Comments on: Anti-depressants while pregnant…

By: coffeegrl

coffeegrl — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:34:32 +0000

It’s really hard to be a new parent -having to learn everything from scratch and having to make all these decisions for yourself (take the meds or not? immunize or not? breastfeed or not? crib or futon? etc). I say you need to do what you know in your heart is the right thing for you and clearly you’ve found that. Good for you for thinking of yourself and your baby and family. If I’m honest, I’m a firm believer in the “put on your oxygen mask first before putting on the baby’s” approach. What good is a mama if she isn’t well enough to care for her baby? (well, some good, but not as much good maybe) I think sometimes we neglect our own health too much.

By: Nooh

Nooh — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:45:03 +0000

I think it is great that you decided to document your decision on your blog for others out there who may be going through something similar. Blogs are such an important and ever increasing source of information, where we can read people’s accounts right from the horses mouth, so to speak. I think they are much more helpful than some blurp from a doctor or acamedic, kwim? I know I use blogs alot when researching stuff, especially medical related topics. So, I think it is great that you wrote about your decision for others to reference!!! Way to go girlie!

By: Midori

Midori — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:34:48 +0000

I agree with everyone else. By researching your options and making an informed decision, you are doing the right thing for all concerned. Only YOU can make the decision because you are the only one who knows what it feels like without meds. Sounds like you have been very sensible about it and as Tiffany says above, you deserve praise not flack because someone else doesn’t agree with your decisions. As you will discover over the next few years, there will always be someone who disagrees with the decisions you make for your child and they will no doubt be very vocal about it but at the end of the day as parents, all we can do is make the most informed and sensible decisions we can manage, follow our gut instincts and hope for the best!

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:45:38 +0000

You deserve praise, not slack. You are the only one (along with your doctor) who knows what is right for you and I think goma-chan is lucky to have you as a mom. You did your research and made a thoughtful, informed decision which would be good for both of you

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:14:52 +0000

I really commend you for your decision, and for speaking up about this topic Lulu! There are always going to be people out there who knock you for your parenting choices — this is just the first of many! You’re doing what’s best for you and Goma-chan, and you just have to trust your own judgement, no matter what anyone else says.

By: Katie M

Katie M — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:36:43 +0000

Choosing to take medication during pregnancy is a personal choice just like whether to drink coffee or alcohol, only you can know what’s best for you! Well done on cutting down your dose so much! That’s excellent! Managing depression is all about knowing yourself and what works for you and you seem to be doing that well! I know I wouldn’t be able to survive the stresses of living in Japan while pregnant without medication! Good on you for being brave and sharing your story!

By: Lulu

Lulu — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:11:47 +0000

Thank you to everyone for the lovely and supportive comments- I wrote this because, like I said, I want anyone else out there who is worrying about the same thing or battling with themselves to make a decision to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And just because you have to make tough decisions about your own mental health does not mean that you do not give a crap about your baby- in fact it is just the opposite.

Sarah, I want to also say to you that one of the things that prompted me to write this post is the relatively recent release of Heather Armstrong from Dooce.com book on her stay in the hospital and postpartam depression she suffered from with her first baby and again now with her second. I have not read the book yet but it is definitely on the top of my must read list. She writes about it so much more eloquantly (and humorously) than I ever could and she really is an inspiration to many out there who have gone through the same thing. Thank you for posting the link to her recent post about it- I had read it before (and most of the comments) but I am sure others will find it very useful.

By: Nay

Nay — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:56:22 +0000

We have spoken a lot about this before and I know how much thought you have put into your decision – you are doing exactly what is right for both you and goma-chan. You are definitely proving that you are going to be a fantastic mother already. Goma-chan is lucky to have you as his mum!!

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:57:56 +0000

I don’t know any of what you are going through with the depression or the pregnancy but I do know that you’ve obviously given it a lot of thought and, with the help of professionals, come to a decision that you feel is best for you and your baby. That’s your right and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your choice. Hopefully everything goes smoothly for you – it sounds like marriage and pregnancy is a wonderful experience for you and I hope this helps your depression, even in just a small way.

By: April Marie Claire- Girl Japan

April Marie Claire- Girl Japan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:03:42 +0000

Don’t care what other people think, who are we/they to judge, you have to do what is best for you and your bub, there is nothing Taboo about depression, you’ve had your share of hardships growing up (me too).

If it makes you feel better, I’ve had to learn to live with panic attacks = ) since I was 19, they come and go, but daily exercise has worked for me for the most part (those endorphins are something else).

The most important issue is that you are “happy” and that is all that should matter.. people can be so judgmental (I am guilty of that myself).