I gave birth to my baby girl 11 weeks ago and felt fine. Of course I was tired but I was in high spirits. But the past couple of weeks I've been feeling extra tired, having headaches, little interest in doing things, and sometimes a horrid feeling of loneliness. I know that part of it has to do with the fact my husband and I have hardly spent any time together lately and I miss him. But it feels like there's more to it. I don't feel depressed ALL the time but in little spurts. Like one minute I'm fine and focused on work and the next I feel like I'm on the verge of crying my eyes out. Or I'm calm and then loose my temper over the stupidest little thing. It's so unlike me. My husband suggested that perhaps it may be Postpartum depression. But can this happen months after having a baby?
thanks everyone!! I had no idea you could get it so late after having the baby! I talked to my husband last night about it and he's going to arrange somethings so I can get more rest at night and get some "me" time. He has also arranged a date with me next weekend. Dinner and a long walk so we can reconnect. Yeah!!! He's such a sweety... :) I think I just was holding on to my misery alone and should have talked to him sooner. I just didn't want to burden him with my problems because he's the stay at home parent and I thought he had enough on his plate already. But he totally understood, and wants to help me anyway he can. That and he misses me too... Tee hee. I still think some of it is hormonal, but I think by communicating more and getting some "us" time, I'll be able to manage the mood swings better. Thanks everyone for you input!!
Yes, it can happen. First before any med's I would suggest hiring a baby sitter and having a night out (or in) with hubby kid free. No one ever realizes how much they miss their SO until baby gets here. You may also try something to help you relax i.e. massage, yoga or a nice long walk every day. If this doesn't help I would then suggest seeking medical help.
My OB and pedi said PPD can occur up to a year after birth. Best of luck to you.
11 Weeks after is not 'delayed'..its just when you notice it..
I showed signs shortly after going back to work at 12 weeks..I pushed through it and chalked it up to being a new mom juggling the new life. My PPD didnt Implode 100% on me until I was forced to face it when my daugher was 13 months old. my body and mind physically all shut down. I couldnt do anything without exploding into tears...for 30 mins or more..for NO reason..
Good for you for seeing the signs and holding out your hand saying "HEY I may need help" only you know your body. Schedule an appt with your OBGYN...just to be sure.
Sure it can. Although if you are feeling OK MOST of the time, maybe it is delayed "baby blues" rather than full blown depression. I had the same thing, and mine started about 5 weeks postpartum. Little things would make me cry like a baby! :)
I think the delay for me had something to do with the fact that when you first get home, you are so busy getting acclimated to having the baby and trying to figure out how he or she is going to be, feeding baby, when baby sleeps, going to doctor, etc., that you don't have time to stop and relax. I found myself getting very tense and anxious after a few weeks. My husband helped a lot, he would take the baby on the weekend between feedings and I would sleep, he made sure I was eating, all that good stuff! :) Also, try to take some time out of the day for you! I know it sounds crazy, but you don't even have to go anywhere. Just take a shower by yourself, or a 30min nap. It did wonders for my mind!
**Most importantly, talk to your doctor. Ask for help if and when you need it. No one can do everything on their own!! Good luck and enjoy your new kiddo!
Hugs, Mama! Sounds like you've got things headed in the right direction now. I went through something similar about six weeks ago and our daughter will be eight months old tomorrow.
Yep, I've gone through the same thing. My baby is 4.5 months old, and I've been feeling much better the last 3 weeks, but I also felt the same way off and one up until about 12-15 weeks after his birth. I'd have days that were SO bad, like you said, you're just so irritable and don't feel like doing ANYTHING. Hang in there, it might pass. If it doesn't talk to your doc about it. For me, exercise really helped. Just get out of the house by yourself. Walk, hike, shop, whatever. And talk to other moms who've been through the same thing, it helps to know you're not crazy and not alone. It's a huge adjustment and your hormones are so out of whack, just give it some time. Make sure you're taking care of yourself and eating well, etc.
Postpartum depression can last or show up even up to a year after birth. Know you're not alone, I completely understand the feeling of sheer emptiness and loneliness. When I felt like this I would just call up my mom and cry!
Good luck mama :)
Make an appointment to meet with your OB and get his/her take on this. It is not uncommon for someone to experience PPD after the baby is born.
Hey N.,
I can relate to your post. I went through this as well, and if it brings any reassurance to you, you are not alone. You need to keep in mind that your hormones are trying to readjust and it may take a while until they are completely balanced. Mine got so bad where I was having horrible anxiety attacks and it would make a bad day a horrible day. I eventually got a bunch of supplements that did seem to help temporarily. First I took three doses of fish oil a day, I also forced myself to go out into the sun for a minimum of 30 minutes a day and take a walk, I took large doses of vitamin D, and I also took a supplement at night called Gabba Calm by Apex Energetics. That helped me to sleep better at night. My ob/gyn really wanted me to go on antidepressants, but that wasn't an option for me. Since my son is now weaned, I am on HRT and it definitely is making a difference, although my hormones still aren't balanced yet. But my days are looking brighter and I have more spring in my step, so I know it's a step in the right direction.
A big part of this is being tired. Make sure (which is hard) that you are getting enough sleep. I found that most of my symptoms would disappear if my daughter slept more hours or if I could take a nap when she did. Postpartum can bring on really strong feelings of loneliness and depressed feelings. I struggled for about 6 months with my first child. My best friend had a child that was 3 months older and she knew how I was feeling. We made plans just about everyday. I would go to her house. We would take a walk, go to the park, walk the mall, do our marketing together, whatever it took, and it helped so much. We really made it through while supporting each other. Having a support group really works. Look into MOPS groups in your area. They meet often and you will enjoy getting out of the house. That is a really big part! Good luck sweetie!
Were you breastfeeding and stopped? I went through this when I stopped breast feeding. I felt like I had PPD but it was months after having the baby so I didn't know what was going on. My OB said it would pass while my hormones adjusted to not breastfeeding and she was right. I didn't need any medicine or anything. I would mention it to your OB and see what she says.
Sounds to me like you just need a little time away. Some "mommy" time. I just gave birth ten weeks ago and i get to feelin the same way. And when i do, i just go somewhere when daddy gets home. I don't stay gone for long. Like for instance, i go to the tanning bed every day when her daddy gets home from work and that is my thirty minutes of me time. I swear to you that it will help.
Postpartum depression can pop us any time in the first year! with my second child I didn't get it till she was 10 weeks old. having a baby is a huge change. call your ob or general practitioner and get some help. sometimes even just admitting that you are depressed and giving yourself a little slack will make you feel much better. it is all your changing hormones. hope you feel better soon! :)
