Recently, a Study was published in Depression and Anxiety which sought to investigate the relationship between synthetic oxytocin (i.e. Pitocin - used to assist uterine contraction and/or labor induction), and its' affects on postpartum mood and mental well-being.  The results are nothing short of Astonishing!

The Authors "hypothesized that women exposed to peripartum synthetic oxytocin would have a reduced risk of postpartum depressive and anxiety disorders compared with those without any exposure."  In  other words, the Authors of this study thought the use of this drug would decrease the incidence of postpartum depression.  However, the opposite was found to be true!

The conclusion and results of this study showed that synthetic oxytocin actually increases the risk of Postpartum Depression.  In the Author's words, "Contrary to our hypothesis, results indicate that women with peripartum exposure to synthetic oxytocin had a higher relative risk of receiving a documented depressive or anxiety disorder diagnosis or antidepressant/anxiolytic prescription within the first year postpartum than women without synthetic oxytocin exposure."

It doesn't stop here though.  This is not just a slightly "higher relative risk."  The study states: "Women with no history of pre-pregnancy depression or anxiety who were exposed to synthetic oxytocin during or shortly after delivery had a 32 percent increased risk of postpartum depression or anxiety compared with women who were not administered the synthetic hormone."

So, in summary, what does this mean?  According to this study (a peer reviewed, large sample population, and credible source), women with NO PRIOR HISTORY of depression or anxiety, who are exposed to synthetic oxytocin, like Pitocin, during or immediately after Labor and Delivery, are subject to a 32% increased risk of developing Postpartum Depression (that's 1 in 3!).  Likewise, women with a history of depression and/or anxiety face a 36% increased chance of developing Postpartum Depression.

Why do we share this with you?  For a couple reasons:

1.  Most of the cases we see (and have great results with) are related to various stressors presented during pregnancy or birth...and this is a significant potential stress.

2. As a reminder that our choices have consequences, and should therefore be informed.

3. Because someone (maybe you?) reading this is struggling and feels stuck, and may be dealing with some of these consequences, either personally or with children, that they were not informed of...and we want to help!

In Closing, please know that I completely understand and appreciate that intervention is at times necessary.  In fact, I have literally cried and rejoiced with people as we thanked God for the advances in Modern Medicine that have saved lives.  That said, it should be the exception to the rule and not the norm.  Health is Normal.  The body was designed to be self healing and self regulating, and if that is not naturally occurring, maybe we can help?

Hope is Straightahead,

Dr. Stein

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310833/