Postpartum Bleeding/Weight Question/PPD update

Sporkmoostipe

Two questions I have and I'm curious to see if anyone else has this experience. Definitely not complaining about these two things going on. But I would appreciate feedback to know if this is ok.

I gained about 50 lbs during pregnancy. I went from 228 pre pregnancy to around 280. I'm now within 12 lbs of my pre-pregnancy weight since last Friday. That seems like an awful lot of weight to lose so quickly right? 

The second question is about post partum bleeding. I had a lot of blood loss in the very beginning, particularly while at the hospital. By the time I returned home, it tapered off a lot and today and yesterday, it's down to just about nothing.  I had a normal vaginal delivery. I heard all these horror stories about bleeding for weeks for weeks and I have been barely bleeding since being home. 

And the PPD update: I talked to my husband about how I'm feeling, plus kind of doing a bit of research on it, I am really thinking I do have PPD. I have a lot of the symptoms of PPD and I don't think it's just baby blues. My boss came by the house today to check up on me and he also thinks it's PPD. (My boss is a priest and a good friend of mine and my husband's). We had a good chat and he sensed something was off almost immediately from him coming in the door. I intend on calling Monday about the possible PPD.  Here's to hoping for some relief on this soon.

Feedback is appreciated. Thank you ladies for the support, answering my questions, and being around. I'm really glad to have you ladies!  

mbgreenwalt

I gained 37lbs with DD#1.  I had her on a Monday and was down 20lbs by Thursday and almost back to my prepregnancy weight a week later.  A lot of what you carry is baby and fluid.

The pp bleeding can ebb and flow.  I bled for 6 weeks, but it would improve and then come back (especially if I was too physical).

No advice about the PPD, but I think it is good that you are talking about it.  Hope you feel back to normal soon.

sbelle3

Agree with pp regarding weight loss and bleeding. With my first two pregnancies I lost about 25-30 lbs within the first few weeks. It was the last 10 (or 20 in my first sons case) that were stubborn to come off. My baby was born 4 days ago and my bleeding has decreased substantially. For the ppd, you are so wise to acknowledge these feelings. Had this with my second son and they can be hard feelings to deal with. Don't wait for your 6 week ob appt. Go now! They can help point you in the right direction for some help. you will be so glad if you nip it in the bud early and start really enjoying your baby. Good luck and keep us posted.

RedCamaro

I'm sorry you're having a hard time with PPD. I have depression, but I didn't experience any of it when I had my DD. I do agree that you should call your OB so that he/she can set you in the right direction to having success with overcoming PPD. If you feel like you can't until Monday, by all means call your OB's afterhours phone line.

With my DD, I also experienced a fast weight loss in the first 2 two weeks post-partum. I gained 23 pounds and was back to pre-pregnancy weight 2 weeks later. I was also BFing, and forgetting to eat didn't help with that either. I had a similar experience with the bleeding as well; most of it in hospital, and then a regular period-like flow at home for two weeks.

GL with everything. You can always keep in touch with us on the board for whatever you need.

MrsG.060708

Re: weight...everyone loses differently. With DD1, I was back to prepregnancy weight within a week or two. With DD2, I'm about 11 lbs heavier than prepregnancy weight (and I'm totally happy about it, since gaining weight is hard for me).

Re: bleeding...again, different for everyone and seemingly every pregnancy! I had period-like bleeding for 4 weeks with DD1 and then another 2 weeks of spotting. With DD2, my bleeding has been SO much less, and I'm not expecting to bleed for too much longer.

Good luck with the PPD...good for you for recognizing the signs and wanting to get help. I hope all is better soon!

b.heather

My experience with my first was similar to yours. I lost a lot of weight really quickly, partly I believe because I had PPD/PPA. For me it was a persistent feeling of sadness and also terrible anxiety. I remember sitting in the dark on the kitchen floor just crying for no reason, feeling like I'd made a terrible mistake having a baby, like I couldn't be a good enough mother, like something was wrong with me.

For me, talking to my OB did not really help - what made the biggest difference was having the assistance of my family. My husband got sick (the swine flu was going around) and I took DD to my parents house and for several days stayed there. Having my folks there 24/7 to help with the baby let me rest (and they could really tell I wasn't "right") and after that things started getting better. I've since heard from another work colleague that when she was diagnosed with PPD years ago the doctor at the time also "prescribed" that family should come and help her care for the baby so she could have some time to herself and could spend non-stressful time with the baby. For me, part of the PPD/PPA was feeling like I could not/should not ask for help, but in the end that is what made all the difference! 

I encourage you to ask for the help you need, be it assistance with the baby, medication, talking to people,etc. Also know that this does pass and things will get better!