Terrible return of anxiety and depression now DS is weaning

[Ohnoredundo]

DS is EBF and we have started weaning him. He is 7 months and is on 3 small meals a day after starting the process around a month ago. I had TERRIBLE post natal anxiety which never reall entirely cleared up but I was coping. Now he's taking less from me I'm having an awful relapse - or so I'm presuming. Has anyone else gone through this? Any advice appreciated.

hi I have heard of problems when women stop BF completly - in a way though it doesn't matter what the cause is the important thing for you and your baby is to get help - have you seen your doctor?

Ohno really sorry to hear that you are suffering. I haven't got any experience of this but didn't want your post to go unanswered.

Just had some thoughts that may help, are you feeding DS an hour before offering solids? This is recommended until they are one and for you, it might make sure he is still taking plenty of milk, so you have more happy hormones.

Are you getting any RL support? Have you spoken to another Mum on the APNI helpline? There is some info here that may help too.

Is your GP supporting you too Ohno? If your GP suggests drugs the BFN Drug Helpline will be able to talk to you about bfing and antidepressants, their number is here.

HTH

x-posted with Another [hsmile]

How are you getting on now Ohno? Did you manage to read any of the links?

You are so kind to have followed up and checked on me. Truth be told I'm terrible. I feel like I'm trapped in a terrible nightmare that won't end. I have got so much RL support but none of it seems to be helping and I just can't bring myself to go on the anti Ds. I just feel it will be another thing that I'm not in control of.

That is a really good tip re. feeding an hour before solids and I'm going to give it a go. I just find it quite mind-blowing that we are that much of a slave to our hormones. Life isn't really making any sense right now - in fact it hasn't done since the birth of DS: it's just been different levels of shitness.

Sorry for the erratic post - just needed to vent. X

just to check you are in touch with health care proffesionals since things have got worse?

• I had awful anxiety pre-natally - also could bring myself to take AD - although I have to say have at other points and they really really helped - and some are very safe with BF

what shifted things for me was some CBT - has anyone offered you that?

Ohno agree with AnOther about the CBT, have you been offered that along with the ADs?

Like I mentioned before I haven't got any experience of PND but do have an experience of depression linked with a failed pregnancy.

Agree with AnOther that CBT along witht he ADs, or just CBT may be the way the way to get you out of this depression.

"I just find it quite mind-blowing that we are that much of a slave to our hormones" "Truth be told I'm terrible. I feel like I'm trapped in a terrible nightmare that won't end. I have got so much RL support but none of it seems to be helping and I just can't bring myself to go on the anti Ds. I just feel it will be another thing that I'm not in control of"

For me I looked on it this way, I was in depression and that was linked to my hormones but taking the ADs and having a course of ADs put me back in control, not the hormones. You may only need the ADs for a few months too and like AnOther says there are lots of ADs that you can take while bfing, I carried on bfing DS while taking them.

Really hope you start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel soon. If it was me I would get an appointment at the GPs tomorrow to talk through how you feel and what your options are, it may be best to ask for a double appointment so that neither you or your GP feels rushed, is there someone that could make the appointment for you? Then phone the APNI helpline tomorrow, they are open between 10 am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

How are you getting on now, are things improving at all for you? Have you tried feeding an hour before offering solids and is it working?