Please welcome Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC, our host for Postpartum Depression Awareness with SmartMom! We are discussing emotional health today in this one hour live chat, so post your questions, comments, links, and motivational quotes below! 👇 #PostpartumDepression #emotionalhealth

Colleen O 4 likes

Welcome Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC! What does CNM and IBCLC mean?

Momma To K 4 likes

Welcome!

Maura W 8 likes

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect at least 1 in 5 women. In reality, it's probably more because women don't always recognize the signs of it and go untreated. It can happen anytime in the first year after giving birth and can also occur during major hormone shifts such as getting your first postpartum period or weaning from breastfeeding or pumping

Maura W 8 likes

CNM is certified nurse midwife and ibclc is internationally board certified lactation consultant.

Laura K 3 likes

Someone asked earlier this week if you have to have a newborn to have Postpartum Depression.

Mary @ 4 likes

Kaytee Jordan hey mama! You available to chat? Natashia:Cinderella and Jalen & Zylen's Mommy and MCW mama ! Come join us!

Maura W 5 likes

No! It can happen anytime in the first year, or sometimes even later if breastfeeding continues into toddlerhood. Some women get postpartum depression when big life changes happen such as returning to work.

Delete. 3 likes

Can birth control help elimate PPD?

Colleen O 2 likes

Wondering if eating your placenta actually helps in avoiding PPD... has anyone done it?

Maura W 4 likes

Birth control is hit or miss since everyone reacts different. While some women find it helps their mental and emotional state, others find the opposite. Sometimes it's a matter of playing with different methods.

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I had PPD I did go untreated. I have personal reasons on why I won't take medication... but my symptom was I felt no connection to my second child. I love her I do but I just didn't feel that connection or happiness with my second child. I was extremly happy and connected with my first but with my second it just wasn't the same. They did warn me if you have depression or family history you're more than likely to get PPD. I have depression/anxiety and my mom has bipolar depression.

Maura W 3 likes

As far as placenta encapsulation there hasn't been any good research done but my doula agency Chicago Birth & Baby has encapsulated hundreds of placentas and we've found that anecdotally many women say it really helps. It's hard to know why--whether it's hormones or a placebo effect or something else.

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So my daughter is starting to self wean and I've been depressed more for some reason. Is there a scientific reason on why this happens?

Maura W 4 likes

That's right about family history Ashley D so sorry to hear about your experience. Medication isn't the only option. Many women get notice improvement from counseling or even lifestyle modifications like getting more aleep, exercise, or lining up good support.

Donna N 4 likes

Ashley D thank you for sharing - it's one of those things that hearing experiences can really others identify their symptoms. Since you didn't take meds, what did you end up doing to cope?

Donna N 4 likes

Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC getting more sleep has to help, right?! If only!!!!

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Donna N. believe it or not yoga and journaling was the most that helped me. I would write in a journal every night. I also love homeopathic treatments. Lavender is very soothing. I actually grow my own lavender to harvest and make lavender lemonade. It instantly soothes me. It's just my daughter is starting to wean and for some reason my depression has spiked.

Maura W 1 like

Ashley D any hormone changes can contribute to depression. For some women it's very temporary and for others they have to be conscientious about making changes or getting help.

Maura W 0 likes

Donna N. I know!!! I have two kids myself. Never enough coffee!

Maura W 2 likes

Ashley D I know counseling or suppprt groups have really helped a lot of my clients. Even simple changes in routine like a 30 minute morning walk or an evening bath can immensely help your mental state. I think moms these days are so touched out from being the primary caregivers of little people. It's really not meant to be done alone.

Lou L 1 like

Welcome Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC! I'm already more enlightened by what you're saying - it seems like hormones are the BE ALL END ALL! Any natural ways to make sure your hormores are balanced (is that the right way to put it?)

Yesi 0 likes

Is it possible to have pp bipolar disorder. I feel like most of the time I was fine but other times I just couldn't handle every day life.

Colleen O 0 likes

I duno about you ladies, but I read about eating your placenta from Gwenyth Paltrow and I feel like I would do whatever she does 🙌 even if its placebo Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC, if it works it works! If it makes you look like Gwenyth, then im in 😂

Maura W 2 likes

Taking magnesium can be really helpful with some of the hormone shifts that occur during breastfeeding and over the course of the menstrual cycle. And magnesium in and of itself actually has a positive impact on mental state.

Momma E 2 likes

Hello! My son is almost 4 but I'm still struggling mentally. I believe I had PPD after he was born but never received help. Would you still treat my situation as PPD ?

Maura W 2 likes

Absolutely--mood disorders after pregnancy can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder. If you think you might be affected it's a good idea to consult your provider.

Luvn M 1 like

Sometimes when I hear a song I want to sob ... but I'm usually fine. Not pregnant and I have 10 yo,2yo,8 month old Sometimes I ingulf myself In house work to be antisocial.

Maura W 1 like

Victoria Emily yes, any depression in the first year. And honestly a lot of women notice it around 3-4 months as they have emerged from the newborn haze and are finally realizing something might be up, or they are returning to work.

Mary @ 1 like

Ashley D can I just say, YOU ARE AMAZING! Harvesting home grown lavender? WOW! 🦄🌈👏

Mary @ 0 likes

Victoria Emily maybe you can try journaling or yoga - looks like these have helped Ashley D in her experience with PPD

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It was my first time actually. I knew lavender worked because I went to a pow wow (Native American thing) and they had some and I was so relaxed. Luckily my friend gave me a lavender plant she already startedMary @ SmartMom so that made it easier on me. I also have peppermint for my acid reflux

Maura W 2 likes

Lavender is great! We diffuse lavender oil from time to time

Mary @ 1 like

Ashley D are you a mind reader too? I have acid reflux 😂😂😂

Kaytee Jo 1 like

I have a one week old and my doctor and I have been anticipating PPD as I had a severe case with my first born. This time around we've been going out for walks as a family every single day to try and help fight against it. However the anxiety of going out with two kids is still a lot. While I'm currently just forcing myself, it can be overwhelming while I'm out and I find myself just wanting to break down and cry. Can you suggest any good coping methods for in the moment?

Colleen O 1 like

Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC I actually posted this a few weeks ago on SM, but wondering if Maca Powder is a natural way to regulate hormones

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Peppermint is easy to grow but WILL overtake your garden so keep it in a big pot Mary @ SmartMom ahh no I'm not lol mine was just getting super bad and I got tired of taking Zantac so I decided to try peppermint.

Ty H 3 likes

What are the first steps if you feel like you are experiencing ppd? Talking with your primary?

Colleen O 3 likes

Kaytee Jordan how did I miss you having your baby?! Congratulations mama 🎉

Kaytee Jo 2 likes

Colleen OB thank you so much!!

Maura W 3 likes

Kaytee Jordan it's really normal to be overwhelmed at this stage of the game! You might be experiencing baby blues. The transition from one to two kids is tough. Give yourself some credit and be patient. Try to line up support from family and friends. My kids are 5 and 1 and there's still days where it's so stressful getting them out of the house I wonder if it's even worth it!

Maura W 2 likes

Not sure about maca root actually Colleen OB

Maura W 3 likes

Tylar H yes please call your doctor or midwife asap!!!

Lou L 2 likes

How do you help a friend that only recently, about a year after her baby was born, she tells you she had PPD? How did I not know?

Maura W 2 likes

It's so common for women not to share. Or some women just thinks it's part of having a baby (it shouldn't be!) Others don't even notice themselves. I would just be there for your friend if she has a baby again.

Lou L 1 like

Absolutely Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC thank you

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Lou Lou I would try to talk to her about it but don't force her to seek help. My SIL actually had bipolar PPD . She kept trying to seek help. I tried talking to my MIl and she insisisted she was seeking attention then she caught my SIL self harming. Some women are embarrassed or scared to be judged so they don't ask for help. I kept telling my SIL it's okay to ask for help and not to be ashamed.

Mary @ 4 likes

They call me mama I never thought about birth control being helpful for PPD, but I feel like the common thing in this discussion is that hormones are playing the villain here -- so if birth control affects hormones, maybe it could help. But I'm no expert and like Maura said, we just don't know. #hormones

Colleen O 3 likes

Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC no worries, none of our SmartMoms knew either! That's probably validation that it's not

Lou L 3 likes

Ashley D got it. I think its harsh to say something along the lines of "seek help" or you need to get help

Mary @ 2 likes

Lou Lou I totally agree. Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC do you have any suggestions for how to start the conversation of "you need help" without saying it offensively?

Delete. 4 likes

Mary @ SmartMom, I've never been diagnosed with PPD but I'm sure I have it, I haven't seen a doctor cause I don't want to go on anti depressants, so I've been doing things like journaling, eating better, working out and keeping myself busy, which was working good for me, but then I started back on the pill and I've noticed a big change (good change) and that's when it hit me, it would make sense if it does help, as its there to help balance out my hormones. But thanks ladies.

Laura K 5 likes

Mary @ SmartMom asked for quotes -- "Don't be ashamed of your story. It will inspire others."

Maggie J 3 likes

I suffered from PPD, PPA and pp PTSD. I'm frustrated that I don't feel like there's an open dialogue about these issues with providers and even simply between mothers. There's also such a misconception that PPD = pp psychosis. How can we change this?!

Maura W 3 likes

I think a good way to start it is just to first normalize and validate. Start with talking about how hard motherhood and the adjustment to motherhood is and share a personal story. Moms feel so much pressure to do it all and sometimes just need to know they don't have to and it's not realistic. Sometimes you can encourage someone to get help without labeling them as having depression. Coming from a place of genuine concern is likely to help a woman not feel offended.

Mary @ 3 likes

They call me mama that's awesome! 🙌 Definitely something worth sharing with our SmartMoms! Thanks mama!

Mary @ 2 likes

Maggie Joy Yes yes yes, a million times agreed. Hoping this particular open dialogue can be a start for our SmartMoms to feel like they can open up. I hope you feel comfortable discussing here too ❤️

Maura W 4 likes

Maggie Joy I think every mom that shares her story with friends and on social media can really make a difference!

Maura W 4 likes

I agree about lack of support from providers though. Doctors and midwives screen so intensely for things like gestational diabetes which affect only 1 in 20 women. Postpartum mood disorders are much more common yet are brushed aside. As a midwife I provide 3 in home postpartum visits in the first 6 weeks after delivery which helps me to detect any problems early on and sets up a rapport for women to feel comfortable reaching out later if problems come up down the road.

Lou L 2 likes

Jumping on the inspirational quote boat, literally just Googled "Instead is saying 'this too shall pass' to a mom who is clearly losing it, maybe we could make her dinner, babysit, or clean her house?"

Maggie J 1 like

Mary @ SmartMom my provider wrote the PPD diagnosis on my appointment summary, but didn't actually tell me. I noticed it later on when reviewing some forms. She kept telling me there was a hotline I could call...not helpful!

Donna N 2 likes

"Sometimes when I say 'I'm okay' I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me and say 'I know you're not.'"

Maura W 0 likes

Ugh sorry to hear that Maggie Joy

Maggie J 1 like

Mary @ SmartMom my favorite quote: "you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have"

Mary @ 2 likes

Maggie Joy That's bizarre! I feel like no one uses hotlines anymore... ugh, I'm sorry mama. Glad you have us to help you! We love our SmartMoms! ❤️

Mary @ 3 likes

Ladies, thank you so much for participating in our live chat. Big THANK YOU to our host Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC!!!! She's amazing, right?! Hopefully we can have her back to talk about her work as a midwife and lactation consultant. Follow her on social media at @ Fikamidwifery and @ ChicagoBirth&Baby

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Donna N. ues that quote. My anxiety is so bad that I make myself depressed like I don't even know why. And "I'm fine " is the biggest lie I always say. Sometimes I just need someone to sit me down and make me talk. Its amazing how much better I feel after just talking to someone (usually my husband)

Maura W 3 likes

Thanks for engaging everyone! I have to get going but feel free to reach out with any follow up questions.

Mary @ 3 likes

That concludes the live chat, but I will be posting a collective of resources that we generated today as well as the rest of our PPD Awareness month!

Kaytee Jo 1 like

Thanks so much for this Mary @ SmartMom and Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC 💕

Mama J 0 likes

Aw man :( I missed it

Mary @ 1 like

Jalen & Zylen's Mommy sorry mama!!!!

Faith D 0 likes

Maura Winkler, CNM IBCLC Does ppd have to be strictly when you don't feel a connection towards your child or can there be something else?!? I am not 100% sure if I have ppd...but I do feel a connection with my daughter. Granted it depends on the day,but ive never not felt connected to her...it's more in robot like and have no emotion anywhere else in my life. Is that a symptom of ppd?!! Or am I just normally depressed?