As I was scrolling through my Instagram yesterday, I came across a post about the use of prescription medication for depression among women in their reproductive years. I just really feel like it is something I need to talk about. I want to share my person thoughts, opinions, and experience with depression, anxiety, and prescription medication. Read more...
Here's a little back story for those who don't know me: I am the mother of 5 beautiful daughters. They are between the ages of 23 and 5 years old. I am a mother who suffered from postpartum depression following the birth of each of my children. I still suffer from anxiety. I talk openly and honestly with my placenta clients about my depression and anxiety. I also talk about my use of prescription medication, placenta remedies, and other natural remedies as well.
What may surprise some people is that I am a huge advocate for using placenta encapsulation and placenta remedies to support your postpartum recovery. I am also a supporter of the use of prescription medication and counseling for postpartum depression and anxiety.
The number one reason most people look into placenta encapsulation is its ability to ward off the Baby Blue's. While it does help, and why so many swear by placenta encapsulation, it is not a fix-all or a magic pill! There are times when more support is needed, and IT'S OKAY!
With the birth of my three oldest daughters, who are all now in their early 20s, I suffered in silence! There was no support from my medical providers or medication given. Doctors simply told me to brush it off and that I would feel better.
Well, that was a joke if I have ever heard one. There is no simple way to brush off your hormones, which can be a vast contributor to baby blues and PPD in the early weeks - months of the postpartum period.
If you are unfamiliar with placenta encapsulation and how it works to help, let me explain. There is a list of all these hormones your placenta creates while you are pregnant to support your baby's growth. However, when you give birth to your baby and placenta, these hormones stop. In the 72 hours following birth, these hormones
leave your bloodstream entirely. Which can lead to a lot of people starting to feel very emotional and overwhelmed. It takes time for your body to self-regulate your hormones, sometimes longer if breastfeeding. That is where your placenta capsules can help. The placenta capsules replace some of the lost hormones, helping you support your body while your system starts to regulate your hormones on its own again. However, sometimes more is needed, and you must seek more support. IT'S OKAY!
Do I have to stop taking my placenta capsules if I start prescription medication? No, you do not have to stop your capsules if you start a medication for PPD or PPA. Placenta capsules serve many other benefits to you during your postpartum. I still personally use a placenta tincture along with my prescription medication (Prozac) along with CBD and other supplements. These are all things you can research or discuss with your care provider.
If you are pregnant and worried about postpartum depression, or someone who thinks you may be suffering from postpartum depression. There is support out there to help you deal with these issues. We need to talk and support our birthing community. No one should suffer in silence or feel ashamed for needing support.
It's okay if your serotonin comes from a medicine bottle!