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mamaslearning
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| Posted: Sept 13 2010 at 5:30pm | IP Logged
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I am due anyday now, and I'm beginning to think about how to care for myself post-partum. I am currently experiencing panic/anxiety attacks (with these last two pregnancies) and while I can control them enough to get me through labor, I want to increase my chances of healing post-partum.
Typically, the attacks lesson drastically after birth which leads me to believe they are hormonal or nutrionally based. My question is how do I find out what causes these? Do I see a medical doctor or alternative doctor? Will supplements like Vit. B, calcium, magnesium hurt me and who do I consult with before I take them?
I leary about taking supplements because I react strongly to medications and I'm not sure how I would react to supplements. I currently take a good prenatal (rainbow light brand) and I have used flower essences (Rescue Remedy) without adverse effects. Usually, if something works on the central nervous system it hits me hard. I tried Zoloft after years of contemplation (doctor suggested it for S.A.D) recently to try and help with the extreme anxiety and it landed me in the hospital with a bad reaction to the lowest dose.
I'd love to heal my body because I truly think I am nutrionally deficient after 6-1/2 years of pregnancies and non-stop nursing, and I want to replenish my body as I begin nursing my newest baby.
Any suggestions on where to research, books, or types of doctors or other professionals is greatly appreciated. I do have the WAP book, so I'm kind of aware of whole food, natural eating, but I need some reminders.
Thanks a bunch!
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Lara
DD 11, DS 8, DS 6, DS 4
St. Francis de Sales Homeschool
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Sanveann
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| Posted: Sept 14 2010 at 2:20pm | IP Logged
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I've had Kava suggested as good for anxiety before. It didn't do a ton for me, unfortunately.
Personally, Lexapro (and, when I was nursing or pregnant, Prozac) was the only thing that worked for me (I have OCD and also suffer from depression occasionally), but if you've had a bad reaction to a previous SSRI, I can see how you'd be reluctant! Did you see a psychiatrist or just a GP? If you do want to try another med, now or sometime down the road, I've found that psychiatrists are usually a lot better than family doctors at finding the best meds.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Sept 14 2010 at 2:27pm | IP Logged
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Lara I would suggest seeing if you can get ahold of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Balch - link is to newest addition due out Oct 5
It can answer so many of your questions.. things about optimal nutrition and which supplements have a maximum dose and which supplements need others for your body to absorb them.
As well as suggestions for specific ailments that include supplements, nutrition and herbs.
You might also consider epsom salt in your bathwater.. start with 2 cups and work up to about 4 cups is what I've heard.. don't use soaps while soaking and soak for at least 20 min. (and of course watch the heat if you're pregnant) that if your body is low on sulfation this can help and if it is low that you need to get your sulfation up for your body to properly use everything else.. nutrition from foods or supplements or such. If you're really low, at first the bath can make you feel worse.. so you might drop the amount of epsom salts and raise it more gradually.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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LucyP
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| Posted: Sept 15 2010 at 11:30am | IP Logged
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I've never been pregnant but have been tortured by anxiety and panic attacks. And what has "fixed me" was some relaxation/meditation/hypnotism CDs. In just a few days I am already doing many things like a normal person again and feel I will soon be fully well again. Maybe that could help while you are figuring out an underlying cause for you?
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stellamaris
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| Posted: Sept 15 2010 at 8:36pm | IP Logged
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Omega 3 essential oils (EPA and DHA) have shown promise in medical testing for treating anxiety and depression both. Omegabrite is one recommended product The book The Omega3 Connection is a good source of information. I believe it is OP, but your library may have it. EPA and DHA are also critical for the development of the brain and for visual acuity in the baby, and are depleted from the mother during pregnancy. I'd ask my midwife or OB about proper dosage during pregnancy. Praying for peace of heart for you and a safe and healthy delivery.
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In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to  dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
Flowing Streams
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Maggie
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| Posted: Sept 15 2010 at 10:06pm | IP Logged
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You may want to get in contact with the Pope Paul VI Institute. Among working with women regarding fertility issues, they do a ton with mothers post-partum (myself included).
What you are describing is classic progesterone withdrawal. Essentially, your body is a progesterone factory while pregnant, and then after birth, your levels drop so dramatically, that it can affect you tremendously. Some women are affected more than others. I feel this change acutely.
They use only natural, bio-identical progesterone--not synthetic--which is very important to note.
I have NEVER been charged for talking with the nurses, etc. Only for paying for progesterone. :) It is part of their non-profit outreach. They are amazing and have tremendous results. I know they have other things they recommend, too...
You may want to call them before you give birth and ask to speak to a nurse. Describe what your concerns are and see if they can help. I am sure they can.
1-402-390-6600
Everything is done within the framework of the Magisterium--which we LOVE...and they have such success with post partum care as well as care for infertile couples.
Hope you can contact them!!
PM with any questions. 
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Wife to dh (12 years) Mama to dd (10) ds (8), dd (1), ds (nb) and to Philip Mary (5/26/09), Lucy Joy (12/6/09), and Margaret Mary (3/6/10) who entered Heaven before we had a chance to hold them.
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mamaslearning
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| Posted: Sept 21 2010 at 2:25pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for all the suggestions and links. I'm printing this out to have on hand as I start devising a recovery plan. The first winter postpartum is always so difficult (I suffer from SAD) and I am going to try very hard to get through this one without the months of crying and depression.
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Lara
DD 11, DS 8, DS 6, DS 4
St. Francis de Sales Homeschool
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JaysFamily
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| Posted: Sept 21 2010 at 6:08pm | IP Logged
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Fish oil, fish oil, fish oil!!! It is medically proven to reduce depression and anxiety. I take cod liver oil (it's not a fishy tasting as the salmon based oils) and I can tell by my mood when I've been forgetting to take it.
Mayo clinic article
Rescue Remedy and Distress Remedy are other popular herbal anxiety medications. You just have to watch for excessive sleepiness in both you and baby.
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Jaysfamily
wife to Jay
mother to DS(5)
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Vanna
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| Posted: Sept 24 2010 at 1:39pm | IP Logged
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I wanted to say that Kava Kava has been proved to cause some liver damage after long term use. So use with caution.
I take Flax and Fish oils. They do help but if you need more help, do not be afraid to ask your doctor.
((hugs))
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Wife to K  Mommy to B (ds18) and G (ds8)
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Anxiety/Panic - Vitamins and other herbal
