Postpartum depression?

Question

I'm breastfeeding and I'm really not interested in taking any drugs. I'm not teary, actually the opposite. Very disconnected from everyone and annoyed by my sons constant need to eat thats growing into anger. I had my baby July 2 and I haven't slept more then 2 hours straight since so I'm on the fence on the ppd or if I'm just sleep deprieved. Thoughts or advice?

To add we've tried a bottle and he won't take it so I can't get a break that way.

Answer 1

It might a little of both. Your hormones are in crazy mode right now, and you're sleep deprived, not to mentioned stressed out to the max with a new baby. First off, it's not your fault. Don't listen to the jerks that try to make you feel guilty for feeling like this. *It is not your fault* and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Many women feel like this (or depressed) after the birth of their baby. Anger and irritability are in fact two of the many possible symptoms of depression, and there's no shame in it.

First, you need to talk to your doctor. They can either give you a referal to a psychatrist or therapist. Then make an appointment to go. You won't necessarily be put on anti-depressants, they may try what's called cognitive behavirol therapy, where they talk to you and help you try to 're-train' your thoughts. But if you and your doctor decide to try anti-depressants, there are ones that are perfectly safe for breastfeeding. You not necessarily be on them forever either. I have two friends that had PPD and were only on their meds for about six months until their hormones got back to normal and they felt normal again. But do try to speak to a qualified professional about this soon.

Second, there are support boards online you could go to for help, and you could also see if your hospital has a new moms support group, or if your church does, etc. Meetup.com is a good place to look for local mom groups, and there is also MOMS International with various chapters. Babycenter.com has a PPD support board too. Talking (or typing) to other moms that have the same thing going on helps so much. It provides a type of support in that you learn you're defintely not alone in your feelings.

Third, try your best to find time for yourself. The first three months are probably the hardest since the baby is getting used to the world, and you're getting used to the baby. Keep trying different types of bottles with differnt nipple shapes and nipple textures. If you have friends or family close by, don't be afraid for help. Ask them to come over for a little bit so you can go take a nap, or a long shower or bath, or even just to sit alone and watch tv or read a book. If you have a partner, ask them to help a lot with the changings, burpings, etc. If you can, try to order out for food so you don't have to worry about cooking, or else going to one of those places where you set up all the food and then freeze it. Don't worry about chores. Just do the bare minimum or ask someone else to help you with them. If you can afford it, splurge and get a maid to come in once in awhile. It's really hard to find time for yourself, but it will get better. I know it doesn't seem that way now, and there will be times where it'll seem like there's been a step back, but it does get better.

You're defintely not alone in how you feel, and there is *no* shame in it either. This is perhaps one of the craziest times of your life since becoming a mom is such a crazy experience. There are many people out there ready to help you handle your feelings and the craziness, so don't be afraid to ask for it. Also be easy with yourself and don't expect yourself to be a super woman. Good luck.

Answer 2

Sounds like you could be sleep deprived, but it could also be post partum, especially with the disconnection feeling to your son....You should talk to your doctor about what you are feeling....They are more than likely to put you on an anti-depressant. I have read that Zoloft is so far safe for pregnant and breast feeding mothers in small doses. I know what you are going through, although I did not feel disconnection or anger, but I was so tired all the time, and sometimes still am. I would recommend renting a breast pump and storing your milk so someone else can watch him for you while you catch up on some much needed sleep! My daughter is five months now and she is finally sleeping through the night for about nine hours, without a feeding or with one. Things will improve but you need to take care of you. If you aren't healthy, then you are in no condition to care for your baby. Good luck to you!!!

Answer 3

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's not a shameful thing for someone to come in and help you out... or even get yoru son into a play group a couple hours or something. As far as the baby, try different nipples... i found that playtex disposable bottles with the dome shaped latex nipples worked best for my kids because they are so soft and more like mom's... they have more to latch onto. You will start feeling better as baby gets on a less frequent feeding routine and you can get some sleep. If not, talk to your doctor.

Answer 4

You are probably just sleep deprived. If you think that it would help, talk to your health visitor or doctor about your feelings, but these are very normal. Sleep whenever, and where you get the chance. Sleep deprivation is actually a form of torture in some places, and it's pretty easy to see why.
It's very easy to start feeling resentful of these little miracles, especially when the beautiful little bundles won't let you sleep!
Continue to eat well, take your pre-natal vitamins to give you the right nutrients and vitamins that you need, and rest whenever you can.

Answer 5

You sound very stressed and that could be the reason that he is like that he can feel you are annoyed. I know its hard, I know exactly what you are going throuh my girl is now two months the first week since she was born she cried non stop for 4 days, I had no sleep. While I was breastfeeding her I was crying non stop cause I was tired and stressed. My doctor eventually took my girl of the breast, keep trying with the bottle, try different teats, trust me it takes so much strain away..........

Answer 6

It sounds like you may have the baby blues. Go out and buy a bunch of different bottles and nipples to find one your baby likes. I recommend the newborn nipples because they are smaller... more like mom. I have a 3 month old baby who will not take a bottle either. The only one she tolerates is Avent.

It WILL get better. I promise. My 3 month old now sleeps 6 hours straight.

Answer 7

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?

Answer 8

You need a break!! Eventually the baby will take the bottle. Did you try the ones that the nipples are more similair to a mother's nipple...I think it's playtex...the one's with the bag in it....

You should not be having these feelings. You will probably need some med's...It's not forever. Just for now!! Why should you be unhappy.. and, baby's can sence a mother's feelings..Nerves..this will make him more moody...Then you will go more crazy!! It's just a long rollercoaster ride...Not worth it!!! Definitely get some extra help..

Dahrma

Answer 9

Sounds like to me ou are depressed and sleep deprived. Is there anyone there to help you out? What kind of drugs are you taking? I think you need to go see a doctor very soon.


Good luck.

Answer 10

You should talk to your doctor now is supposed to be happy every ones gets the baby blues but I never felt anger at my child