PND concerns

[Rainbowchampagne]

I’m currently 5 weeks post partum and feel like I’m really struggling now.

Now we are on lockdown I feel so overwhelmed and dread each weekday. DH is still working and I wish so much I could trade places with him. I presumed maternity would be quite lonely but I imagined going to groups and meeting other mums at least. I’d also have help from my mum and MIL a few days a week. I feel alone all day and then and night too doing the feeds. DH does help, but then I’ll of course be sleeping.

I’ve joined fb groups for new mums but it’s not the same to me and I don’t have to motivation to bother to join any Skype/zoom meetings as I worry id breakdown in front of strangers online and make people feel awkward

I don’t have an appetite which concerns me a lot as it’s most unlike me, I have difficulty sleeping and feel completely overwhelmed. I love my new baby to bits but sometimes I feel like it’s all too much and Im resentful. DH is a natural and I feel like I’m failing all the time as I can never tell what she needs from me

I’m not sure whether this is normal because of the lockdown situation. Should I just suck it up because everyone’s having a hard time or does it sound like something more?

It sounds like depression made worse by the situation. Have you spoken to your health visitor about how you are feeling?.

A lot of what you said reminds me how I felt with my PND. I felt so overwhelmed and panicked, especially when baby was crying. I stopped eating and always felt sick. And even though DH was home for 4 weeks plus I could see my parents and talk to friends I felt very lonely. I spoke to a nurse at my GPs who put me on medication. That mixed with DH going back to work meaning I had to find a routine with DS made me feel so much better. I think you should call your GP, they might be able to give you a prescription over the phone or suggest organisations you can speak to for support. Or if you don't want to do that speak to the HV who should be Able to give some advice and reassurance.

You're going through this at a tough time with lockdown but you're not alone and it will get better. Everyone told me things would get easier and I promise it does. I still have days where I feel overwhelmed but I'm still only 5 months in. Once she starts smiling and interacting with you it makes the tough times feel worthwhile.

Hope you feel better soon :)

Having a newborn is a shock OP. I didn’t have PND but I remember hardly being hungry, literally surviving on adrenaline.
I can’t imagine not being able to see family and friends at such a time.
Are you trying to take your daily walk? Honestly some fresh air can do wonders. Stick your baby in a pram, sling or Bjorn and walk round the block.

Call people have a chat, yes you can’t see them but chat to your family and friends- those that have had kids will get it and not judge.

Also please don’t think your husband is a natural and you aren’t. He didn’t give birth, he isn’t as sleep deprived and he’s having adult interaction with work.

Thanks very much for your replies

My HV is coming next week (or I presume we will speak over the phone if not in person) so I will mention this then. I also have a phone appointment with my GP now for my 6-8week check up so I have both options I suppose

Yes I have been trying to get out at least every other day, I had an EMCS that didn’t heal very well so I’m cautious of taking it slow

Thank you so much for your kind words and empathy, it’s reassuring that I’m not alone in feeling this way