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Antenatal/postnatal depression

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Struggling with postnatal depression, breastfeeding and feeling overwhelmed with two children

2 replies

Megan2000 · 28/05/2026 15:20

I’m 25 years old and a mum of 2 and I’m really struggling. My daughter is 6 and will not do as she’s told, always argues and has to answer back and I’m at my wits end with it every single day no matter what me or her father do or say it’s always “no” “I don’t care “. My son is exclusively breastfeeding as well as food. Every meal is a struggle to get him to eat, he only feeds for his morning nap, also feeds once in the afternoon. I wanted to stop at 6 months and transition to bottles but he always refused them. When I mentioned giving him a bottle to family and friends they all advised me not to as it’ll confuse him. I wish I never listened as it feels like a burden now and that makes me feel guilty for thinking that.

After I had my daughter I had post partum depression and have been on antidepressants ever since, I struggle with anxiety and at the start of the year I had to up my antidepressants. I’ve gained 3 stone since having my son and I hate the way I look, I try to get to the gym when I can but even that seems impossible. Breastfeeding has made me so hungry all the time and unfortunately it means I reach for the easy unhealthy options. I don’t have any mum friends or baby groups to go to. At the minute I feel lost and alone and just want to be who I was before I had my son.

OP posts:
Floppyearedlab · 28/05/2026 23:26

Your family’s advice is ridiculous.
Say you will be handing feeds over to them/your partner for the time being. When your baby realises you/boob isn’t an option weaning/bottles may become easier. Try a sippy cup directly if bottles are hard.

As for your daughter’s behaviour, is this just at home or school too? Any particular triggers?

Make sure all food in the house is healthy so you can’t reach for crap.
And don’t be embarrassed about your MH. You are doing far better than you think.

ExplodingSmittens · 21/06/2026 17:56

So sorry that you’re struggling @Megan2000. If you want to stop BFing you absolutely can without introducing bottles.

Will LO take 2 or 3 ounces from a sippy cup or an open cup? This is all they need as BF babies don’t need the huge volume of milk that a FF baby will need.

Do you want to tell us how old he is and how what the meals look like? We might be able to offer some suggestions Smile

Iif you’re feeling that down, does your HV know? Around here there is a group for Mums who are struggling with depression, set up by a Mum who had experienced it herself.

You can also talk to the Pandas Foundation too who will offer you some support Flowers

As for your DD, how is she doing in School? Is it just you that she says no too? How does she do on this simple progress checker?

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