When does pnd start?

[quesadillas6]

Hi,

Worried that I'm experiencing something beyond the post-birth baby blues. I feel low, despairing, tearful, desperate and ill. I didn't feel like this after my previous birth, although I did feel low for a period. I only gave birth a fortnight ago though, and I thought pnd tended to happen a bit later. I just can't imagine feeling better anytime soon.

[mamapants]

I think it can start at any time but don't really know so hopefully this will bump it for you and someone who knows will be along.
Look after yourself

[mamapants]

Bump

[FusionChefGeoff]

The best thing to do is talk to your health visitor or make an appointment to see your GP. They should be trained to spot PND and as far as I am aware, there are no time frames for when it comes on so what you are feeling could definitely be that.

I would try to talk to someone ASAP so that you can access the right care and support. You don't have to struggle on alone and the sooner you get help, the sooner you can get better.

You should also make sure you tell people who could help you in other ways ie your partner or friends and family. There is no shame in asking for help - they should feel grateful that you can be honest and happy to support you until it lifts - which it will I promise.

You are a good mum, your baby is well cared for and help is there so just ask.

[FusionChefGeoff]

Morning OP how are you doing today? Have you been able to talk to my one in real life about how you are feeling?

[quesadillas6]

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. I'd say today I'm best described as feeling wobbly. But I'm certainly feeling no worse. I'd say the feelings of being overwhelmed are being caused by getting used to twin babies, guilt at how all this is affecting my toddler, not being able to spend as much time as I'd like with my toddler because of the demands of two babies, recovering from a c-section and severe anaemia. I told the health visitor I was feeling a bit unstable yesterday, she said to stay aware of how I'm feeling and say something if it gets worse and I find I can't cope. At the moment I'm coping. I'm seeing my gp later today about the anaemia, so I might bring it up with her too. Hopefully if she can give me advice on the anaemia (feeling very ill despite iron tablets) and I start to feel physically better, my mental state will improve. I've been depressed before, so hopefully I'd spot the signs of it getting worse.

[FusionChefGeoff]

Wowee twins and a toddler would unsettle anyone!

Well done for talking to HV and definitely mention at GP - then just keep an eye on yourself and start shouting louder if it gets worse.

Sounds like you have great self awareness of your mental health so trust yourself if you need help.

Good luck and congrats on your twins

[quesadillas6]

I've also realised that having a little cry each day actually makes me feel better. I bottled it up for the first few days, but just letting go in the shower or when I'm in bed seems to get some tension out. Although I'm sure my husband thinks he never sees me with dry eyes at the moment!

[quesadillas6]

Today was a tough day. The guilt at what two babies is doing to my toddler is eating away at me. I look at his little confused face and just want to cry. I know he'll love having siblings in the future, but at the moment it's difficult to do anything related to the babies without him playing up. I don't blame him. feeding time is just awful. He doesn't understand breastfeeding and I think finds it very weird.

Today I feel like I'm just being dragged under and although logically I know that there will be a day when all this is much better, I can't see how I'm going to get there. I fear for my sanity, my marriage and my relationship with my children, particularly the older one. I should feel on top of the world. I have a lovely life, a good man for a husband and three (touch wood) healthy children. I shouldn't feel like this.