Do I have the baby blues?

Question

My baby is 10 wks old (and I have a 10 yr old son). She's just a great baby, so I can't complain. She even sleeps all night! But I can't understand why I am tired all the time? My whole body just aches. I feel like I am just thru the montions nearly every day. My husband doesn't understand. He thinks I am on vacation from work. Half the time I want to scream at him because he just doesn't understand, but how can I blame him when I don't understand myself.

I am also grappling with going back to work- in 1 week. Should I or should I not at home. There are a lot of pros and cons there so its a tough choice.

Answer 1

I went through the same thing about the same time frame as you. I kept chalking it up to "baby blues". I wasn't necessarily depressed, just very moody and anxious. I was so tired and worn out. My daughter too is an excellent child, and I kept feeling guilty that I felt so down when I had such a wonderful daughter.
I called my doctor (the hardest call I ever made!) and went in to see her. She put me on a mild anti-depressant...she said PPD can also take on a form of mild depression and moderate anxiety. The meds I am on work for both aspects of PPD.
I feel like a totally new person a few months after taking the meds. My husband really notices the difference...I am not so cranky about everyday things, and just feel overall happier with life.
I would call you OBGYN and go into see them. You may not need any medication, maybe just talking to your doctor or a therapist will do the trick. Talking to them is the first step of getting your life back!
Best of luck to you!!

Answer 2

It sounds like you may have a "touch " of the baby blues. Have you felt this way all along or is it more recent? I know that the baby blues can hit at any time , but you are coming up on a big change and it sounds like you are not sure that returning to work is for you. I also went through this stage myself and thougth that no one understood. I mean you are getting ready to return to work and leave your baby that you have been spending all of your time with. When you make your choice, do not let money be the defining factor..I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. Look inside and asses what is truly in your heart. Do you feela connection with the work environment and your co-workers as an outlet for yourself, or do you feel a stronger need to be at home with the kids? How does your husband/partner feel about it? is working part-time an option? job- sharing? I know how you feel and then having to make a decision on top fo feeling blah realy sucks! Hang in there, this too shall pass. You are not alone so please do not feel that you are. Think about some of the online support groups that might help. I never felt so validated as when I started attending a breastfeeding support group and heard other people with the same issues and feelings as me! Men ( as well meaning as they are) do not get it ...most of the time and so this is no different. Talk witha girlfriend that you trust as well. I hope that this helps and like the saying goes...Some days you are the dog and some days you are the fire hydrant.

Answer 3

It sounds like you are experiencing a little of the 'baby blues'. Tell your husband how you are feeling and let him know that he needs to step up around the house. Try getting a night out with your husband or with a girlfriend for dinner or a movie. If you still feel this way after a few weeks, I would call your OB doc. It is perfectly normal to feel this way, but sometimes you may need a little help to get through it.

I have a 12 week old baby and a 2 year old. I recently decided to stay at home and work very part time. I was making 2X what my husband was, but I really thought long and hard about this decision. My husband was not all that excited at first, but now he has really stepped up and picked up more work to make up for some of the difference. It is working out well. We are struggling a little financially, but I really do feel it is worth the sacrafice.

Answer 4

What you described does not sound like the baby blues to me. It sounds more like a normal mom. You are settled into this routine where you do and do and do for your new baby. She is almost 3 months old and you have been doing everything for her and probably little for yourself. Going back to work soon is probably another factor. You are worried about leaving your little one yet youre not sure you can afford to stay at home with her. You are tired because you have a baby to take care of and you are achy because you dont get a chance to take care of yourself. Most dads just dont get it. They are not at home with a child 24/7 and most think it isnt work but it is. Let him have the baby for a day by himself and likely he will apologize when he realizes it isnt a vacation at all. Then take that opportunity to get a pedicure and a massage, go see a movie by yourself and indulge in some delicious ice cream. Just take a day to relax and you may just start feeling like your old self again.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm sorry that you feel this way!! I wish I could wave a Magic Wand and make all those feelings go away. As far as your hubby goes, try sitting down with him, after the kids are in bed, and talk to him about how you feel. really try to make him understand. As far as how you are feeling, and grappling with work or not......can you start back part-time?
I really think that what you are describing IS the 'Baby Blues'....Please call your doctor....and/or see a counselor, Please not only for your sake, but for the sake of your family.

Good Luck
Momma P

Answer 6

It could be that, it could be the stress of a major, major decison, it could be hormones, it could be frustrations with your husband, and a combo of everything.

You're doing the best thing you can do by reaching out to women who may be in the same situation. The only other advice I can give is looking into working part-time. That was an ideal situation for me after my children were born.

Answer 7

Yah, it sounds like the blues. Talk to your Dr.