Posts in the ‘Blog’ Category
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Fresno, CA (KFSN) — It’s the most common complication of pregnancy. Between 10 and 20 percent of new moms struggle with the condition that causes extreme anxiety, sleepless nights and disturbing thoughts. Now, doctors are trying to stop the symptoms before the baby is even born.
After her daughter Alexis was born, just heating up leftovers was too much for Gina Adkins to handle.
“I couldn’t function,” Adkins told Ivanhoe. “I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I lost a tremendous amount of weight.”
A new blood test could have warned Adkins of her risk during pregnancy. Researchers found women with elevated levels of the hormone pCRH at 25 weeks had a higher risk of postpartum depression.
“It’s almost like an amnio,” Adkins described. “Women want to find out if their child has Down syndrome or if they’re having a boy or a girl. This is just as important.”
Doctors can then intervene earlier and prescribe meds during pregnancy.
Former beauty queen and new mom Lauren Machos handles the stage with ease, but her postpartum depression became overwhelming.
Read on…
Tags: depression, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd
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Sunday, January 10th, 2010
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services wants residents to know that help is available for women in Middlesex County who are suffering with perinatal mood disorders (PMD).
Most new mothers (up to 80 percent) experience at least a brief episode of the “baby blues” — feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness or moodiness — within the first few days of giving birth. After a few weeks these symptoms typically disappear. When symptoms persist or deepen in intensity, however, they may be signs of postpartum depression or another perinatal mood disorder such as anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorders and postpartum depression. The depression may be mild, moderate or severe.
PMD are serious but treatable. Having PMD does not mean anything is wrong with a woman’s ability to be a mother.
PMD affect one in every 8-10 women. Any woman who has recently had a baby, ended a pregnancy, or who has stopped breastfeeding can be affected.
Read on…
Tags: depression, perinatal, perinatal mood disorders, pmd, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd, pregnancy
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Saturday, January 9th, 2010
BRUNSWICK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) – Postpartum depression affects approximately one in eight women, but psychiatrists believe most women don’t seek out the treatment they need. As a result, the Maine Association of Psychiatric Physicians is using a grant from the American Psychiatric Association to educate both health care providers and women about the signs of postpartum depression and how it can be treated.
Many women experience the so-called “baby blues” and the symptoms are similar to those of postpartum depression. Women can feel sad, anxious, have trouble concentrating or sleeping and feel more emotional. However, when those issues do not resolve themselves within one to two weeks, a woman may be suffering from postpartum depression.
Read on…
Tags: depression, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd
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Friday, January 8th, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Easier said than done, especially if you have a baby who does not sleep through the night. Sleep deprivation can rob mothers of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone vital to the regulation of circadian rhythms, and it can reduce serotonin. Low levels of either of these brain chemicals may cause depression, anxiety, and other negative feelings. Finding a sleep schedule that works for you and your baby is the best advice. One strategy is to nap when your baby naps. This is wishful thinking for many moms, but explain to family and friends how important sleep is to PPD recovery. Solicit help with child care or chores whenever you can. If you are at the breaking point of requiring medication to sleep (or you want to avoid getting to that point), and want to try a natural option first, Dr. Bennett suggests getting a pair of low blue light glasses at http://www.lowbluelights.com/. In the spectrum of light, blue light suppresses melatonin and keeps you awake. These special lenses are designed to block out 95 percent of blue light. Wearing them two to three hours before bed can start the flow of natural melatonin in the brain.
Remember: you will get well, and you will be happy again. Take the necessary steps to nurture yourself.”
Be sure to order your copy of Eating for Pregnancy today!!
For endless resources and tips for surviving and thriving depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression, be sure to check out Postpartum Depression for Dummies and Pregnant on Prozac.
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd, sleep, sleep deprivation
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Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Exercise is an important part of any PPD recovery plan. One of the best reasons to exercise is that it elevates serotonin and dopamine, and it releases endorphins, or happy hormones. Ironically, during a bout of depression, when you need those happy chemicals, getting exercise can be extremely difficult. Go easy, and remember your body is still recovering. Dr. Bennett suggests doing whatever you can. If all you can do is walk from the living room to the kitchen on a given day, fine. If you can walk outside only far enough to get your mail, that’s okay. It may be hard to imagine being this paralyzed by depression, but some women are. Here are some tips to help you start exercising after your doctor gives you clearance:
- Take lots of breaks, and don’t push yourself too hard. If a woman is experiencing a panic disorder, she should avoid overly strenuous exercise because it may cause an adrenaline surge, which could spark a panic attack.
- Yoga is an excellent stress reducer, though ‘hot yoga’ is best avoided.
- Oxygen therapy, in the form of deep breathing, is helpful for clearing brain fog.”
Dr. Bennett suggests a wonderful secret training program in Eating for Pregnancy. This training program stands out from all the rest, and the research backs it up. Best yet, it only requires a few minutes a day, and no equipment or traveling to a class. Find out this secret on page 389 of Eating for Pregnancy.
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, exercise, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Exercise is an important part of any PPD recovery plan. One of the best reasons to exercise is that it elevates serotonin and dopamine, and it releases endorphins, or happy hormones. Ironically, during a bout of depression, when you need those happy chemicals, getting exercise can be extremely difficult. Go easy, and remember your body is still recovering. Dr. Bennett suggests doing whatever you can. If all you can do is walk from the living room to the kitchen on a given day, fine. If you can walk outside only far enough to get your mail, that’s okay. It may be hard to imagine being this paralyzed by depression, but some women are. Here are some tips to help you start exercising after your doctor gives you clearance:
- Try to take a walk outside every day; 10 minutes is a good start.
- Even if you don’t exercise, do some body stretches that can help relieve tension and stress.
- If you can’t get to a gym or join an exercise group, work out in your home using the Exercise Menu or a video.
- Stay well hydrated. “
Visit page 409 of Eating for Pregnancy to read about the Exercise Menu.
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, exercise, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd
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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Dr. Bennett closely follows the extensive research being done on nutrition and other ways of preventing the onset and treating the symptoms of PPD. Following are her words of wisdom on optimal nutrition. If you are interested in trying the simple system she personally uses and recommends to her pregnant and postpartum clients, feel free to contact her at DrShosh.com.
- Eat foods high in folic acid. Studies show that 15 to 38 percent of adults with depressive disorders have low levels of B vitamins, including folic acid. Raising daily folic acid intake to at least 600 micrograms has been associated with increased energy and mental clarity. This B vitamin is also believes to enhance the effects of antidepressant medications.
- Stay well hydrated with water – aim for at least 8 glasses a day – particularly when exercising or if you suffer from panic attacks. Dehydration can exacerbate anxiety.
- Try to avoid caffeine; it won’t aggravate depression, but may increase anxiety.
- Avoid alcohol, which is a depressant. “
Visit page 141 of Eating for Pregnancy for Folic Acid Sources.
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd
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Monday, January 4th, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Dr. Bennett closely follows the extensive research being done on nutrition and other ways of preventing the onset and treating the symptoms of PPD. Following are her words of wisdom on optimal nutrition. If you are interested in trying the simple system she personally uses and recommends to her pregnant and postpartum clients, feel free to contact her at DrShosh.com.
- Get plenty of serotonin-raising DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids (3,000 milligrams is usually prescribed) from fish or supplements. DHA and EPA omega-3’s are proven to alleviate all kinds of depression, not just PPD. If you are breastfeeding, they are critical for your baby’s brain development too.
- Make sure you are getting sufficient B12, at least 2.8 milligrams per day, which is needed to convert amino acids into serotonin and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters linked to depression and low energy. Animal products, fortified breakfast cereals, and brewer’s yeast are good sources.
- Consume B6 from poultry, fish, eggs, whole grains, and nuts, and thiamine from whole grain, brewer’s yeast, lean pork, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Among other things, both of these B vitamins help conduct the neurotransmitters responsible for balancing your moods.
- Adequate vitamin D from the sun can help alleviate feelings of depression.”
Visit pages 10-14 of Eating for Pregnancy for sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Dr. Bennett closely follows the extensive research being done on nutrition and other ways of preventing the onset and treating the symptoms of PPD. Following are her words of wisdom on optimal nutrition. If you are interested in trying the simple system she personally uses and recommends to her pregnant and postpartum clients, feel free to contact her at DrShosh.com.
- Eat complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These slow-releasing sugars are the type your brain likes, especially if it is struggling with depression.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates as much as possible. A box of chocolates may be fleetingly pleasurable, but the sugar high and crash that follow will send your blood sugar levels and emotions into a tailspin. Keep these foods out of teh house. If you want a cookie, buy a single, delicious cookie, not a whole bag.
- Ward off sugar cravings with ample chromium, about 45 micrograms per day. It is found in meat, poultry, broccoli, spinach, romaine lettuce, peanuts, potatoes, whole grains and apples. Chromium helps stabilize serotonin, a neurotransmitter that effects anger, aggression, mood, sleep and other brain functions. A drop in serotonin can trigger sugar cravings.
- Get adequate iron, at least 9 milligrams per day, to help combat fatigue.”
Visit page 38 of Eating for Pregnancy for Iron Sources
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd, pregnant
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
Excerpted from Eating for Pregnancy with permission from author Catherine C. G. Jones.
“Dr. Bennett closely follows the extensive research being done on nutrition and other ways of preventing the onset and treating the symptoms of PPD. Following are her words of wisdom on optimal nutrition. If you are interested in trying the simple system she personally uses and recommends to her pregnant and postpartum clients, feel free to contact her at DrShosh.com.
- Take a daily multivitamin with minerals to make sure that you are getting all the essential vitamins your body and brain need.
- Do not diet if you are suffering from PPD. Depriving your body of nutrients is detrimental to recovery.
- If you’ve lost your appetite and can’t manage to eat three meals a day, nibble foods throughout the day.
- Consume lots of protein, ideally at least 60 grams per day. High-protein foods will help prevent your blood sugar level from rising; keeping it steady is important for balancing your moods.”
Visit page 280 of Eating for Pregnancy for Protein Sources
Tags: catherine jones, depression, diet, eating for pregnancy, nutrition, postpartum, postpartum depression, ppd, pregnant
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