Do i have postnatal depression?

[rogue87]

Hi there,

I'm looking for some advice.

I recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, she's 5 weeks tomorrow.

She's a very easy going baby, only wakes up once each night and I already seem to know what she's needs and when. (I'm comparing her to when my now 11 year old son was a baby, he was much more hard work).

The problem is I feel like I'm going crazy! I'm constantly anxious! I cant help but check she's breathing or not too hot/ cold every few minutes.

She has been lifting her head a little for a few weeks and has head-butted my shoulder or chin a few times while I am winding her, when this happens I'm a complete mess worrying she may have concussion or really hurt herself and when another person holds her I'm so panicked I can barely hold it together.

I have also been feeling so down that I just sit and cry when I'm alone, which is most of the time. I feel lonely but I don't want to see anyone.

I don't remember being this way when my son was a baby although I have always been a bit over protective.

I know I'm being silly but can't seem to shake these feelings.

What I would like to know is -

Has anyone else felt this way?
Could this be postnatal depression/anxiety?
How did you overcome these feelings?

Any advice would be much appreciated

[Saloire]

Have a hug. I had this from week 2 of my DD's life, it's the pits. I wouldn't like to diagnose you as not a doc, but I think you know deep down if there's something wrong. One question I always ask myself is: am I ok feeling like this, and how much of the time do I feel good compared to Feeling bad? I can imagine you would be feeling anxious with a bigger age gap, and it's natural to panic with an easy baby because they don't give as much feedback as the fussier ones, but if your feelings are interfering with your life and making it unpleasant then maybe a chat with your GP or HV might be useful if you feel comfortable with that. Also might be good to chat with your O/H if poss, as he might be able to give you some day to day reassurance that DD is ok.

In mean time, have you tried any relaxation exercises? I know it's hard with a new baby, but I found a great one on SoundCloud called soothing rhythm breathing, and it's only about seven minutes so should be short enough for you to be able to do while little one is asleep.
Good luck though and hope you feel better soon xxx

[1wokeuplikethis]

It might still be those bloody horrible baby blues.

I had them for about a month following each of my children and they made me so anxious and upset.

A new baby is no picnic even if they are great and easy going like yours sounds. You are still in the wry early days even tho you've done it before and feel like you should have your shit together- a new baby brings out the worst emotions in all of us.

I agree about talking to your OH and if he can reassure you then just take that from him each day until you start feeling better about things. Lean on him, that's what he is there for.

If you still feel like this at 3 months then go see a doctor. To put your mind at rest. I bet you are doing a great job. Try not to sweat the small stuff and don't be too hard on yourself. It took 9 months to make your baby - that's a mother tonne of emotions.

Breathe.

Cuddle your baby.

Lean on your husband.

[RachelRagged]

I have been there OP

Have some and a hug . It WILL get better I promise you , though you won't see that right now . Congratulations on your baby Daughter.

[rogue87]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

I'm going to speak to OH tonight about how I'm feeling. I'm sure he will be happy to reassure me. I think the reason he hasn't yet is this is his first child and as its my second so he probably assumes I'm fine.

I will have a chat to my HV if I still feel like this when I next see her.

I guess with having such a big age gap between children its almost like being a first time mum again.

Thanks again for your replies and support, it means alot.