How do you know if it's "something" or just frazzled nerves?

djandkellen

As you all can imagine, this is pretty tough to type out or even consider...so I'll try my best to get it all out.

I'm a SAHM with two beautiful children - DS is 19.5 months and DD will be 2 months in 2 days.  DS was a tough newborn w/ silent reflux, wouldn't sleep unless he was in the Moby or in bed with me for the first 2.5-3 months, didn't like to be put down very much for the same time period and HATED his car seat (so going out was pretty tough b/c he'd scream the ENTIRE time).  DD has been about the same, except doesn't scream the entire time she's in the car seat.  

I'd definitely say I had anxiety with DS, but got much better around 4 months or so (or when he started sleeping a little better and in his own bed). I've been more relaxed and "going with the flow" with DD...  

BUT - like DS, she won't sleep anywhere but in the Moby or with me in bed...so I never really get a break b/c if I can put her down for a little bit, my DS wants/needs my attention.  

So, with getting little sleep b/c she's still waking up every 2.5-3 hrs (sometimes gives me a 4 hr stretch - but with having to hold her upright for at least 20 minutes or so after feeding b/c of the acid reflux I don't get much sleep) to nurse, I'm a little frazzled.  I get irritated more easily with DS (just being a toddler/whining) and with DD's crying on the days that I don't get much sleep.  I get frustrated in the middle of the night when I've only gotten 2 hrs of sleep.  

DH works a good bit, tries to get home in time to help with bath/bed time with DS, but isn't always able too.  He's an AWESOME dad and husband and helps me out enormously when we can!  He's been traveling for the majority of the past 3 weeks, so that's added to the stress as I'm with DD on me for a large part of the day and beside me for the night...so, pretty much 24/7.  

So, my question is - do I have PPA/PPD or am I just frazzled and it'll get better when DD starts sleeping longer/in her own bed?  

Sorry for this being so long! 

Gina418

I only have one, so I can't speak from experience of having 2 (I have to imagine it's hard some days!). With my PPA - I really felt "on edge" all the time - and my anxiety would ramp up during the day. There were days that I almost felt like I was having a heart attack. And every day I seemed to get worse and worse - I had no good days.

If I were you, I'd call my ob. Just talk to her, tell her how you're feeling - let her guide you. She may suggest seeing a therapist - which I think was key to getting my anxiety under control. It may help you sort out your feelings and discover the real issues of why you feel like you do.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. :-)

*maof3babies*

I agree.  Definitely call your OB.  They will be able to assess you and tell you if there are any signs of PPD/PPA.  It doesn't hurt to ask in the least.  It would be better to ask than to let it go.