My friend just had her baby a week ago. She was fine till she came home from the hospital with him. Now she says she wants to give him up and she doesn't like being around him. She refuses help, she won't even eat. Has anyone else had postpartum this bad? Should we keep the baby around her, or let family take care of him till she is better?
2007-03-20 16:21:32 · 13 answers · asked by mommy of 3 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
severe nor sever
2007-03-20 16:24:55 · update #1
Listen to your friend!!! Listen to the warning signs- I had severe post partum depression after the birth of my son- it included some of the things that you mention- I had crying spells- I felt as though I couldn't handle the baby. I told my family about how I feel and they would come and help me to care for the baby and eventually things got better with time- However- don't forget the seriousness of it- I would make every effort to seek medical attention for her and support as much as possible. I wanted my son with me at home- I just needed that extra support. Good Luck! Prayer changes things!
2007-03-20 16:32:10 · answer #1 · answered by Mommy of Two 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes I had severe PPD after and before the birth of my first child twenty years ago but I never felt like giving my baby away.I also could not eat,sleep,I cried a lot and could not stand for my baby to cry.A lot of it had to do with my feelings of not being able to be a good mother and knowing how to care for the baby correctly.After I learned I was doing fine with my baby it went away.Took about three months.Also it has something to do with a new mothers hormones being out of sink.She should continue to have close contact with her baby so she can bond with it but until she gets better she should have supervision.
2007-03-20 16:32:33 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ liz ♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact the you see this and are concerned about it is reason enough for someone to react.
Get her family involved with what you she said to you. I am sure cases that turned out badly- there were people who were told things and didn't act on them.
For myself- I had the baby blues-and colicky babe. When my husband I came home- I'd say "he is yours for an hour- I am out of here" and couldn't wait til I went back to work.
There is a fine line for people who hurt there children and those that do not. I have been to that edge. If my colicky babies got on that "last nerve"- (knowing all needs were met) I would place them in the crib.... walk outside for 5 minutes and BREATHE and go back in and start teh whole soothing routine over again (lather- rinse-repeat- for as long as needed).
MOST people who cross that line... have told someone they needed help sometime, somewhere. Just nobody listened.
2007-03-20 16:33:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mommyk232 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most cases I would say leave the child with its mother so they get to bond during those precious first months. But in this case, I think it would be better to leave the baby with a capable family member for the time being and get her some help as soon as possible. There are lots of options out there for someone suffering from post-partum depression.
2007-03-20 16:28:53 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
MAKE sure the baby is around her but she is not left alone with him. Dont force her to care for the baby but if the baby does not have the motherly touch he will feel something missing and start acting unusal!! The only help she needs is for her friends and family not to push her to get help and for them to support her!!
2007-03-20 16:36:50 · answer #5 · answered by Spiedermans_wife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have. I've never read about it happening so fast, but that doesn't matter. Email me and I'll give you some details about what may be going on in her head. She probably needs someone in the house most of the time, and she needs encouragement, help with housework and baby care.
2007-03-20 16:44:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't answer whether or not its safe for her to be around him, but if she doesn't want around him, and you are concerned for him, it might not hurt for someone else to care for him for a while....
I have had some severe PPD, and some of the strangest things will go through your mind when you have it. She really should see her doctor! There is help out there. This is a serious condition.......
2007-03-20 16:30:20 · answer #7 · answered by Julie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is very sad. I'm sorry.
She really shouldn't be left alone with the baby in this case, and should be encouraged to talk to her OB. Perhaps someone can call her OB for her and make an appointment?
I hope she feels better.
2007-03-20 16:26:09 · answer #8 · answered by LadyJag 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the baby should be kept near her, but with someone else there most of time and get her some help, she might need meds, help her don't take her child, make sure her hubby calls obgyn and tells them exactly what is going on, she is being open about how she feels don't judge her, that's pretty hard thing to do, she is asking for help, good luck
2007-03-20 16:29:23 · answer #9 · answered by melissa s 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
talk to her family ---at least let them know what you have observed ---you can talk to child protective services anonymously or call your local ob gyn unit at a hospital close to you ---ask them what the next step could be ---keep in touch with your friend ---offer to sit for her (in her home while she rests you could make a small meal ,do some laundry or straighten the house ---bring fresh flowers in a small vase) --til you come up with some resource/help for her ---don't let this opportunity for HELP pass by unnoticed
2007-03-20 16:29:15 · answer #10 · answered by rn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋