St John's Wort for mild PND?

[nervousmum]

Been feeling increasingly overwhelmed with life in general, and the general consensus is that i have a mild case of PND (not yet confirmed with GP, but both DP and best friend are health professionals, and i have contacted my HV for a definative diagnosis). I am reluctant to go on antidepressants, but is there a case for St John's Wort? Incidentally, i am still breastfeeding.

Also, as my son is now 7 months old, and already takes 2 formula feeds from a bottle, i would be prepared to give up BF altogether if it meant i could feel better in myself. (and if i gave up BF, would i automatically feel better due to my hormones settling down, therefore not requiring pharmacological intervention anyway?) Any advice appreciated.

I was frightened to try ADs too. But someone on MN compared ADs to stabilisers, while you're getting used to riding a bike, and that's just how they worked for me. Just gave me some stability until I was fine on my own.
I was prescribed ADs that were fine while bfeeding.
But if you feel you'd like to give up bfeeding, if it's getting you down, don't pressurise yourself to continue... you've done 7mths, that's a very good innings.
Don't know anything about SJW, I'm sorry, but someone else may.
Good luck. I really hope you find that things get better from now on. Just finding out that something was 'up' made a huge difference to me.

Thanks BakedPotato. I've only let myself acknowledge the fact that there's something 'wrong' in the last few days, and whilst the initial admission was v painful (floods of tears on Saturday night), i'm feeling more hopeful already.

Anyone else?

no advice here either i;m afraid. just wanted you to know that i'm in just about exactly the same boat as you. ds is 7 months old and BF and i've just admitted to myself that i'm not feeling myself and am starting to get help.
i hope things get better for you. you've admitted it which is, IMO, one of the hardest parts!

I don't think you can take SJW whilst bfeeding - pretty sure of it. I take it now I've stopped and I think it does take the edge off things. Sure somebody will know more.

i vaguely remember reading somewhere that sjw is a no no while bf. It also can react with birth control either in pill form or implants, be careful there. We have a product in Australia called rescue remedy it is fantastic just to take the edge off those out of control feelings. Dont know if its available anywhere else. I too was diagnosed with mild pnd. Have also had years of on and off anxiety and have never felt that i could take ads. I find vitamin B complex works wonders for me, plenty of exercise and good food. Every one is different though. Good luck I hope you feel happier soon.

I've just self-prescribed SJW, but it's too soon as yet for me to give you an opinion yet but I will do. I read somewhere that they use it on the continent (Germany??) as a serious alternative to AD's, because in double-blind trials it proved effective for mild to moderate depression.

I was diagnosed with PND about six months ago but didn't want to take the Cipramil that was prescribed for me (long story) and have managed ok-ish thus far, but it's been a struggle. Finally decided to try SJW because I came off the Pill a couple of weeks ago and realised I could.

Thirdtime - is rescue remedy the Bach flower remedy? You can get it in most herbal/health food shops over here, and Boots. Never did anything for me but everyone's different, as you say. I find vit B useful, but too much gives me weird dreams!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and advice. I phoned the health visitor this morning, and she's coming out to see me next Tuesday, so hopefully i can start to get things sorted. NM x

SJW is banned in France. I don't know why. Could be worth looking into their reasoning though? What are the side effects? My dh seems to think that it might actually cause depression too.

Pretty sure you cannot take whilst bfing.

Like you I wondered if b/f was the reason for my depression i.e. hormones etc. It turns out it wasn't at all. If you don't want to stop, don't and do take ads as you can take these whilst b/f. Just thought I would make the point as it struck a cord and reminded me that I thought it was b/f that was causing my depression.

I found that in fact BF helped with my depression. I think it releases oxytocin into your system, which helps you feel relaxed and mellow - a nice antidote to all the depressive symptoms. I'm not saying it made me feel fantastic or anything, but it certainly didn't make me feel worse.

Mind you, lack of sleep made my depression MUCH worse, so I suppose it's swings and roundabouts.

I checked my bottle of SJW and it says you shouldn't take it when pregnant, so I would be cautious about taking it if you are BF. My GP prescribed Cipramil for me - because in low doses it's fine if you're breastfeeding. I didn't end up taking it, but it might be worth knowing there are options out there.

Oh and another thought - are you getting any time off or support? I didn't get any help for weeks (my DH was a bit pants really) and part of my depression was just complete 'stop the world I want to get off' as a reaction to the overwhelming responsibility 24 hours a day... If someone could give you a break you might be amazed at how much it helps.