1. Natural Anti-depreseants/mood stabilisers?? 2. Experiences/recommendations with medications? 3. What has your medical professional told you ?

Question

Before you read on, I want to make it noted that I am not, by far, suggesting judgement to women who have weighed out the pros and cons of their MH + the health of their unborn with medical advice! I am one from experience to value the lengths it takes to maintain mental stability. Especially those of us who have worked ever so hard to get to a place of mental stability (with medications/psych treatment/hospitalisation etc.) for the pure goal of TTC a health baby. I have worked hard to even be in this position asking this question! And I commend EVERYONE who has, is currently going through, and are considering traveling the hard road of med changes, withdrawals etc. to get to this place to be mentally ready for ttc, for your sake + the baby. 
To those without MH issues - I do not expect you to understand + and I am glad you don’t because that means your have not been in the dark depths of despair - but please do not place judgement on those who do. Express that you do not understand it because you have not experienced it, but that you do not judge. That’s all we ask. 
Now, I have gotten myself off a # of harmful medications, only remaining on 2 SAFE medications which I have also cut down - Lamotrigine 100mg, and sertraline (Prozac) 50mg. 
My medical advice is they they are safe. That then only issue is that Prozac in the mother’s system in the 3rd tri can + most likely will cause new born withdrawals. 
1) I don’t want to go through withdrawals during pregnancy
2) I absolutely can not bare the thought of my newborn going through withdrawals. 
What are your suggestions ? 
Natural alternatives to help untill after pregnancy /breastfeeding?

Answer

if you would like an antidepressant, I recommend sertraline (which is also called Zoloft) and I often did an aromatherapy and it epsom salt (lavender smell because it’s more relaxing) and I used the sleep/stress reliever lotion from bath and body works. makes me feel so much better and helps me to relax. I used to be suicidal and I cut myself a lot but ever since I tried these i’ve felt so much better and I’m officially 14 months clean from cutting ❤️

Answer

I have bipolar disorder and have been hospitalized twice for trying to end my life, after countless hours of therapy, and trying all different meds I eventually just stopped, I know that doesn’t work for everyone , I’m beyond grateful it worked for me, I am able to recognize when I’m going down that dark path of feelings, or having my manic phases. I am now pregnant with my first! I wish I had advice on how to handle it or what to do but I don’t, it is honestly what you think you can handle, and what you believe is best for you, who knows you may  be able to lead a healthy minded life without all those drugs, mine personally just made me feel nothing which is why I stopped. I wish you luck and I hope you figure out what to do. Know we’re all rooting for you!

Answer

My hubbg and I are TTC and I was on Lexpro. My doctor switched me to Zoloft because I can take it while pregnant. I've struggled with depression for a long time and PPD is a big concern for me. So staying on medication to keep me mentally safe and stable is a priority. Talk to your doc and let them know how you feel and what your concerns are.

Answer

I voted stop, but that’s only if you feel you can do so safely without causing major issues. 
I was on lamotrigine for about a year and a half after my daughter was born and I can sing its praises for days... I did not want to go off of it... but my GP recommended that I wean off in advance of TTC, so I did. From what I understand, it’s not necessarily proven safe, but also not proven unsafe... it’s in a grey area of “only when the benefits outweigh the risks.” I chose to bypass potential risks by dealing with the consequences of not being on medication. However, I also feel that I have reached a point where I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety through self-compassion, exercise, mindfulness, and communication. I still get anxious, but most of the time I’m able to work through it. I know not everyone has reached that point—which is why these decisions are so personal. Having said all that... you can bet if PPA shows up after my next kiddo I plan to just tight back on the lamotrigine train. If not, I’ll try to assess whether I still need it after a year off of it or if I’ve developed he skills to manage on my own. 
That got a bit rambly, but I hope it helps.

Answer

Drs told me to stay on sertraline (which is zoloft btw) while pregnant.  When he was born he had what seemed like an over exaggerated startle reflex and they told me at the hospital that it's rare but it was probably from the meds. A tight swaddle worked tho and it only lasted a few days.. the nurse told me she was on  prosac when pregnant and her baby had really bad withdrawals. For me personally I'm glad I stayed on it.  My baby needs a mentally stable mom and I wouldn't have gotten thru the roller coaster of pregnancy without it. It kept me motivated to work and exercise and eat well instead of always being a bump on a log.

1. Natural Anti-depreseants/mood stabilisers?? 2. Experiences/recommendations with medications? 3. What has your medical professional told you ?

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