Please tell me I'm normal

bakedlaurabean

Hi Ladies,

DS was born a week ago today and I haven't posted much here yet. This first week has been incredibly hard--so much more so than I ever imagined. I had no idea how taxing giving birth is on the body and emotions, not to mention how hormonal I am.

I have sobbed good and hard about every other day. The hardest day was the day we got home from the hospital and thankfully, I feel better since then. It doesn't stop me from wanting to cry periodically, though.

DH has been great--encouraging me to nap twice a day (and sometimes I can't even fall asleep even though I'm tired!), taking care of everything around the house and just giving me hugs when I'm sad. I feel so bad for him when I just start crying out of nowhere because I'm tired and overwhelmed. I love DS, he is just so much work!

I've read a few other posts from people being sad or about how hard the first day at home is, but sometimes I just need to be reassured. Please tell me I am normal and it gets better! 

robinsokj

I can't say much about the it gets better part b/c we haven't gotten to that point yet, but yes, what you're going through is completely normal. 

mrshaines

It does get better!! I was the same way, the smallest thing or even nothing at all would send me into tears! Your very lucky your husband is helping, mine didn't help that much with cleaning around the house and it made it hard.  It may take a few weeks but it will get better!

missw22

No matter how prepared we think we are it never seems to be enough and how can it be this is a big transition in our lives. Those first few weeks are really tough ,but it does get better   It took me to about week six for things to start finally getting better. Just make sure to find something that makes you feel good each day like a shower or having a cup of coffee while reading, it really helps.

bakedlaurabean

Thanks, ladies. I just feel the need to constantly hear that this is normal. None of my friends who have kids have ever talked about this, so it makes me feel so alone sometimes. Fortunately, I'm seeing a friend with a 3 month old tomorrow, so hopefully she can commiserate with me!

smittysoup

You are totally normal!  The first few weeks are so much harder than I thought too.  Now when I see pregnant ladies I just want to run up to them and give them a hug! they don't know what they are in for! lol

Remember you also still have the baby blues, and the crying is hormonal...it will go away.  I was a sobbing mess the first couple weeks. 

Around the 6 week point was when things really started to click, and it's been all uphill from there. 

Kim B.

Absolutely without a doubt normal! Oh my goodness, I felt like such a hot mess the first three weeks...And here I am, two months into Momma-hood, already forgetting how crazy difficult those times were, and ready to do it all over again :P So yes, it definitely gets better!

erin1205

You are totally normal and everything you're feeling is completely normal.  Yesterday was the first day since DS came along that I haven't cried!  And I've cried twice today already, so I made up for yesterday.

I can't say from experience that it will get better because obviously I'm not there yet, but I have confidence that it will get better for both of us.  Hang in there! 

AlisonLynn

I'm sorry! I know how hard it is. You're not alone. I sobbed so hard the day we brought DS home that I thought I was going to pass out. I ended up getting on meds for PP depression and they have helped so much. I have a history of depression though and big changes send me into a downward spiral so I wasn't surprised by it. Its really tough thought b/c your body goes through so many changes physically and emotionally. Those first couple of weeks were really hard, getting adjusted. You're definitely normal so don't feel bad! It helped me to get on here and get reassurance too. It will get better! Enjoy little one and take advantage of friends and family for help!

gingerfamily

You're completely normal and it DOES get better!  Hang in there!

bakedlaurabean

I wonder why no one talks about this. I've even had friends tell me that having a baby is easier than having a puppy! Absolutely no way is that true. I think I will warn my pregnant friends. It's awful to feel this way and not know that it's normal and I think it's better they know in advance so they can be prepared.

WonderWoman27

uyou are 100% normal.  I feel completely the same way.  I was pretty close to posting a simlar thing.  Everything you stated is totally me too!  I'm glad I'm not alone either.

eitaknna9

Just as everyone is saying, you ARE completely normal and the way you are feeling is normal too. It's great that your husband is being so supportive, that makes a huge difference and I am sure helps tremendously.

Take it easy on yourself and take things one day at a time. All you need to do right now is take care of your family, especially baby. Don't pressure yourself to do other things, because right now as long as your baby is fed and well taken care of, that is the most important thing.

 Always make sure you communicate your feelings and take breaks when you need to!