Post Pardom Depression?

Updated on May 12, 2011
R.G. asks from San Clemente, CA
12 answers

I am a new mom to a beautiful 11 week old little girl, my husbAnd and I also have guardianshipof my 2 nieces (6 and 10 yrs old) since the birth of my daughter I seem to be loosing a sense of myself everyday..I love her with all my heart and soul but I am unhappy, I am very tempermental, to my husband and my nieces..I don't nor does it seem sometimes that I "can" do anything for myself..even takin a shower I rush and get out to get bb from husband who seems to absolutely not get what I'm goin thru at all!!even tho I try to tell him on a daily basis I just need a MINUTE to myself..I spend most of my day in my room with baby..t seems my marriage and life is falling apart rite n front of me, I pray daily for god to snap me out of this..anyone have any advice on how to snap me back into a "human" again??i

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Your Hormones, are still adjusting after having your baby.
PLUS, you have a ton of stress.
PLUS, your Husband does not seem to understand.
PLUS, you do not seem to be getting much help.
PLUS, it seems only you, are doing everything, per the household and ALL the kids.
PLUS, you do NOT get any time off, or time for yourself.
THUS, you are, always on-call. 24/7. Thus no respite for mind or body.
THUS, lack of sleep.
THUS, lack of sleep causes, irritability and mood issues.

So that = how you feel.
And the moods of it.

Did your period return yet?
If so, you may be having PMS.
Sometimes, after having a child, PMS symptoms can be worse. Or more evident.
It is the change of hormones.
If you research "PMS".... you will see that the moods/stress you are experiencing, are the same.

3 moms found this helpful

C.D.

answers from Columbia on

You are not alone in the way you are feeling. Many women feel that way. Call your doctor and let the nurse know how you are feeling. Ask what they can do to help. There are ways to get through this, you just have to ask. Maybe that would help your husband understand too.
Sending hugs your way and asking you to please not allow yourself to suffer anymore. You are most certainly tired, hormonal, overwhelmed, and in need of support. Keep leaning on your faith, and call the doctor. God gave him/her the brains to know how to help you! :)

3 moms found this helpful
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L.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, first of all congratulations on your baby girl. I won't repeat what everyone has said, because I agree. I went through this as well. My husband didn't understand and could sometimes even be mean about it. Looking back now, a year later, I realized what got me through it.... talking. I was most happy when my friends visited or I got out for fresh air. I would make a Target run or grocery store (though, I felt like I had to rush home to take care of teh baby), it was still nice to get out.

Now, I am not suggesting this at all because I admit there was some guilt that came along with it, I just want to share so that you can decipher through what you choose to do before talking to your doctor - well, I stopped breastfeeding... why? Because I was always so upset, especially with the hubby that I literally felt like I was in "this" all alone. By stopping, my hubby had to help. Now this is a tit-for-tat, I get that so please nobody judge... but it helped me get my husband involved. It allowed me to get out more (pumping did not work for me) etc...

All the best and please don't hesitate to ask anyone for help. People really enjoy helping... even when it is bringing over a dinner dish so you can eat :)

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B.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know how tough this is. I had post-partum anxiety with my first son, and I really felt like I was going out of my mind. I would highly recommend that you visit an endocrinologist and have your thyroid and adrenal glands checked. I would recommend an endocrinologist instead of your OB or general physician because often the general doctors only do the TSH test, and it doesn't give the full picture of what is going on in the body.

I went to my GP 3 times only to be told there was nothing wrong with me. I ended up at an endocrinologist who told me not only did I have severe hypothyroidism, but I also had adrenal fatigue. He gave me medicine and supplements to fix the issues, and within a couple weeks the overwhelming emotions had lifted.

It's true that your hormones are still out of kilter from pregnancy, but don't assume that may be the only cause. Pregnancy does wacky things to our bodies, and other systems can often be out of balance as a result.

Blessings and prayers that you find an answer!
B.

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L.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Write out a plan if you can of a few times a day or week where help would be appreciated. Ask your husband to "cover" at least one of these times. I used to take one and a half hours every Friday (when he was off work) and go up to Panera, get a drink and stare at the wall. Just to have my own thoughts and not be attached to anyone! You ARE human, but remember, you have to take care of you to be your best self. It is hard to do, and depression can make it so hard just to make a phone call for help or get yourself convinced that you need to get out, but please do. You are worth it!

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S.S.

answers from Portland on

I was feeling the same way after I had my now 4 yr old. You feel guilty asking for help and you think people are thinking your lazy or something and HE does not get it. When I was in your situation my mother explained to Him what was happening to me. He took it upon himself not knowing even how to make a bottle or to clean then... Nothing. He learned quick! I got to the point that it was so bad I couldnt stand hearing the baby crying and I had to leave the house for a while. I wanted to take the baby back to the hospital and leave her! I cried everyday and I had no one else to help out. People say they,ll help you but when it comes down to it they are busy or not available at the time. Your local clothing exchange store may have some info on some support groups. Tell your Dr whats going on. He, ll give you some antidepressants to help with the mood change. The main thing is you need time by yourself and not around any crying babies. He is not much help and its making you crazy doing it by yourself and you cant. My other daughter was 10 at that time and was the biggest help to me. Dont feel guilty to ask for help. Do it until you get it. Find hubby a book on post pardon depression. I would help you right now if you can get here I,d love to watch your baby for you. There might be some kind of through your insurance? Call them and see. Your not alone. We,re here for you on mamapedia as much as can be. Get lots of rest and make things easier like putting water and powder on a tray by your bed to be made right there quickly so you can get back to sleep fast. After dirty ones gets to about 5 wash them and start over. Not one at a time. Get a simple routine going. Trust the 10 yr old. They really want to help. good luck keep your head up Let us know how your doing. Hugs!

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J.G.

answers from New York on

I went through this -- kept waiting to snap out of it. When my daughter was 6 months old I finally went on anti-depressants and it saved my life! (Perhaps literally.)

I know it's hard to reach out for help, especially when you're struggling just to get through the day, but PLEASE do talk to a doctor about this. It can be your OB/GYN, or a regular general doctor.

Also, just remember that this will pass... you will get through this. The baby will get older, and sleep more. Your life will be normal again someday!

Is there a mommy support group, maybe through the hospital where you delivered? Do you have friends, family, neighbors who can help out and give you a break? Please try to reach out for some support.

Sending lots of love to you!

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L.P.

answers from Pittsfield on

Sounds like you could very well have Post Partum Depression. Talk to your OB. I had PPD, and didn't recognize it after my 1st son was born. I wish I hadn't waited so long to talk to my OB about it because I felt like I lost more time than I needed to. The meds helped a lot ( but they do take time to kick in).
Hang in there! I know it's rough, but it doesn't have to last :)

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K.:.

answers from Phoenix on

I remember a lot of those feelings. I dealt, but I really wish I would've gotten some help, as I'm pretty sure I had PPD. I really didn't enjoy DD or motherhood as much as I wanted to and I still have a bit of resentment (for not having any help) & regrets for things not being the way I wanted them to.

What I'm saying is, if you think you need & could benefit from the help, it doesn't hurt to at least talk to your doctor about your feelings. You owe it to yourself & your baby. And if you need help, and have someone to help you out, ask for it.

Hang in there.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

Talk to your doctor about this. Post partum depression is real, and if that's what you're experiencing, it can and will affect the emotional lives and futures of the children in your care.

There is medication that will help. Many moms also get help from a regular meditative practice, like yoga or even daily walks. It sounds like you may have trouble giving yourself that time, and that "inability" in itself can be one of the signs of depression. PLEASE talk to your doc, the sooner, the better.

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D.G.

answers from Las Vegas on

Some great advice from the other moms. In addition to thier advice you might try hiring a babysitter for even just an hour a few days a week. Get out of the house, even if you just go sit in your backyard and watch the grass grow :) Another suggestion is buy a baby monitor so you don't feel "trapped" in the baby's room all day. Oh, one more --- just as you are a new mom, your hubby is a new dad, give him the chance to learn to be a dad. Don't rush through your shower to get the baby back from him, he's not going to hurt the baby. Parenting duties should be SHARED!!! You're in this together, work as a team; you don't need to shoulder the responsibility all by yourself. I hope these ideas help to get you back to "human" again.

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T.M.

answers from Atlanta on

I felt the same way, I have a daughter that is 7, son that is 3 and a 16 month old. It is very hard and I am constantly staying on them and my husband but the best thing to do is give your 6 and 10 year old a project to do and keep them busy and when your 11 week old is laying down resting take time to do something that you enjoy or just lay down and relax yourself. I have no energy at all but I recently starting exercising and It made me feel so much better and happier. Everyone is different and you just have to find something that makes you happy. You need MOMMY time!!!

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