Is this normal?

OregonPachey

Ladies, please no flames.  I am struggling already.  I know DS is only a few days old, but I need some help.  I might call my doctor today to see if this is regular "baby blues" or something more serious.

I have had a very hard time breastfeeding which makes me feel like a failure.  I cry at the drop of a hat for no reason.  I will be fine one minute and then get so overwhelmed that I break down.  I sometimes wonder if I have made a huge mistake even though I wanted this baby so much.

Is this normal?  Or does this sound like something more serious?  Any advice you could give would be much appreciated.

Gina418

Call your doc and tell her what you're feeling. There's a whole range of "normal" after childbirth! A lot of women feel a disconnect at birth from their lo (I certainly did - there was no "I'm soooo in love" like others might feel). From what I was told, the baby blues should get better as the days go on - you should feel progressively better. If you feel yourself spiraling, you need help.

GL - and keep us posted!

EDIT: I also understand your breastfeeding woes. I decided to formula feed when I came home from the hospital and that helped my anxiety a lot. Call your docs nurses line and ask to be connected to a lactation specialist.

*speedracer*

((hugs))

i had the worst time breastfeeding EVER.  i totally sympathize with you - it is SO HARD.  do you have a lactaction consultant?  i saw one outside of the hospital (at a breastfeeding store) twice and she saved me.  she told me i was a good mom and it was what i really needed to hear right then.  

you didn't make a mistake, you're just having a hard time.  call your OB and get started on some antidepressants.  I went to a post partum support group in addition to taking antidepressants and it was awesome.  just hearing other moms sitting in a circle saying the same things: they felt it was a mistake, they didn't love their babies yet, they were angry, etc, made me feel so much better. 

you recognize those thoughts you have aren't normal, but they are very common among new moms - that is the first step.  come here for support any time.  i could have written your post 2 years ago when my DS was a newborn.  

charmcitygirl

I am so sorry that you're having a hard time right now.  There is no reason to dismiss your feelings because your baby is very little.  Everyone is different and can feel the hormonal swings at different times.

Please make sure that your DH knows how you're feeling and that he's doing whatever he can to help you!

BFing is very difficult.  It is so hard to cope with issues while you're trying to provide for your child.  You are NOT a Failure if you can't BF!

Please call your doctor and tell him/her what you're feeling.  Is there a support group for new moms in your area that you could join? Do you have family or friend help who might be able to give you a break to take a nap, a good shower or get a nice coffee?

I do hope that you get some help!  Try to enjoy the time you have with your little one.

You're a strong person for admitting that you need help.

texmommy3

It could be normal, or it could be PPD.  I would give yourself a little time.  The first few weeks we all expect to be so perfect, and I think many of us are shocked when we find it isn't so great.  Try a week or so more with the nursing before making any decisions.  Once you get past the first two weeks, it does get a little easier.

Hang in there.  It does get better.

SarahGroves11

Definitely don't feel bad at all!! Call your OB. I did one week after my c-section and I am glad that I did. I had very bad PPA along with the baby blues. I felt like I was jumping the gun going on Zoloft so soon, but I really noticed the difference. I went in and talked to the nurse practioner and my OB (which I absolutely LOVE!) and they totally understood. I have been on it for about a month and I am enjoying my baby more and more. I felt like I had made a mistake at first too, which was terrible considering I begged my husband for a baby because I was, "meant to be a mommy." That feeling will go away though. Hang in there!! Keep us posted and I hope you feel better soon.

MamatoJackson

I just wanted to let you know that I am having trouble BF-ing too and it has really been hard for me to handle, emotionally.  I am now pumping, every two hours, alone, and it makes me feel very alone.  Here I am, in a room, pumping while DH gets to hold the baby and feed him my milk.

I hope you start to feel better soon.  You're not a failure... how your baby gets fed does not determine your parenting ability.