I need some advice about postpartum depression. My baby was born on July 5th 2006 and I've been feeling very depressed, not eating, crying whenever my baby cries thinking that I'm not going to be a good mother. Any advice or anything.
2006-07-24 09:31:14 · 25 answers · asked by Proud Army Wife 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Chances are that your a fine mother providing everything your baby needs for his / her health and well being.
Since you asked about your crying when your baby cries, - I'd say that your just (emotionally) involved with thinking that being a "good mother" depends on the baby's opinion.. That's so far from the truth !!
Ask other mothers about their babies. Connect with other parents. That (most likely) will solve your pre-occupation with ability.
2006-07-24 09:34:25 · answer #1 · answered by MK6 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I had pretty bad baby blues with my first baby too. I cried all the time was very irritable, and moody. I was sure I wasn't doing anything right and so sleep deprived and tired I could barely stand it. It did pass with time as my hormones got back to normal and I got over the first time mom stuff. I would drink a glass of wine in the evening when my husband was home to relax and take a hot bath for a little me time while he watched the baby. I also had a good support sytem of friends and my mom to talk to. But if your depression persists or worsens and you feel unable to care of your baby or that you have feelings of hurting yourself or the baby call the Dr. Sometimes the baby blues are normal and go away after a short time and sometimes they progress into more serious depression that needs to be treated by a Dr. and medications. Good luck. Being a new mom can be overwhelming at times when it's supposed to be the happiest time of your life- so take it easy and don't forget to take care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby!
2006-07-24 09:43:47 · answer #2 · answered by tbo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have any family or friends around you? It's normal to feel this way, especially if this is your first. A baby is a huge life changing event. Try to get out of the house for a walk with the baby, or have your mom watch him or her so you can get some fresh air. Rent a funny movie or get a positive silly book to keep your spirits up. It's a good idea to get yourself to the doctor as well, because if you have a serious situation, medication can help. But I'd try getting some fresh air. You really should eat even if it's something small. Your baby needs YOU to be able to take care of him or her. Hang in there!
2006-07-24 09:38:12 · answer #3 · answered by mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should talk to your OB/GYN. This is a very common after-effect of having a baby - a LOT of people go through it. If the symptoms are severe enough, it might warrant a short-term anti-depressant course of treatment. Most likely, the symptoms will ease by the time the baby's about 3 months old.
Try to get as much rest and eat as balanced a diet as you're able. Tiredness & fatigue (from lack of a balanced diet and lack of sleep) can enhance the PPD symptoms.
Also, talk about it with friends or family.
Get help with taking care of the baby - get your partner to take the baby for a while so you can get a good nap in.
2006-07-24 09:46:27 · answer #4 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go see your Dr. right away. If you don't have one call your local social services. If the wait is too long, go to your local emergency room. There's nothing wrong with asking for help in this. Get someone, partner, family member or a friend to go with you. Don't try to go this alone, if no one is "hearing" you, speak louder. Don't let it go too long too. If you're worried about being a good parent, remember, not everyone is an "instant" mother, I know I wasn't. It takes time to learn all the cries and other signals your baby is sending you. Try to make the time with your baby as stress free as possible, if the house is a bit messy don't worry about it, take care of yourself and your baby first, the chores can wait a bit. If your baby is sleeping don't run yourself frantic trying to get the house clean, take a nap too, you've earned it! Take care and don't be afraid to ask for the help you need, it's ok and it doesn't mean you're not a good mother, you're a great mother for recognizing you need help and for getting it!
2006-07-24 09:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by metzlaureate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a difference between the 'baby blues' and post partum depression (PPD). A lot of the baby blues go away by themselves in about 3 weeks after having your baby, and are fairly normal. However, if you find yourself too overwhelmed with your baby, the blues last more than 4 weeks, or have had thoughts of hurting either yourself or the baby, it could be sign of PPD. Depression medications and/or therapy should help. Talk to your doctor ASAP. If he dismisses it as nothing, and you still feel depressed, look for a psychologist/psychiatrist.
2006-07-24 09:39:18 · answer #6 · answered by jetfan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do NOT call Tom Cruise...
Seriously, talk to your doctor, this has a lot to do with the hormones in your body raging for the last 10 months and now recycling...mentally, know that you're not alone. Being a parent is an amazing but understandably scary thing...most moms go through some form of it and many dads feel the same fears you're feeling...it will get better and you and your baby will grow together...it'll be the best thing you ever do!
Good luck!
2006-07-24 09:37:03 · answer #7 · answered by cfluehr 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh, I've been there! See if you can get in to your doctor before your six week post-partum check up. You NEED to explain how you are feeling. Also, ASK FOR HELP either from your partner, a neighbor, a friend, your parents, etc.
A newborn, until you adjust to their schedule, is overwhelming. You're probably sleep deprived too, which isn't helping. You also need to sleep when the baby sleeps.....even if it's just for a little while to get a nap.
2006-07-24 09:49:40 · answer #8 · answered by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very normal to feel this way, and more importantly you recognize the problem. You need to see the Dr. There are many choices out there for you, and you don't necessarily need drugs. Let your husband/boyfriend & family know what is going on. And if you need a break, do it. More importantly, you are not alone, you are a good mom, you will be a great mom, you are a worthwhile person. Good luck!
2006-07-24 11:42:24 · answer #9 · answered by jetaunbraese 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reecpeec reported all of it. =) i imagine it is probable somewhat of both. That Robin is overwhelmed and is partly depressed b/c she feels inadequate and that the baby probable does experience that and it will be making her uncomfortable round her mommy. yet, like you reported, there are a range of of motives for postpartum melancholy, and many different indicators, so with any success that writers will pass into that besides, rather of attempting to make us trust that Robin is depressed b/c her infant gained't stop crying. no longer to sound sexist, besides the undeniable fact that that is so obtrusive that replaced into written by a guy.
2016-10-15 04:03:25 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True depression--mental illness--is not just the blues or a bad day. It is a chemical illness that can have tragic results. Some forms of depression can affect the body before the person "feels depressed". For example, depression can start with sleep disturbances.for more info
http://www.starherb.com/healthconcern.asp?char=P&pn=1&view=&catid=63&vid=&filename=
2006-07-28 00:00:42 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋