try a good progesterone cream. This should raise your progesterone levels to re-balance the estrogen/progesterone hormones. The doctor, if he is one of the Allopathic persuasion, will likely prescribe an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor) to "cure" you. I recently wrote a paper on the dangers of those drugs, but I won't go into them. I suggest trying to cream and letting time heal. The body, especially while on raw, tends to fix itself.

EDIT: Dimond presented an excellent list.


~ Josh