I had a beautiful baby boy a month ago, and since have been struggling emotionally. I have struggled trying to breastfeed him, but trying to get him to latch on only resulted in both of us crying hysterically, me more so from feeling incompetent . I have also been irrationally mean to my husband lately and have to force myself to get the laundry done and take a shower sometimes. Some days I feel great and am in a wonderful mood, and others are so bad that I scare myself. Is this normal baby blues for a new mother, or is this more serious?
2007-01-06 15:11:25 · 17 answers · asked by Mandi R 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
You should get advice from your ob/gyn. Hormones at this stage can reak havoc on your system. I suffered fairly mild cases of post partum after both of my C-sections and they were rough. I can't even imgine a really bad case.
Get some help from a professional. They also have people specifically trained at helping you with breast feeding. It can be such a rewarding experience and such a trauma if it does not go as planned.
Good luck to you!
2007-01-06 15:22:37 · answer #1 · answered by barksabit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some of this is normal, but it sounds as though you are probably suffering from postpartum depression. Definitely have a talk with your doctor!
If you are struggling with nursing, and it is getting to the point where you and the baby are both so upset that nothing is working, why don't you pump? I know that a lot of people say don't do it because of nipple confusion...but if he's not latching onto you now, it's not going to hurt any. He would still be getting the nutrients from the breast milk without the fuss. Then, when neither of you are tired and grumpy, you can try nursing again. No matter what the breast feeding Nazis say, it IS possible to bond with your baby despite having a bottle in the way. ;o)
Call your doctor to discuss possible medicines for PPD. You may end up having to switch to a formula in order to use them, but it will be worth it for baby to have a mom who doesn't feel out of control!
Best of luck to you.
2007-01-06 15:22:55 · answer #2 · answered by Meg M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very normal...and treatable. Lack of sleep alone can put you in a confused fog that makes it hard to function. I remember not knowing the right steps to go about brushing my teeth! Breastfeeding can be rough as well. I know it was for me. It was my desire to breastfeed, and I did it by the book, only to realize that I had a low milk supply, no matter what I did (this is rare, so don't panic). You are NOT incompetent. You have just been given a brand new job with no instruction manual. See your hospital's lactation consultants for help and encouragement. They were my angels in distress! Call your friends and family and cry. They will understand and it will help you a ton.
The first baby is always the hardest because of the adjustment, lack of sleep, hormones, etc. Talk to your doctor. He may prescribe you something like Zoloft (safe during breastfeeding) if he determines you have Post Partum Depression. It will help you get over this time, sure to be temporary. I've never met a mom of teenagers who still had PPD. Don't despair. It will pass, with a little help from friends, family, a little exercise, and if necessary, a mild drug from your doctor.
Best of luck. We've all been there!
P.S. Hold and sing to or smile at your baby as often as you can. Just enjoy sitting and holding him and doing nothing. He doesn't care if you have any clean clothes to wear. He just wants YOU and your love. I wish someone had told me this!
2007-01-06 15:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by Kim A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the doctor, I had postpartum after my second son was born. I felt alot like you do. I also had alot of problems bonding with my baby even though I had another child the new one felt like a strangers baby!! It was a awful feeling for my whole family,I went to the doctor got meds went to a therapist and in no time I felt like a new mom should feel!!! Breastfeeding is hard work you can't let it get you down if it doesn't work for you alot of people don't even bother giving it a try and you have!!! Baby's can feel your stress maybe just try pumping until you feel better it might help you if your husband could get up in the middle of the night and feed the baby and you could get like 4 hours of straight sleep!! Good luck and don't feel embarrassed to talk to your doc,that is what they are there for.
2007-01-06 15:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by got all I need 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had 4 kiddos and had similiar issues with each. Although it is normal, it is VERY important to contact your doc ASAP and let her know. As far as the breastfeeding...do what you can try your best but dont beat yourself up over it! I tried with my first with very little luck and did not try again until my final fourth and did better but only lasted 5 weeks at that. They are all fine in the end! But PLEASE call your doctor and talk to someone...a friend your family and get a little support. Also try to get out of the house. DO not close yourself in because you think the baby will get sick. Even if you go to the mall for a little while, keep baby covered in the carseat and walk. Yes it is normal but you need to take care of yourself! Hope this helps...
2007-01-06 15:21:28 · answer #5 · answered by Aim S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its lasted for more than two weeks its probably something more serious. Contact your OB or your family Doctor and see what they can do for you. Post partum depression is serious if left untreated....I've been dealing with it for 8 months now and only found relief when put on medication. Good Luck and get help so you can enjoy your baby. Dont stress on the breast feeding....contact your local la leche league and they can help you with latching issues and if that doesnt work feel free to switch him to formula, the formulas now are superior to what was available in yesteryear and you can always pump and supplement.
2007-01-06 15:19:43 · answer #6 · answered by Jessica J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..
But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.
Helping you eliminate depression?
2016-05-16 05:49:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your Doctor..better safe than sorry..If there is family member that could watch over the baby while you take a well deserved bubble bath and a good long nap, DO IT !!!! And about your breast feeding ,I had the same problem, the doctor should be able to give you a list of numbers where trained Rns and such that talk you through it.
2007-01-06 15:24:01 · answer #8 · answered by ksk_05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I ended up having horrible post-partum depression. The bottom line is that no one should have to go through feeling that way. It's not fair to you or to your child. You should really just consult a professional. Although postpartum depression is quite common, it could also lead to something much more serious.
You need to try as hard as you can to be 100% for your baby!
2007-01-06 15:17:15 · answer #9 · answered by Killshyviolet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's post partum. If it is really bothering you though go to your doctor and tell him your symptoms, he can presecribe some meds for you that will help. And don't worry about not being able to breastfeed your baby, that doesn't make you an incompetent mother.
2007-01-06 15:16:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋