Post-Pardum Depression - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

jmcummins3 · 07-26-2005, 07:58 AM

Is it post-pardum depression if it has nothing directly to do with the baby? Everything I've read about post-pardum depression has to do with the baby and/or being a mom, but I am thrilled to death to be a mom again and love my baby to pieces, even when she's crabby it doesn't bother me much. She's a really easy baby. I love being a stay-at-home mom and do not get discouraged, sad or depressed with respect to the baby. It's been 3 months since I had the baby and she is sleeping for 6-8 hour stretches the majority of the time, so I'm still tired, but not completely exhausted so much anymore. Lately, though, I am very emotional and a little depressed, but the things that are upsetting me have nothing to do with the baby. So, would this still be post-pardum depression (my understanding is that it's a chemical imbalance due to childbirth) that I should talk to my OB/GYN about or coincidence that 3 months after having a baby, other things are making me depressed?

The reason for my question is that I'm not sure if I need to talk to my OB/GYN about post-pardum depression (my understanding is that it's a chemical imbalance due to childbirth that is "correctable" with antidepressants). I just feel out of sorts.

LadyoftheLake · 07-26-2005, 09:52 AM

Personally I think every new mom deals with some sort of depression or anxiety. Having a baby is a big time adjustment and sometimes life gets you down. I was the same way you were, I was thrilled about being a mom and having such a beautiful healthy boy, but there was just something that bothered me. Though eventually it went anyway, if I were you I would talk to someone, just in case. I don't think it is so severe that you might need anti-depressents, but a good talking to never hurt no one. Sometimes it just feels better to talk to someone to get things off your chest. Try to see if there are new mother's groups or woman's groups in your area, sometimes they are runned by the hospitials themselves. Maybe going to a group therapy surrounding, you'll get a chance to express yourself and get to know women just like you. If you still feel depressed or feel that your getting worse than you should contact a doctor immediately.

JenW67 · 07-26-2005, 10:07 AM

Hi JM.

It is a huge adjustment, even if you are thrilled to have your new baby. I agree with the above post, it really helps to talk with people. I can't say whether or not what you are experiencing is true post-partum drepression but if you don't feel right, you don't feel right. You can talk with your ob/gyn or your regular doctor, whomever you feel knows you the best.

My little guy is only 3 weeks old and I am still feeling really up and down all the time. I know I want to find other new moms to talk with. It has taken me a while to physically feel ok enough to venture out but I am going to start just so I can have women to talk with.

Hang in there. Sleep even when you don't think you need to. even if you are getting 6 hours at a stretch, it still is below a normal amount.

Take care,

Jen

siren1024 · 07-26-2005, 10:19 AM

I've just started medication for depression. I feel exactly the same way as you. I actually think I've been dealing with a mild case since my DS was born. I got PG with my DD on my DS's 1st birthday, so my hormones have just been crazy for the last two years. But like you, it has nothing to do with the kids. I'm not very emotional, but I noticed I just don't feel like doing anything. Don't have any initiative, couldn't keep my house clean, didn't feel like going ANYWHERE, but resented being stuck at home all the time. I was constantly picking fights with DH and having anxiety issues. We are also stuck in a really crappy career and financial situation right now (Military) and very far from any family or friends. So I know that adds to it. But one night I was drinking 2 months ago, I noticed I felt better. I began to notice that the only time I felt like doing anything or talking to anyone was after I had been drinking, and knew I was medicating my depression with alcohol. I didn't like where that was going, so I sucked up my pride and asked the doctor who put me on Prozac. It has helped my moods TREMENDOUSLY. I never had any feelings of distance with the baby either, but after I started the meds, I took more joy in interacting with both my kids because I didn't "feel" like doing anything before. I did it because I had to. But now my house is clean, laundry is almost caught up, my DH likes me more, I'm not drinking, and believe it or not my sex life has improved. I've had no side effects whatsoever from the meds, which totally makes me believe I did indeed have a chemical thing going on and needed them.

Anyway, I totally believe you can have PPD without having negative feelings towards the baby. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. You won't regret it.

jmcummins3 · 07-26-2005, 02:10 PM

I called my OB/GYN and I guess it is post-pardum depression, even if my depression is not baby-related. Thanks for the advice.