Question about Postpartum depression

[NicMom]

My daughter was born a little over a week ago. For the last few days I've been really emotional crying at the drop of a hat. She's having major feeding issues and I'm running on 3 hours of sleep so things have been pretty hard. I can't tell if I've got the baby blues or just down because of the lack of sleep and worry over a sick baby.

I didn't get the blues with my son, but that was 11 years ago and he was in perfect health from day one. I'm just wondering for you moms who have delt with it before how long did it last for you and did anything help?

Thanks!

[KM604]

I had the baby blues, well at least that's what I'm thinking I had.  I would cry at the drop of a dime also.  You're hormones are obvioulsy out of whack so it's expected.  But I was more emotional when I was running on lack of sleep.  It was really the nights where my baby wouldn't sleep, or had issues feeding as well.  For me it was hard because my mom, MIL and husband were all sick when she was first born.  So I was pretty much stuck having to do everything myself.  My husband would help rock her if she was crying, but he didn't want to get too close to her.  

When my daughter was about 5 or 6 days old, she was up all night crying and I was thoroughly exhausted.  I called my mom up at about 630am telling her how I couldn't get her to sleep or stop crying (nothing helped, even though she would feed).  My mom gave me some suggestions then told me she would be over shortly - I ended up just breaking down into tears with her on the phone.  She came over, let my husband and I sleep, waking me just to feed her.  My husband helped my mom too when he was up, but they let me get a good 6 hours of sleep (waking me like 2 times to feed).  You'd be amazed at how much that helped.  

I can't tell you when it stopped exactly, because that whole time was such a blur because of my exhaustion.  But by the time I went back to work I was still slightly emotional and my daughter was 9 weeks old.  I think it was just in the first few weeks that I felt the way you do now.  I just remember my mom commenting on how much better I sounded on the phone, that's when I knew I was feeling better.  Once you get into a routine with your baby and understand eachotehr I think it will get better.  My daughter is 6 1/2 months now and I still can get emotional if I am tired.

So I suggest asking your significant other or a family member help you out by watching the baby so you can get some sleep.  Even if you are breastfeeding, just have them wake you to feed her and than go back to sleep.  Rest is what you need.  But remember it is normal to be emotional, your body is adjusting to not having all these hormones going through your body.  If it gets bad to where you are thinking about hurting yourself or the baby, make sure you call a doctor or talk to someone though.

[Grandmatobe]

Great thoughts above.  Also, you can pump milk and have someone feed a bottle, so you can actually get 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, which is much better than 3 hours at a time.

[NicMom]

That's great feedback and I really appreciate it. It's hard right now because we can't bottle feed since she has such bad reflux issues. I hope to be able to get her back onto the bottle for some of her feedings by Thursday. Then I'll have to break down and have my mom come over and help out. 6 hours of sleep right now would be amazing!

[KM604]

Your welcome, feel free to message me if you have any other questions.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I got really bummed after my youngest daughter was born, I tried so hard to breastfeed and we had so many issues...i would just sit and cry and feel like a big fat failure.  My husband was NOT supportive then.  It helped to get out of the house, get some sunshine and fresh air.  To talk to friends... about something OTHER Than babies.  

i didn't go on meds then....but i went on meds for just regular depression a few years later...went off of them when i was preg with my last one.  Immediately after I went on Zoloft (previously was on Lexapro) and let me tell you... Zoloft is SO much better.  it's safe for breastfeeeding moms....and it works great (for me).  If you dont' start feeling better in a week or two, I would definately bring it up to your doc.  

Take a walk everyday with baby, get out of the house, wake up, (even if your dragging) and wash your face, get dressed and put on make up...

My BIGGEST piece of advice is this:  SO MANY women over emphasis the EASE of being a new mom and it's NOT that way for everyone... Remember, you are NOT the only one and it's NOT your fault....and most of all...it WILL get easier....and you WILL eventually get some sleep :)

[NicMom]

You are so right about getting up and doing the simple things like just getting dressed and putting makeup on. I did that today and it was the first time in weeks since I had been on bedrest for the end of the pregnancy. I went to a doctors appointment and target, but just doing that much felt so good. It was great to get out of the house and away from all the things around here that are driving me nuts like what a mess everything is.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Just remember, taht what you are feeling is pretty normal for new moms....BUT if it lasts more than just a few weeks, talk to you doc.  

[Limonada]

I felt teary and emotional for the first month or so - all compounded by the fact that my son needed eye surgery when he was 2 weeks old.  Once I settled into to being a mom and all the new routines associated with that (and got used to having less sleep!) it got better.

There's hope :-))  I wish you all of the very best!!!!