Hi, Im struggling at the moment and i wanted to know what alternative solutions are out there as i know when i speak to my doctor today she will want to put me on antidepressants.
xx
Small Steps Pandas Support Group
Hello Caroline, Happy New Year to you to 🙂
PANDAS was founded in 2011 by Rachael and Stuart Dobson. They wanted to offer free advice via email or telephone to all those effected by pre and postnatal depression. They have support groups throughout the uk and i run a support group via them called small steps.
Im giving a talk to the Family Resource Team at my local childrens center.
I feel so positive about the support group.:)
I know it's not a popular idea here, but both my sister and my sister-in-law slept with their babies. That way, for the night feeds, they never totally woke up, just fed and went back to sleep.
Because my brother and my sister-in-law were in the UK and had panic-stricken health visitors, my brother slept seperately. Because my sister and my brother-in-law were in China, where co-sleeping is still common, my brother-in-law slept with my sister and the baby (in fact, with four babies, all told). I think the disaproval here is largely moral panic, rather than safety. So long as no alcohol or drugs (including prescribed drugs) are involved, adults are very aware if they roll towards a baby in their sleep.
It helps with both energy levels (because sleep is less disturbed) and with bonding, and has been common throughout human history.
That I agree, sleeping with your baby is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give to your baby. Its very rare for a mother to roll over towords her baby in her sleep. It makes them feel protected and hence they tend to sleep for longer hours. Your warmth and your presence does so much more that you can ever imagine.
Speak to your GP or health visitor as soon as possible if you think you might have postnatal depression.
With appropriate treatment and support, most women make a full recovery, although it can take time.
The three main types of treatment are self-help strategies, therapy and medication, which are all described in more detail below. Talk to your GP about the pros and cons of different treatments so you can decide together what’s best for you.
Your GP might also want to check your physical health to see if there are any problems that may need to be addressed as well. For instance, you may be anaemic after having given birth and that could add to any feelings of depression you might have.