Postpartum Anxiety

Livinginclip84 · December 2013

Hey ladies, serious question: First of all: I had LO a week and a half ago, on November 30th, labor and delivery went well, though they did have to use forceps and I ended up with a 3rd degree tear, however, I am physically recovering well from that. LO is perfect, great health. born 3 days overdue at 8lbs 6oz and 20 inches. She is just the most amazing thing ever.
Here is my question for those of you that are second time moms; have any of you dealt with postpartum anxiety- not depression, but anxiety. If so how did you differentiate between actual anxiety and just the general new mom over tired, not sleeping enough, hormones, etc.
The fears are worse at night/end of the day, then they are during the day. I have an incredibly supportive husband who is willing to do anything I need and is awesome with DD, we take sleep shifts, so the whole baby care by no means falls solely on me, but by the end of the day, right before bedtime, I get so scared, i worry about SIDS- even though I am following all of the guidelines to protect baby, I worry about cold, flu and RSV- even though baby stays inside the house most of the the time with me, when she goes out it is for minutes at most and she is bundled and we keep her away from people/wash hands 24/7/ etc. I worry about going back to work in January- which while it seems soon, I work 3 days a week from 10-3pm, and can take the baby with me (we have a family friendly work environment, because it is just me and my two coworkers and my boss bought a changing table and pack and play for the office) making this the easiest transition ever. But still night comes and I cry and worry and cry and worry, etc. I am seeing my therapist tomorrow, but any advice from other moms who have been there before would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

katmac17 · December 2013

Definitely get help if you're feeling anxious. I had a ton of anxiety with DS, and should have probably gotten help, but didn't have the energy to figure out how to get it or find the time to do so. I'm not sure how much was really just sleep deprivation, but I was so, so anxious with him. It did get so much better for me with time, but the first few months were long and challenging. Good luck!

hegriff · December 2013

I'm not a second time mom, but I had my son three weeks ago today.

I went to my therapist and I am now (since I have stopped breast feeding, it was only adding to my anxiety) getting back on my anxiety medicine. I did, however, have an anxiety disorder before I was pregnant so I kind of prepared (or tried to) for it to come back full blown post baby.

My doctors did give me some advice though (cause I have anxiety mixed with some PPD) that baby blues, which can include anxiety, are completely normal; but that its when it continues to stay the same or get worse (and not seemingly getting better with time) then it's something more serious than just the dropping of hormone levels.

What you are feeling is completely normal, but if it continues on then definitely talk to your doctor. If you aren't healthy/happy/relaxed, then you can't be the best mommy you wanna be, so take care of yourself! But keep your head up, it will get better! I don't know who cried more in the past three weeks; me or the baby!

JaysonandKristin · December 2013

Start with your OB. Explain the situation, your feelings, and try to focus on being your advocate. Your doc should be able to explain to you when the hormone levels begin to balance out and you should be able to rationalize your way through some of these anxieties. In the end, you need to speak up if you ultimately feel that something is off balance. And, don't stop until someone gives you the help you think you need.

mom2curlygirls · December 2013

First of all, (((hugs))) anyone who has lived through anxiety/panic attacks knows how petrifying it can be. For me, it's more the physical symptoms of the anxiety that bothers me. I get a pins and needles feeling in my limbs and my stomach starts doing flips. I can feel my heart racing, etc. Fortunately, my Mom and Aunts have all been through this so I was familiar with what was going on. I am on medicine to control it but still struggle on a daily basis. I hate having the anxiety but at least we know what it is...I think of a century ago when they just classified someone as crazy or having a breakdown. My DH and I became so much closer when all of this started six years ago. He stepped up and was/is so supportive. I would definitely speak to your Dr. and a therapist if you can. You may be having the normal hormonal changes that can cause anxiety but if it is something more, the earlier you get help the better. It will go away with help. That is hard to think of in the moment but when you start feeling better you will be so relieved!

Livinginclip84 · December 2013

Thanks so much for all of your help ladies. I saw my therapist yesterday and even brought tDH and DD with me. My therapist told me that she doesn't think I am crazy, or going through any kind of postpartum issue outside the norm, she said that everything I was feeling/thinking/etc. was right in line with what most moms are thinking at this point after baby. Making me feel a little bit better also was our visit to the pediatrician after my therapy session, where i talked to the pediatrician about what I am doing to keep LO safe and healthy and he let me know that the chances of anything like SIDS happening to LO are so astronomically low... etc. which also made me feel better. So much better in fact that last night I went to bed for the first time (since getting home from the hospital) without tears and a stomach ache. (DH and I split the night, since he has to work he stays up with LO until midnight feeding then puts her down and I get up with her at next feeding, meaning I sleep from 9-2/3ish and then in between feedings as well as from 7:00am-9 am, before DH goes to work.) Today has been mostly tear free, so I feel that there is definite progress.

OleMissBride · December 2013

I had this with DD#1- I think it had a lot to due with my leave only being 8 weeks. I was constantly stressed about going back to work- even though she was staying with my mom vs daycare. My OB told me to exercise more to relieve stress, that annoyed me. I never took anything and everything worked itself out by 6mo PP or so. I think DH just thought I was crazy most of the time. With DD#2, I haven't felt that way yet but I also have 12wks of leave and feel more relaxed so far. It's great that you're seeing a therapist- anxiety isn't a joke and caused our share of arguments in our hose- which could have been mostly prevented I think.

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