You prepare for months, reading, studying, and planning for the new baby that will soon be sharing your life. Just days before that sweet baby is to come into your life, you may feel that you are ready and you know how to be a great mother. But, what happens after you bring that adorable bundle home. Do you really know what to do? You read and studied for months, but does it really prepare you for what you are about to experience?

You begin to feel doubtful, your body is changing physically and emotionally, chemicals are flowing that you were not even aware that you had. Why didn’t anyone prepare you for what you are experiencing these first few weeks?

Many moms prepare and feel that they are ready to be the best mom, but once you get home, things don’t feel comfortable or happy. Some moms begin to feel sad and depressed, not understanding why depression would begin to occur at time that is supposed to be so hopeful and exciting. Post-partum depression is beginning to set in and you don’t know what to do.

One of the most important things to do before your baby is born is to listen to all of your feelings. Most moms, who experience post-partum depression, begin to feel it prior to the baby being born. They have fleeting moments of sadness for no particular reason at all. Moms should speak with their OB/GYN about this as soon as possible.

Some doctors will determine that it would be a good idea for the mom to begin anti-depressants during the third trimester, if the baby seems healthy, and especially if mom has had some experience with depression in the past. Some soon-to-be-mothers may be very concerned about this. What if the medication affects my baby while still growing in the uterus, besides moms can’t even take aspirin? Also, how with this affect my breast milk?

Well, there have been some studies conducted regarding taking anti-depressants during pregnancy and while breastfeeding your baby. Of course, there are some small risks associated with it, but many doctors take the position that the small risks associated with taking the medication far outweigh the risks of post-partum depression. Most believe that Zoloft is one of the least problematic anti-depressant of any others.

A good Q&A regarding Zoloft during pregnancy and breastfeeding is located at http://otispregnancy.org/pdf/zoloft.pdf, with a complete reference of studies conducted regarding this subject.

Besides looking for signs of post-partum during pregnancy, moms should also be aware of their emotions after the baby has been born, especially during the first week. Although moms may find themselves crying by themselves in the bathroom, they may be ashamed that motherhood does not come as easily as they believed or as easy as other moms state it is. It is very important that moms not hide these feelings from family and friends. Once a mom begins to experience those little sad moments, she should immediately tell someone, especially a close friend who is also a mother, or speak with your doctor.

In addition, with all the new responsibilities that mothers take on once the baby is born, this sometimes causes great concern to the new mother. This may be the first time that a new mom has had complete and total responsibility for another person, and this can be a very daunting experience. Everything, from making sure that the baby is changed regularly to feeding every 2-3 hours, can be all-consuming in the mind of the new mom.

A very important and profound subject during pregnancy and after birth is your choice of feeding the baby. There is a great advocacy for breastfeeding, for many good reasons. However, this is an additional thing to think about at a time when everything may seem overwhelming. To many mothers, bringing baby to breast is a very comforting, natural experience for them, but for many others it is a great frustration with problems ranging from latching on to worry about the amount baby has consumed. If the frustration begins to elevate to a point of concern, such as anger towards the baby, then other feeding options need to be considered at this point.

A comforting thought, however, is that you can still provide that wonderful, special breast milk for your baby without bringing baby to breast. Breast pumping can be a wonderful alternative to bringing baby to breast. For moms that worry endlessly about how much breast milk the baby is consuming, pumping can be a good choice to allow moms to actually see what the baby is consuming. In addition, pumping can allow mom to get those few extra hours of sleep that will definitely help minimize some of the depression experienced from sleep deprivation.

The most important thing to remember about post-partum depression is to let others, husband, friends, doctors, and counselors, know what you are feeling, and accept any kind of help and support that is offered to you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is recommended that you discuss all concerns with your doctor.

Copyright 2006, Wendy Williamson