Why is my wife being depressed or angry while she just had a baby?

Question

Is it that normal? what can i do to make my wife calm or cheer her up? Please help me thanks

Answer 1

Hormones..... Hormones. They are raging through your wifes body like crazy. There is nothing you can do, except comfort her when she needs it, and stay away from her if she asks you too. Try to help out with the baby, as much as possible. Let her sleep and rest. Also, try to do extra chores around the house, or hire someone to come in and take care of the house so she doesn't have to. Her main focus should be her baby right now... not housework... She is not in her right frame of mind right now and it is not something she has any control over. She will be up and down and all over the place for a couple of weeks. Don't worry.... she will return to her normal self soon enough.

Answer 2

If she JUST had a baby then she is probably just exhausted and might have a little bit of the baby blues which is very common. While you are pregnant the baby is romanticised and once the baby becomes a reality it can be very overwhelming. If you want to cheer her up and calm her down give her as much help as you can and let her rest as often as possible, also reassure her that she is doing a great job etc. If she is down continuously and doesnt seem to be getting any better then ask her if she would like to see a doctor, post natal depression is a serious illness and can tear apart relationships and you should catch it as early as possible. I had post natal depression for an entire year before I finally had the courage to get some help. I was in denial and very angry most of the time, lashing out at the people I loved most because I was too stressed and anxious all the time, I developed social phobia and my obsessive compulsive behaviour got worse. Every time my baby cried my heart would pump faster and my stomach would knot, I couldnt stand it. I have gotten what I needed from antidepressant medication and am pretty much back to my old self THANK GOD!!!!!!!!! So yes, keep a close eye on her, you seem to have the right attitude in that you want to help her rather than get annoyed with her : )

Answer 3

It's perfectly reasonable for her to be depressed. Imagine gearing yourself up for a big event - think about how you feel after that big event has come and gone and you have nothing else to look forward to? Pregnancy was gearing up for the big event - the arrival of the baby. Now the baby is here and she no longer gets special attention for being pregnant and all everyone probably seems to care about is the baby.

Pregnancy and childbirth does a lot of stress to a woman's body so she may be feeling aches and pains from that not to mention what she's going through psychologically because your stomach is all stretched, stretch marks might be an issue, etc. You look down at your body and just want to cry - especially when you can't fit into any of your clothes.

Along with all this is the stress of caring for a newborn. The first few months are HELL and sleep is a rarity. She has no life anymore - all she does is diaper, feed, and change a baby's clothes. After reading all this, it's very easy to see why women can get depressed. Now to get to how you can help...

#1 - Let her sleep! Take over whatever feedings you can help with and try to let her get at least four hours of consecutive sleep. Sleep is what a new mother wants the most and usually can't get.

#2 - Talk to her. Ask her what the biggest issues bothering her, right now are. She might just want someone to vent to.

#3 - Buy her some new clothes - She's probably sick of her maternity clothes but probably still can't fit in her pre-baby wardrobe...so go out and buy her something cute to wear that will make her feel good about herself again. Gifts might help right now to help her feel appreciated with all the attention the baby is getting.

#4 - Take the baby off her hands and give her time to herself to shower or do whatever she wants to do. Help her out with household chores that are just too overwhelming for her right now.

#5 - Be endlessly understanding! It sounds like you already are trying being that you even got on here and asked. That shows you care and that you're a good husband. Make sure you praise her mothering skills and tell her how amazing she did in childbirth.

It is normal to be depressed and angry after having a baby - it's a HUGE alteration to your life! It's normal for dads to get down in the dumps too. If your wife doesn't eventually get better or has problems caring for the baby or confesses serious thoughts of hurting the baby, you should get help from a doctor immediately. They will probably prescribe anti-depressants for her. They work for some people, other people say they just make them feel like a walking zombie. When in doubt, ask your wife what you can do to make her life easier, right now. It will take a while, but she will come around.

Answer 4

Hi, This is called having the baby blues. She will cry for no reason and what to sleep a lot. A lot of women get this after having a baby. If you are concern make an doctor appointment for her and you can take her and go in with her. He may be able to give her something to help here threw this.
A Friend.
poppy1

Answer 5

She is suffering from post pardom depression, that usually happens after you give birth and should go away on its own...
All you can do right now is give her attention and help and show you care.. Hugs and kisses work wonders also..
If it does go on for longer than about two weeks or so, I would get her to a doctor , as it could turn into full depression...
Congratulations on the new baby.. and good luck!

Answer 6

Its called post-partum depression. Its normal. Its because of hormonal changes, fatigue.
Dont ask her WHY she is feeling like that... because its normal for ladies to go thru this phase, on asking WHY, she might get more irritated.
You can help her by making her comfortable, helping her out with houes-hold chores like washing clothes, bringing grocery,cooking, cleaning, helping her in baby-chores like changing diapers, burping the baby etc.

Answer 7

oh man, big can of worms! having a baby is a HUGE deal, if it is your first, then i am guessing she is scared, anxious, and a whole mix of other emotions. she could see a doctor, as post natal depression is a common illness in many mothers, however, for your part, just be as supportive as possible, take it on the chin, she will find her self sooner or later in her own good time.

Answer 8

its called postpartum depression...its normal after childbirth...some women get over it sooner than others...i guess the stresses of becoming a mother combined with raging hormones cause it...try to help her with the care of your child...it will make it easier for her...if you can get someone to take care of the baby for a few hours, you can take her out...reassure her of your love and your support...

Answer 9

this can be post partum depression.the only thing you can do is have her seen by a doctor.thats actually the best thing to do.if depression is left untreated,it can be fatal. your wife may be in deial as i was about being depressed.take her to the doctor asap.

Answer 10

It's called post partum (spelling?) depression. Have her talk to her Dr and maybe get some counseling. it will really help her, the baby and you. And yes, it is very common.