Pregnant on Prozac: The Essential Guide To Making The Best Decision For You And Your Baby

by Shoshana S. Bennett

Antidepressants today top the list of drugs prescribed to women. But what happens when you add pregnancy into the mix? Pregnant on Prozac is the first guide to separate the myths from the facts. Taking a pull-no-punches, prescriptive approach, it clearly spells out not only the possible risks of antidepressant use—whether it be Prozac, Wellbutrin, or any of the host of other drugs—by hopeful mothers but also the lesser-known yet serious risks to both fetus and mother from untreated depression.

Shoshana Bennett answers such questions Does the media exaggerate the risk? What of options such as tapering the dose? What alternatives are worth pursuing? Most importantly, she empowers each woman with the knowledge to make the best decision for her. Pregnant on Prozac is a must-have for any prospective mother who has experienced depression or anxiety as well as anyone with a friend or loved one in this situation.

Genres: Psychology

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rachel Svendsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found no useful information in this book. I can sum up its message with the words, "You should check with your doctor and do what they say." I hoped it would include studies and information to help me make a decision. It was such a waste of my time.

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In truth, I skimmed through this book because I already knew a majority of the information from prior research. It is informative for ladies that have questions about medication and pregnancy, not Prozac specifically. I am assuming the title was picked to be short and sweet, not like "Your Options for Mental Health Treatment While Pregnant and Breastfeeding", which is a much more descriptive title.
The book includes patient stories throughout and key points at the end of chapters.

Personally, I do not agree with some of the conclusions about it being okay to take medication while pregnant except for a couple of medicines. I think that the book should open with other alternatives to try before resorting to medication. It does stress the importance of having plans in place in case something goes wrong (meaning, when your symptoms return and nothing is helping short of medication).





Notes:
Certified Birth Doula-- supports the mother through labor and delivery and sometimes postpartum as well. Having this type of emotional support during labor and delivery can cut the rate and severity of postpartum mood disorders. Studies show that women who are supported by a doula are less depressed, less anxious and have higher self-esteem and more self-confidence after delivery than those who haven't use a doula. Postpartum doulas take care of the new mom in numerous ways and can remain to help for many weeks following the delivery. They provide added emotional and physical support, education and other help with the challenges of being a new mom.

Try to avoid major life upheavals during pregnancy such as moving, adding on to the house or a new job.

Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy does not protect you from mood disorders.

Two reliable resources for checking the safety of medications during pregnancy are www.motherisk.org and www.otispregnancy.org

Natural and emerging treatments-- acupuncture, energy psychology, exercise such as yoga, folate (folic acid), homeopathy, light therapy such as phototherapy and blocking blue light, omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe, St. John's Wort (although the data on this is confusing), massage.

Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health and well-being before, during and after pregnancy

Prenatal vitamins alone will not satisfy all of your nutritional needs-- you need to eat right

You may need to eat more fish with omega-3, take an omega-3 supplement or both





___Vitamin and Mineral Rich Calcium Foods___
plain, low-fat yogurt (avoid sugar-free) that can be sweetened with fruit, honey or granola
a white cheese such as mozzarella since they do not contain dye and have less harmful fat
pollutant-free salmon, wild is better than farm-raised
fresh raw spinach can substitute for lettuce (do not bake or boil which leaks nutrition)

___Protein Foods___
boiled skinless chicken instead of fried or bbq'd
pollutant-free salmon, canned or fresh wild
cottage cheese
peanut butter
hard-boiled organic omega-3 egg instead of scrambled or fried
swiss cheese

___Iron Rich Foods___
beans such as adding kidney beans to a salad or cooking a ten-bean soup
spinach substituted for lettuce
organic beef not fried or bbq'd
organic turkey not fried or bbq'd

___Fruits and Vegetables___
spinach for vitamin A
chili pepper for vitamins A & C
tomato for vitamins A & C
vegetable juice cocktail for vitamin A
raw green onion for vitamin A
apricot for vitamin A
papaya for vitamin A
mango or cantaloupe for vitamins A & C
citrus juice for vitamin C
orange or lemon for vitamin C
grapefruit for vitamin C
tangerine for vitamin C
kiwi/mango for vitamin C
strawberries for vitamin C
broccoli for vitamin C
brussel sprouts for vitamin C
cauliflower for vitamin C
cabbage for vitamin C
red or green pepper for vitamins A & C

___Vitamin B, Iron and Fiber Rich Breads and Cereals___
corn and flour tortillas
boiled or steamed brown rice
pasta with pesto sauce or with olive oil, herbs, chopped raw vegetables and mozzarella cheese
cereal (avoid sugary cereal) with almond milk or yogurt instead of cow's milk
old-fashioned oatmeal (not instant) sweetened with almond milk, raisins, fresh fruit or sulfur-free dried fruit
crackers especially with swiss or pepper jack
organic banana
organic apple tried with peanut butter or slices of white cheese
orange juice
beans
split pea soup (good with crackers and white cheese)
flaxseed

___Other Vitamin B Foods___
organic beef liver (do not bbq)
fresh spinach
great northern beans
asparagus lightly steamed
organic oranges