Psychiatrist recommendation for PND | ExpatWoman.com
 

Psychiatrist recommendation for PND

77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2012 - 13:45

Hi everyone,

Can anyone recommend a good (preferably Western) psychiatrist? I was diagnosed with PND and I have been to a GP who referred me to a psychiatrist (the only one with an appointment available) but she I am not comfortable with her as she doesn't listen (which is surprising as that is part of her job isn't it?). She wants me to go on meds which i have come to terms with but the more I told her my DS is exclusively breast fed and I would need to first ween him off before going on meds, the more she pushed me to call her back in 2 days to start on the meds. Also she offered absolutely no alternatives and didn't want to listen when I asked if there are meds that are safe whilst breastfeeding. She is pushing me to take Cymbalta for the PND and after I asked her about breastfeeding, she told me its not advisable but its my choice to go on breastfeeding whilst on the medication - i read up about this drug and it STRONGLY advises you not to breastfeed while taking it. Surely the doctor should have strongly advised against breastfeeding and not just shaken her head and say oh yes, u can do it if you want!

Sorry about the long post and going off on a tangent but I just needed to vent...

TIA

671
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 08:20
Oh Cape Chick, I'm sorry you're suffering like this. PND is awful. It seems to be such a struggle to find someone appropriate to treat it in Dubai, particularly someone familiar with the needs of breastfeeding mums and the treatment options available. You don't say where you live- are you in Dubai? I've asked a counsellor colleague for suggestions in Dubai (we're in Fujairah), and will let you know when she gets me the contacts - but she might have suggestions for other cities too depending on where you are. If you'd like relevant research information on Cymbalta (or alternatives) and breastfeeding , please let me know and I can e-mail you off-list. As a breastfeeding counsellor, I can pass on information for you to discuss with your healthcare provider. A number of different factors affect how safe a medication is while breastfeeding, and as Green-ish says, there are medications for PND which are generally considered safe (in fact some are even prescribed as galactagogues to increase milk supply!). While Cymbalta is not actually contra-indicated (what evidence there is suggests that it is probably safe in most cases, but there isn't much research on it), there are others about which more is known that you and your HCP might be able to consider. *Hugs* and hopefully more mums will see this thread and suggest a psychiatrist.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 March 2012 - 16:45
I'm so sorry Cape Chick. Bl00dy PND is just not fair. Can you go back to your GP and seek another specialist? You could even see a psychologist until a psychiatrist is available? A psychologist (in my opinion) can be awesome at helping with the depression...I believe the big advantage of seeing a psychiatrist early is that they can prescribe meds for longer. (your GP can prescribe them for 6 months) There are meds that are safe to take while breastfeeding. As with all things, it's about benefit vs risk. If you are sure that you are ok without the meds but with some support, then there's no need for the meds until your baby is weaned. IF you are truely struggling every day and weaning before you are both ready adds to your stresses, then you can take the meds. Please take care of yourself and make sure you are surrounded by love and support. PND can be bl00dy lonely and it really shouldn't be. Don't refuse offers of help and don't be afraid to ask for it! Love and support to you. xxx <em>edited by Green-ish on 03/03/2012</em>
15
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2012 - 15:11
Hi Tia, i too had really bad PND after my LO was born, was in a very dark place for quite a while and even though I started to recover within a month or so i can honestly say that it wasn't really before my son was 1 that I fully felt the cloud lift and felt human again. My situation was compounded by the fact that my son was diagnosed with a life threatening condition not long after I was diagnosed so I did take the drugs offered but i came off them after a month as I didn't feel like they were making a difference (I wasn't breatfeeding though as had to give it up at 3 months due to my son's condition). What I did find made a huge difference was talking about it to other mums and realising that there was something wrong, admitting it and that I wasn't the only one going through it. It is hard for someone who isn't to understand as they try to rationalise the dark thoughts with things like 'oh its just your hormones, it'll settle down soon' etc. They mean well bless them but they have no idea as the feelings aren't rational! I would be more than happy to chat to you and let you vent etc. Please feel free to message me. I'm a mum who's been in your boat and I know how you are feeling. Be proud of yourself that you have taken the first step by admitting you want help xxx Nic
 
 

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