Hi jlynn,
Welcome! I'm glad you found this forum to ask for help. The members here are very encouraging and supportive.
It is very difficult to know what to do when you
are presented with conflicting recommendations from your health care
practitioners! Is it possible for you to seek the opinion of another OB
or family doctor that would support your decision either way?
It sounds like your current family Dr. is concerned for your own well being.
Everyone's
experience of depression is unique and how you take care of yourself
will have an effect on you and your baby. Often, with depression, the
mother may not have the energy to take good care of herself, eat healthy
foods that will help the baby thrive, or may turn to smoking or alcohol
to cope.
All of these situations could harm both mother and baby.
Have you tried therapy in the past? If so, did you find it helpful? What are some tools you've used to help you get through rough times?
Hopefully you will hear from a member that may have gone through a
similar experience and she can provide more tips for you to try.
In
the meantime, you can also go through the Depression Program located in
the Toolbox on the left hand side of the site. Many DC members have
found this program to be very helpful.
Hope you have had a good experience with pregnancy thus far!
Let us know how you are doing and post often.
Vincenza, Health Educator