Is this normal for moms to want to be away from their babies to try to regain their pre-pregnancy life or could it be baby blues?
Everyone needs time for themselves, even if they have a new baby. It is hard to give 100% of yourself all the time. Taking a break and having someone else care for your child is perfectly fine. After having some "me" time you are more likely to come back refreshed and with a more positive attitude. Better for yourself and your baby.
Hi J.
You have gotten some good responses. I think it is probably more of a attachment issue than post partum depression.
With my first baby I stayed in my home except for Dr. appt's for about 4 months. I did not leave her with anyone, and I did not take her out anywhere. It was January in the upper penninsula of MI... I was afraid she would be too cold.
My Mom finally made me go out to eat for lunch with my hubby... and WOW, I needed it LOL Being a new mom, I was terrified that something would happen to her if I was not with her. Of course nothing happened, and she was fine.
With my 2nd baby, I had a 2 1/2 year old at home as well. I am a stay at home Mom, so I really really needed time for myself. As soon as my hubby got home we would eat dinner, then I would try to go hide somewhere just to be alone.
I did not have post partum depression, but I knew that I needed the time just to be ok (not crabby).
I think each person is different, and I know way too many Mom's that do not take care of themselves because they put their kids first. I think you need to take that time for you in order to be a good Mom and wife. How can you raise a happy family if you are not happy?
I would not worry about her, I think she needs time.
If you feel like you need a little "me time", then go for it! I think everyone needs a little time to themselves once in awhile. It was hard when I left my son the first time. Then, I realized how good it was for him. He spent the weekend with his grandma. At the time, he was such a mama's boy. Whenever she came to visit (or anyone for that matter), he would just hold on to me and wanted nothing to do with her. When we got back, he was giving her hugs and kisses. It was great bonding time for them (something I know he wouldn't of had if I was there).
i think that some people want the life back and others fully embrace the new life. I never wanted to be away from my son he is 16 months old and i have left him only 3 or 4 times and only after he was sleeping. but some moms want to have their "me" time everyday. i would say that as long as someone is still caring for their childs needs then they are still a good parent regardless of how often they take time for themselves. If the child is truly neglected then it would be a problem but if a babysitter is caring for the child while mom is away then that is the mothers choice to make.
I think you need to remember that every mom is different and what makes one happy, does not make another happy. You are happy being with your kids 24/7 and she wants a break, neither of you are right. Your just doing what you need to do. I don't think that wanting a break from you baby means you have PPD, not in the least, I think it means you know yourself well enough to know you need a break. I am trying not to sound snotty but why do you care so much if your friend needs a break and wonder if it is normal? The fact that you seem to know the exact amount of times she has left her baby makes me wonder if your judging her a little to harshly.
K.
