post birth hormones..depression...whats normal?

[mamaesi]

Not sure where to post this but I was just wondering if anyone else felt crazy after giving birth.

its been 4 weeks and I am not depressed so much as manic/depressive...I am either high or low...so angry and tired or so sad, frustrated, crying and my emotions are just all over the place. I feel overwhelmed and just a mess...

when will it go away. has anyone else had this?

It's normal to feel a bit low afterwards (it's called baby blues)
but if you're worried about it lasting too long, go and see your GP.
please.

It is normal to feel a little crazy. Try to accept any offers of help and rest if you can, though I know that's easy for me to say!

Have a read of this to and agree with nickel, if you are concerned please go to the GP.

This helpline is very good too, you can talk through how you are feeling with someone who has been through it too.

Congratulations on your new LO .

Is it sheer exhaustion? Don't underestimate how much pregnancy/giving birth/looking after a newborn takes it out of you.

Agree, have a chat with an expert if you are concerned

It is normal. Looking back at pictures of DD up to 12 weeks old, I look lost and probably wasn't my pre pregnancy self. Takes a while, and do take time to rest. I know easier said than done but I wished I'd listened. Pregnancy for em was much easier than dealing with the hormone rollercoaster.

I'd agree with other on this post and emphasis that you may very well be exhausted and running on fumes at the mo.

yes i am exhausted. i have a toddler as well and I just can't sleep during the day like I did with my first one...

hopefully is getting better...but still feel emotional

With both babies, I felt depressed and panicky until the fifth week, felt much better afterwards. I'm sure something changed hormonally round that time, or maybe I got a better at dealing with things.

The GPs I saw around that time were kind and helpful but what made a difference was better sleep. Get as much practical help as you can, good luck x

I found with my second that I just had to go to bed much earlier. Even if that meant 7pm when DC1.

Have you got someone who could have your toddler for a couple of hours in the week so that you could snooze or is DH around at the weekend and able to take them both out to the park or for a walk so that you can have a quick hour or two?

Really hope you start feeling better soon.

Yes totally, I don't think I had a day where I wasn't a pile of heaving sobs for a good 4-5months after ds was born, but had (childless) friends commenting on how I seemed to have sprung straight back.

Def ask for and accept any help with your toddler. DD is 2weeks old and I'm sure I've managed to avoid the meltdowns I had with DS because he's at nursery a few mornings a week, and I use that time to just doze in bed with DD, which I didn't do with her brother.

mamaesi just wondering if you've read this book?