Post-partum depression.

Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 13:56:00 CST
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Mickie Erickson <Mickie.DECISIONSYS.COM>
Subject: Post-Partum Depression question

I am early in my second pregnancy, and I was wondering if anyone knew anything that I could do this time during my pregnancy or after the birth to avoid PPD. I'm going to have a two year old running around this time and I really can't afford to sit around in a semi-comatose state for two months.

From: Maria Minno <afn10853.AFN.ORG>

Dear Mickie,

I don't know about you, but Vitamin B's and Calcium/Mg/K make an enormous difference for me.
Also, having good friends or family nearby and accessible, who can help with all that work, admire your children, and love you.

From: Hector Solorzano del Rio <hsolorza.UDGSERV.CENCAR.UDG.MX>

>I am early in my second pregnancy, and I was wondering if anyone knew

Postpartum depression is due to a excess in copper levels.
You should have nutritional profile, where most likely you will find that you have a low level of zinc.
Zinc can be taken in tablets 50 mg twice a day.
You should also take Vitamin B-6 100 mg three times a day for some weeks

From: Dawn Finney <finney.INDY.RADIOLOGY.UIOWA.EDU>

>I am early in my second pregnancy, and I was wondering if anyone knew

Not knowing your method of feeding your first child, I highly suggest breastfeeding as not only the best food for your new baby, but as a way to relieve or avoid post-partum depression. (One of the many perks of breastfeeding.) When a woman breastfeeds, a hormone is released (and its's either oxytocin or prolactin which does this --shame on me for not knowing which one,) that acts as an antidepressant. It's calming and sort of euphoric, (very much not only the milk is flowing but feelings of love too). It's nature's way of stimulating the bonding process between mother and child, as well as regulating the hormonal fluctuations that occur after birth.

Best of luck and congratulations to you,

Dawn