Grrrr hormones and baby blues!

M.Amy · July 2009

DH took three weeks off to be with me and the baby and he had to go back to work yesterday. I know we are very lucky he was able to take that much time off but Sunday night I had a hormonal meltdown. I was used to handing off the baby to him when I needed to do something or I just needed a break. DH has probably changed more diapers than I have at this point. Sunday ended with me in a huge puddle of tears.

I also worried I wasn't a good mom because there are many times I would rather sleep than play with the baby and that I am still unable to breastfeed.

Basically I have the baby blues.

Today I made a huge effort to get out of the house so I took a long walk with the baby which definitely picked up my spirits. I also called back all of my friends that I have been putting off and made plans to get together. It sucks that not only do I need to put in so much energy to the baby but I also need to put in effort to keep my hormones from getting the best of me.

&& · July 2009

Just hang in there..... it sounds like you are taking all of the right steps. Keep making plans with your friends and maybe plan to do 1 thing everyday so the day is a little broken up (instead of being cooped up in the house all the time). I have no idea what to expect (this is my first too), but it sounds like you are on the right track! Good luck~

jarbatz · July 2009

And there is nothing wrong with telling your Dr you have the blues....there is good medication out there for that. I don't know firsthand but my very good friend suffered from post partum depression and medication is what got her through. Not that you need to go on medication but don't be afraid to ask!

jarbatz · July 2009

And by the way, you little boy is yummy! Big Smile

robynlesley · July 2009

I was told that this is normal, but if it lasts longer than a few weeks to seek help. I'd definitely keep up with that effort to get out on walks, have friends come by, and find your rhythm. And if you haven't seen a lactation consultant, perhaps that's something to consider to get a better handle with breastfeeding.

Hang in there Amy, you're not alone. ((HUG))

busybea · July 2009

Amy, you must make time for yourself, please go get a manicure/pedicure/massage .. anything. It will help A LOT, trust me. I'm soooo sorry LO is still not BF-ing, I had such high hopes that he would take. That in itself can be stressful. You are wonderful mom and you are doing a great job! DH is too, congrats on him helping you out so much, we are both very lucky that our DH's have been so helpful with everything. But please do take some time off and go get pampered lady, you definiltey deserve it and it should be a law for all moms after childbirth to spend the day at the spa ....LOL

funchicken · July 2009

The first month is sooooo hard! You're doing the right things. Try to get out for a short walk every day, and don't get down on yourself about the breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is really hard for many women. Are you working with an LC? Stella was never able to latch, and I had supply issues, so we had to supplement with formula. In the end, I had to stop trying to get her to latch because it was too frustrating for both of us. I pumped for 6 months and was able to give her 75% breastmilk. She's a healthy, happy toddler, and she would have been just fine if I'd chosen to stop pumping altogether.

Don't forget that taking care of yourself is part of being a good mom!

daisydana · July 2009

I don't know what you are going through first hand, but it sounds like you are taking the right steps. Getting out of the house and going for a walk is a great way to lift your spirits.

Don't be afraid to talk to your DH or your doctor about how you are feeling. I would imagine it is completely normal if most people are honest with themselves. Huge hugs.

Laura Cochran · July 2009

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. When you are sleep deprived, the desire to sleep can take priority over just about everything. Keep doing what you are doing. Do you have any friends that don't work that could come over for an hour a day or so, so that you don't feel like you are alone? Come here whenever you need to talk and talk to your doctor, he has seen this before and will have good advice.

BarefootContess · July 2009

This sounds well within the range of normal to me. Hormones are very powerful and the sudden withdrawal of hormones following birth can be very jarring.

A couple of things: if you do want to BF, definitely call a lactation consultant. The hospital where I deliver has one on staff. Also, try hard not to compare yourself to other mothers or how you think you should mother. The newborn stage is very challenging, especially now that your H is back at work. Plus, all babies do at this stage is eat and sleep. So as long as he is being fed, you are going just fine.

When you feel overwhelmed, overworked, etc. give yourself permission to cry. I cried lots in the shower in both of my PP periods.

Peppernut · July 2009

Awww, I am so sorry you're going through this! It sounds like you're managing really well, despite how it feels. Have you thought about taking mom and baby yoga? I think you can take them starting 6 weeks postpartum, and you'd meet new moms going through the same things...

M.Amy · July 2009

Thanks for the support!

A friend of mine came over today to help out and she is going to come over a few times a week so I can get some rest.

I am feeling much better after my big cry - DH has been really supportive as well.

I have been seeing just about every lacation consultant in my town - DS's tongue is too small to suck properly so according to them it is a matter of time (and growth).

Want a personalized experience?

Grrrr hormones and baby blues!

Re: Grrrr hormones and baby blues!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards