Depression is increasingly affecting all segments of the population, and pregnant and breastfeeding moms are no exception. Interestingly, breastfeeding moms experience fewer episodes of depression and less severity, partly due to the increased levels of the “feel good” hormones that play a major role in lactation. Antidepressant medication may be called for but most women would want to exhaust other treatments first. Some antidepressant medications are contraindicated for these moms. (The best resource I can recommend to find out if a medicine your Doctor recommends is safe for your nursing infant is Medications and Mother’s Milk by Dr. Thomas Hale.) Not only is that a concern, but the side effects of these medications are sometimes as difficult to endure as the depression itself. Here are a few treatment ideas that moms can safely try on their own or with the help of a trusted health care practitioner.
* Exercise has been proven to be just as effective for mild to moderate depression as antidepressant medication or therapy. Engaging in exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s feel good
hormones. The difficult part about this treatment is getting the depressed person to exercise, so a partner might be necessary to help the person have accountability.
* Omega 3s fatty acids are showing promise in studies as a natural remedy for depression, especially among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Omega 3 fatty acids inhibit inflammation, which can play a role in postpartum depression. While you can obtain Omega 3′s from food, supplementation is convenient and inexpensive.
* Sunlight is absolutely essential for good health and good mood. Instead of thinking of the sun as something to be avoided, the sun can be a treatment especially if you have a mood disorder and are
sensitive to light deprivation. If you feel blue on rainy days or in the wintertime, you might benefit from increasing your sun exposure. While it’s easy enough to simply spend time out of doors in nature,
you might need to invest in a lightbox to use during the winter that will expose you to light that mimics the sun’s rays. Sometimes insurance companies will reimburse you for these products if you can get a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Talk with your Doctor.
* Nutrition – Food plays a powerful role in our mood. For instance, eating spicy foods causes the body to release endorphins. On the other hand, consuming white flour products and sugar cause blood sugar
imbalances that can lead to chronic mood swings. If you think your diet may be contributing to your depression, try eating a high protein diet with frequent small meals that focus on whole foods. Snack
frequently, as much as every 3 hours to keep your blood sugar stable. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they release adrenaline into the blood stream and in some individuals, can lead to feelings of anxiety and panic.
It’s certainly worth exhausting these options before considering expensive, potentially dangerous medications. Talk with a health care provider you trust about your feelings and see if you can work out a plan of action that will help you feel happier again.
About the Author: Carrie Lauth is a mom of 4 and a retired breastfeeding counselor who writes about natural mothering topics on her blog. For more breastfeeding tips and advice, visit The Happy Breastfeeder.
For more information about depression, please see our special section about Moms & Depression.
