Post Natal Depression

                                                                          Today I would like to draw your attention to a man named Patrick Holford. I had never heard of him until recently when my aunt was telling me that she signed up to his newsletter and how some information she received was very beneficial to her. So I did a bit of research and found out that he is a pioneer in new approaches to health and nutrition, specialising in the field of mental health. He is regarded as Britain's best-selling author and spokesman on nutrition and mental health issues. Also he is frequently being quoted in national newspapers from the Daily Mail to the Guardian so this guy knows what he's talking about. He is a popular on radio shows as a presenter and on national television as both interviewer and guest.

But the main reason I have brought him to your attention today is because on his newsletter this week he talks about Post Natal depression (PND). Fortunately I have not got (PND)  but I think it is only fair to gather some information for those who feel they may have symptoms or are going through it. It is difficult enough after having a baby without feeling depressed so below is some information I have quoted from his newsletter I received this week.

Basically, what he has said is that a new survey from the charity 4Children has found that three in ten new mothers may experience postnatal depression (PND). The figures show that around 33% of mothers who experienced depression symptoms during pregnancy went on to have PND and 25% of mothers still suffered from PND up to a year after giving birth. Worryingly, 70% of those who sought help were given antidepressant medication, predominantly SSRI's.
The safety of using SSRI's for the babies of nursing mothers is unknown. Some studies have linked the maternal use of Prozac to colic in nursing infants. Women may choose to take antidepressants and not to breastfeed. This not only compromises the baby's early nutrition, but deprives the mother and child of bonding which can worsen the depression.
There is good logic and substantial evidence that optimum nutrition can be a highly effective alternative to SSRIs. Common nutritional imbalances connected to depression are blood sugar imbalances, lack of chromium, amino acids, B vitamins and essential fats. The solution is a low-GL diet, high in omega 3 fats.
It's important to realise that your baby is the number one priority by your body when you are pregnant, and also during breastfeeding. This means that any nutrients it requires it takes from you. If you do not take precautions, the likelihood is that you'll be deficient in some key nutrients by the end of pregnancy. Low levels of certain nutrients, such as omega 3 fats, magnesium and zinc, have all been linked to PND. Progesterone deficiency is also a common cause. Totally Nourish offer specially formulated before and after pregnancy products to ensure you keep yourself and your baby healthy.

All of the above  information is quoted from an email I received by signing up to his website. I just felt it was better explained in his words as I am not a doctor and the information was easier understood by myself in his explanation.You can sign up to his newsletter for free through visiting this website http://www.patrickholford.com/

He also goes on to say that he has a book Optimum Nutrition Before, During and After Pregnancy that gives more detail on how to avoid PND and what to do if you already have it. There is also a section on how hormone imbalances can lead to PND in his new book Balance Your  Hormones.

I hope this may be of some help to any of you out there that feel you or a friend may have symptoms to PND. Remember you are not alone.
Regards,
Naoimh