Postpartum depression

What are the signs?
I have a 3.5 week old baby and a 2yr old and I feel like I am just on an emotional roller coaster. I can be in an emotional high but all of a sudden something happens and it's the end of the world. Crying at the drop of a hat, fighting with my DH. I just feel like I am stuck in the house all day long with the kids, I have no routine, I don't even know what day it is half the time. I don't have any decent clothes to even leave the house because nothing fits me. I long to go back to work and see my co-workers and talk to people my age. My OB asked at my 2 week appt if I needed an anti depressant but I declined at the time because I don't like to take things I might not need but how do I really know what's normal hormones and when it's a real issue?

Postpartum depression

I only had one DD and experienced the same things. I also didn't want to take medicine but I told my DR if he felt it was absolutely going to be the best bet, we would. Over time like months, I got "better".

It sounds normal, It could totally be hormonal but if you need meds to be the best mom you can be then there is nothing wrong with it.

HUGS to you!

Message edited 3/26/2015 8:43:52 PM.

Postpartum depression

To me that sounds like normal baby blues. It's a huge adjustment and I felt the same way when I had dd. I was told that true postpartum doesn't kick in until a few months out.

Soon it will be warmer and you can at least get out for walks and fresh air. That will help.

Postpartum depression

I agree. Sounds like baby blues. That's how I was after Ds was born. I spoke to my dr about it, and she told me if I wasn't feeling better in about 6 or 7, then we would discuss medication. I ended up feeling better

Postpartum depression

Do you have a double stroller? If you can, try to bundle up both dc and go for even a 5 minute walk outside. If not, during their nap time, take the monitor and just sit outside for a little. You need the fresh air and sun (even through the dark clouds). You sound completely normal to me!

Postpartum depression

I had baby blues for a few weeks postpartum. I would cry over EVERYTHING! DS was going to get big, DH didnt sit next to me on the couch, DH went to bed before me. By my 6 week appointment, I was better and could laugh about things again. My Obgyn actually commented on my sense of humor.

Re: Postpartum depression

I'd give it a few more weeks. If at your 6 week checkup with the OB, you feel no different then it may be time to start looking into meds. Sounds like for now normal baby blues. I cried a lot after my kids were born. My hormones were a mess. When I went for my 2 week check, my OB asked how I felt- I said exhausted, like crap, bloated, hormonal, and like a cow (I was nursing). He said ok good. Sounds normal. I was like what??? He said if you told me you were on a cloud, everything was wonderful, and you felt great that I'd be worried.

I started to feel normal again right before my 6 week check-up. Going back to work at 3 months helped a lot. I showered, got dressed, put on make-up. It was nice to talk to adults during the day

Hang in there!

Postpartum depression

Sunlight, you need sunlight & the Vitamin D. I know that sounds absurd, but I had the baby blues and after 2 weeks I finally couldn't take it anymore and went for a 10 minute walk with DH & DS at the park. I cannot tell you the marked difference in my mood, It was like the sun turned the sad switch off.

Re: Postpartum depression

I had that right after having DD too. I would sit on the couch and sob for no reason. DH would ask why and I'd say...I just can't handle this.
I missed work. I missed my friends. I missed alone time with DH. I felt like I was mourning my old life.
I felt like all I did was make bottles, feed bottles, wash bottles. Repeat. I was so out of sorts. she never slept.
but as my hormones regulated and I got back in a groove it subsided. I think it was more baby blues and adjusting to a new life than PPD.

Postpartum depression

I was the same way for the first couple months after having dd. A new baby is such a huge adjustment on top of all the hormones and the lack of sleep. I agree with some of the other posters about going for walks or getting outside helped a lot. Those short walks were the highlight of my day during the first weeks of dds life. Just remember that as hard as it might seem right now, it gets better and easier before you know it.

Re: Postpartum depression

Re: Postpartum depression

I felt the same exact way you do right after my second was born. I truly mean that; everything you wrote I could have copied word for word. I wanted to go back to work initially too. I cried constantly too. I felt like I lost my sense of self because my routine was broken. I missed work so much that I often thought about returning early. Every singe day felt exactly the same. A lot of times I think that change in routine, in your normal day to day responsibilities is what causes you to feel down. It also seemed to hit me harder after the second. I don't remember ever feeling that down after my first. What you are feeling is completely normal.

I think it's the baby blues as all of the others said. After a few weeks and after getting adjusted that feeling did go away. It was like a switch just flipped and I felt a lot better around 6-7 weeks pp. True postpartum depression doesn't go away and often times shows up later on.

My best advice is try to get out when you can, go for walks, plan a date night it you can, a girls night, etc. Getting out the house really does help. Just know what you are feeling many other women feel the same. It will get better! Hang in there!

Message edited 3/27/2015 8:56:38 AM.

Re: Postpartum depression

Re: Postpartum depression

I could have written your post after having #2. It's hard. I actually wore pajama pants and looked like a clown going to a doctor's apt when I had a fever at 2 weeks pp and the 2 or 3 articles of clothing that fit were in the wash. I was mortified.

Know you're not alone in your feelings. I'm not sure exactly where they draw the line between baby blues and PPD, so I would talk to your doctor. I know I felt better over time but I don't remember exactly when.

Postpartum depression

Its totally normal. I only have 1, but I went through it for a good 2 months. I felt so lost and overwhelmed. I couldn't wait to go back to work and get back to "normal"... Its the lack of sleep, your off your routine, you have to get to a new normal.

I started to feel better when my dd slept more and I could get her on a routine.

You will feel better and it will get better. And if you feel at some point its not then def talk to your dr about going on something or think about seeing someone to talk to.
I personally did not go on anything, I opted to talk to someone instead because I was a bit terrified of anti depressants. Its not like taking a Tylenol for a headache and to be honest I do not believe a reg dr or obgyn should be allowed to prescribe them. You should see a psychiatrist for it. The wrong pills and wrong dosages make symptoms worse. I am not trying to scare you just trying to inform you.

Just give yourself some time to get through this hump. Your hormones are also all over the place, that's the emotional rollercoaster. Most important do you have support? Even a friend or family member to talk to? Is anyone around to help you during the day? This way you can get out for a walk alone or run some errands alone...

Postpartum depression

Thanks everyone for all the replies. Good to know that is somewhat normal and other people do go through it. I just don't remember these feelings after my first child but it was different then. I do appreciate the replies

Re: Postpartum depression

Re: Postpartum depression

Baby blues! I didn't start to feel "normal" until around 5 weeks after DS was born. Get out of the house every day, even if you just go for a walk around the block, and even if it takes longer to get the kids out of the house than it takes to walk around the block. Give it a few more weeks, and as the weather gets nicer, you can go sit in the park or whatever so your older one can play. Or just go get a cup of coffee. Anything to get out. You'll start to get on schedule and acclimate to your new life. The beginning is never easy.

However, if another few weeks pass and you're still feeling like this, don't hesitate to talk to your OB.

Re: Postpartum depression

I've been there. I've had baby blues and PPD. I had anxiety prior to #1 and when he came it got ramped up. Not to mention I was trying to adjust to a new life with a baby and he was sick all. the. time. With him, I went to speak to someone about a year afterwards and after only a couple of months, the feelings subsided. With #2, I started feeling the same way afterwards. This time, I only waited a couple of months before going to see someone. I'm glad I acted more quickly with #2, I was better prepared and able to handle the challenges the first year of life throw at you. If after a couple of months you are still feeling the same I would either mention it to your OB or speak to someone who deals with PPD. They will be able to steer you in the right directions. to you. Just remember, this too shall pass. Before you know it, the clouds will lift and you'll be on the other side of this. Congratulations on your baby!

Re: Postpartum depression

Re: Postpartum depression

This sounds very normal to me. It is hormones. Emotions are heightened to allow you to deeply bond with your baby. It also made me want to rip my DH's head off for looking at me when I felt like a disgusting bloated slob.

I love the advice for you to get out of the house and into the sun for a bit. When my second was about two weeks old, my mom watched the baby while I took my older one outside in the yard for like ten minutes. It was spring and that sun and air felt so damn good. It made such a difference. Next week is supposed to be in the fifties, try to get out. Hang in there!

Re: Postpartum depression

It also doesn't help that it's basically April and the weather is still January like, literally.
This weather is enough to depress anyone, new baby or not.

Postpartum depression

I had a November baby and I was the same way. I felt like I was stuck in the house, miserable and I felt like the worst Mom ever. I would cry over everything and when DH would get home I would practicaly jump on him to take me out even to the grocery store, mall anywhere! My parents were constantly yelling at me that I should be locked in the house laying in bed nursing the baby for the first 2 months. They said there was something wrong with me because I didn't want to just sit at home. It was hell. By 6 weeks I felt better and was more confident in going out alone. Hang in there. Call friends when you can. Invite a friend over who doesnt care what you or your house look like and tell her to bring a pizza. You will get through this.Try to get out even for a small trip to the supermarket or mall. It does wonders for you.