Safe anxiety or calming remedies for mum while breast feeding

I am quiet anxious as I am sure most new first time mums are. I find it hard sometimes to relax and calm down when JD is screaming. I feel helpless and my stress only adds to his. Then once I get him down and I have a chance to sleep I find myself laying there with my eyes closed and my mind racing a million miles and hour and before I know it I am up for the next feed and had no sleep at all, which makes me cry and angry at myself. At the hospital they gave me Valium only a small amount which I was given a script for when I got home. It does help but even though they say only a little bit passes into the breast milk and wont really affect bub I still worry. Also it seems to give me a tummy ache the next day. But I do get a great night sleep and feel otherwise fantastic and more able to cope the next day.

but is there anything else more gentle and less serious I can take for these moments of anxiety?

Aw puppies, I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety issues. I've a history of anxiety related stuff as well, so I know how it feels. Its exhausting at the best of times, let alone with a new bubs! Bigs hugs.

As far as what to do about it, it kind of depends which route you want to take. Personally, I wouldn't continue overly long with the valium- I just always felt uncomfortable with it because it is addictive and I figured the last thing I needed on top of anxiety was trying to deal with an addiction, however mild!

If you want to go the medicine route, I think they say Zoloft is the safest for breastfeeding. I was on Zoloft for anxiety issues (not when I was pregnant or breastfeeding, although the dr's did say I could stay on it during those times) and it really, really helped. It is a fairly long-termish solution, though- takes several weeks to kick in and can be yucky to come off, so you don't want to just use it to get through a hard month IYKWIM?

What worked for me was simply time, lots of talking with my hubby and praying/meditating (whatever works for you). I have a very strong tendancy to worry and it takes me ages to cope with change- and a baby is a HUGE change! But I knew that about myself beforehand, and I knew I would initially be a bit mentally frantic, but that over time I would calm down and adjust and cope better. And I did- it took me probably about 5 months before I felt totally myself again. In the meantime, I used every coping strategy that I know works for me- lots of de-stressing talks with a very patient hubby, trying to get some time on my own (even a little helps), etc.

You know yourself best- is this something you think you will adjust to over time, or do you need some outside help? There is no shame in needing help. It is an extremely difficult time having a newborn!

Sadly, I don't think you can take St Johns Wort or that other one.....um...oh, SaMe (another natural anti-anxiety "med") while breastfeeding, otherwise I would recommend those. Keep in mind for the future at any rate!

Best of luck and know you are not alone! There is also heaps of support on the anxiety board on bellybelly- you just need to emails the mods to get access to it. Very, very nice ladies on there!

I don't know how much it would work for you with your anxiety, but have you tried Bach Rescue Remedy? You can buy it at chemists and it is safe to use whilst b'feeding (it is safe to give to babies too).

:hug: I hope you find something that works for you soon.

I second the Bach Rescue Remedy, I preferred the lozenges.

If you find your anxiety is getting worse, I'd try counselling - I had problems with anxiety after DS was born too and seeing a psychologist who explained how anxiety and panic attacks work and strategies to cope with them really helped me, my anxiety eased straight away and it wasn't long before I was feeling back to my old self.

has anyone tried valerian forte? Is it ok while breast feeding? The nurse mentioned it but thought I would see if anyone else has used it and what they thought.

I was going to say rescue remedy. Or see a natropath and they will give you something for breastfeeding. I have asomething Im taking now for anxiety. It's called Adaptan. I have taken it all during pregnancy. Not sure about breastfeeding though, will ask my natropath. xo

A friend of mine takes magnesium for anxiety and swears by it but not sure about in pregnancy. I was also going to say rescue remedy or trying to get to a homepath. How are your iron levels? I have mild anxiety that got really bad after the birth of Olive as I had lost heaps of blood, got very anemic and my doc said that it's nature's way of telling me this. I was on 2 iron supplements per day until just recently and it has made heaps of difference. Tiredness also brings it on which was so hard in those early weeks. I agree with Willow about the councelling, I went twice, got some strategies for coping and it made the world of difference just to get my feelings out there and not feel like I was losing control. It empowered me heaps and if i'm feeling abit anxious I still go back to those strategies.

I found that using the hypnobirthing breathing exercises and cd really helped me relax and get some sleep. However, any meditation cd that talks you through breathing and relaxation would probably be worth a try.

Like Nai said, Im also going to do Calm birth classes as they have been recommended by the mental health nurse that I've been seeing (for my anxiety).
I also take magnesium, but can't say its' helped with anxiety. Has with cramps though!! There is something you can take which may have magnesium in it, that is good for people with depression. It balances something in the brain. Sorry for lack of info, but I looked into it at one stage for my brother who had severe depression.

sweetie, i am so so so sorry you are feeling this way. I remember those early days too :(

Definitely approach a chemist that has a naturopathy section. Brauers make a great selection of same and natural calming liquids although Im not sure if they are all safe during breastfeeding

I hope you can find someone to help. But good on you for taking the first step xx