Does breastfeeding make you depressed?

[Nettee]

Hi - I have a 7 month old and am breastfeeding as well as gving solids. Every so often I feel really miserable - thoughts of self harm etc - and I wonder could it be related to breastfeeding. Has anyone experienced depression when feeding that stopped after weaning from the breast?

You only get it when feeding?

i wonder if this might be related to your periods - if they might be coming back soon. did you have similar problems with PMT before you were PG? how long have you been feeling bad for? is it only since you started cutting down the feeding, and giving solids?
Are you taking the mini-pill or on any other progestogen based contraception as that can exacerbate depression?

just to add i think it would be worth speaking to your GP/HV (or practice nurse) - i.e. a sympathetic health professional about the way you are feeling.

No It isn't when I am actually feeding at all. Some days are worse than others and it is when I am driving or cooking etc ie when my mind is not engaged elsewhere. Not on any other hormones which is why I am suggesting the feeding. Maybe it is PND but I really think it is not that bad. Probably has been going on for a while - could be since I started cutting down on feeding not sure.

yes I got terrible PMT before I was pregnant - used to take evening primrose oil and vitamin B6 which helped - can you take them when breastfeeding?

Maybe should talk to someone but feel that I am only being silly and am not that bad really and would be wasting their time. Always had problems asking for help....

hi, i have had probs with depression and self harm in the past (not related to breastfeeding!) and would definitely recommend talking to someone
it won't go away on its own and there are people out there who want to help you if you just ask... i also find it hard talking to people and asking for help, but sometimes you just have to do it no matter how hard it seems

other than talking to someone, things that might help your mood are:-
eating healthily
avoiding caffeine
drinking plenty of water
exercise
getting a break from your baby

and imho better to ask for help unnecessarily than leave it until you are feeling absolutely dreadful before you ask.

Check if you can take vit b6 and magnesium, I did with dd and it was miraculous. I cant remember if I was breastfeeding though. She was about 18 months and dr diagnosed mild postnatal depression.

It is so lovely that three people have replied to my message within half and hour - thank you for your support and advice. I will see how I am feeling tomorrow - today was particularly low - and think about making an appointment with my GP.

check with the doc or a pharmacist about the EPO and Vit B6 when bfing.

Thoughts of selfharm are pretty serious, I think. I am glad you are making that appointment. Take care of yourself. You sound depressed.

definitely do it! just think... gp's deal with this every day and they do want to help you. Don't go on being miserable

Yep - definitely talk to your doctor or HV asap.

hi there - feeling much brighter today - have checked on the internet and it sounds like vit b6 and magnesium are fine for breastfeeders so i will give them a go - thanks for the tip Lucy. also been out with the dog for some exercise as per mummytosteven's suggestion. will see how i get on over the next few weeks - what would a gp say or do?????

a GP would either prescrivbe you anti depressants or refer you to a therapist of soem sort (or both) that may be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or a counsellor

tbh i do not much like the idea of GP's handing out ad's because i think in a LOT of cases there are underlying problems causing the depression which need to be sorted out first,
You have a right to a referral to a professional who you can talk to, and I would strongly recommend this. Please do ask if your GP doesn't offer it (which s/he shold)

in my experience i found that i ewas beter off getting my anti depressants prescribed by my psychiatrist because they work with them all the timne. they are up to date with what's what and which medications work for which specific problems.