Loneliness after birth

[Coconutty11]

Has anyone else felt really lonely and isolated since having a baby?
My son is 17 months old and when he was born, friends and family couldn't wait to meet him however now I barely hear from or see anyone.
I dont have a support network so I spend my days alone with my son as my husband works long hours. Many days i dont even speak to anyone else. I have tried to contact and meet friends previously however nothing seems to materialise yet they always have time for other people. Others i just dont even hear from anymore. I occasionally see family however this usually only happens if I drive to visit them and rarely do they ask to see us. I feel so bad for my son as it means he doesn't see many people either (I do try to take him to softplay and the park as often as I can).
Before becoming a mum I had a great career and social life and ensured I always made time for everyone and supported them through good times and bad. I feel really disappointed that I haven't had the same in return and feel really alone. I do have post natal depression but I never let it get me down whilst interacting with people, I do however feel low/emotional when on my own.
Do many first time mums feel this way? Is this how it is and im just struggling to adapt to mum life? Could my depression be making it feel worse than what it is?

I'm sorry you are feeling this way, it's normal to feel like this at times.

Have you got any baby and toddler groups that run in your town/village? They will do them in community centres, local hubs, libraries etc. They are a surefire way to meet other Mums with similar aged children. You may not make life long friends but you will certainly feel a bit better after going and having a chat with someone other than your husband.
Depression is a tricky beast to deal with, the more rubbish you feel the less likely you will want to venture out and talk to others and then that makes you feel even worse.
Just making a little social connection irl every day will do wonders for your mental health.

As well as this, have you explored any local nurseries? Perhaps your son could attend nursery a couple of days a week and you could have some time to yourself or perhaps return to work those days?

When I became a Mum I loved it but also at times I thought "omg is this it?!" For the next however many years my life belongs to these babies, I feel so lonely and trapped.

I started going to playgroups and then eventually back to work and that seemed to help a lot with my mental health.

Are you getting any treatment for your pnd?

Sending positive thoughts your way x