Hi ladies

Jerseygirl16

After having three kids with problems after the first two I'm kind of surprised to find myself here seeking some guidance.  I'm hoping if you ladies who have experienced post partum issues could share some advice and opinions. 

I am a SAHM to three wonderful children.  My oldest turns 4 in July, my middle is 2 tomorrow, and my baby is about 3 1/2 months.

I'm not sure if I am experiencing a tinge of PPD or it's just that I am tired and have a lot on my plate.  Most days I feel great... tired maybe but great.  I have another SAHM friend with kids close in age to mine and I get out with her once a week or so.  My other friends live where we moved from last summer (NJ to PA) and come visit when they can but due to the distance and busy lives it isn't that often.  DH is a great help and a terrific father when he's home but he has a demanding job and is gone from about 8am until about 6:30pm 5 days a week.  I feel like I have an easier time with the baby because he sleeps much better than either of my girls did (3 hour nap daily and STTN).

But, still with all of those things that are going right some days I just don't feel myself.  I feel kind of blah.  I find it hard to get motivated and wind up snapping when my kids are just being kids.  I try to keep my patience and do well most of the time but when all three get crying I sometimes take it out on the oldest by being snippy with her.  I'm so exhausted and although I know your libido suffers after having kids I have pretty much zero interest.  I still find my husband as sexy as ever but sex is the last thing I want to do most nights.  And the worst is that when things don't go exactly to plan I tend to just break into tears.  Say he calls and will be 15 minutes late I'l start crying... that sort of thing. 

When he's home nights and weekends I feel like myself and all of these issues go away.  But when I'm on my own with them I sometimes feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed out. 

Is this normal and just life as a SAHM with 3 under 4 or do you think I should talk to a doctor about it?  I'm not sure I want medication to be the answer but I have an open mind about it if it's really something that would help me. 

Gina418

Some days I find it hard with one child - I give you ladies with more than one a lot of credit! You certainly have a lot on your plate - I can understand feeling overwhelmed and anxious at times. Seems like you have a supportive dh - maybe he can take the kids for a few hours on a Saturday and you can get out by yourself for a bit. Maybe that will help re-charge you a little bit in the short-term. Also, check with your local churchs - I know many have Mother's Day Out programs which would give you a break during the week when you're on your own.

If you are open to it, call a therapist too - there are many that have weekend/late weekday hours. It may help you to talk about things - I know it certainly made me feel better just to talk to someone (who wasn't a family member/dh/friend). Not everyone needs meds - sometimes talk therapy/group therapy is the answer.

Good luck!