Post Natal Deppression - A Partners query

[loneSoldier]

I am the partner of someone I believe has Post Natal Depression. She has managed to hide the symptoms so well that I did not spot that she was really struggling; I just thought she was having the same problems as every first time mum.

It has now come out that she feels 'numb' and has never really felt that she has bonded with our son (now 7 months old). He was taken away from her at birth as he was ill for a few weeks and I think this may have affected her as she felt very alone.

I am due to take her to the doctors, but I know she will not be fully open with them. I am concerned for her and my baby; but I am not sure how best to deal with this.

Any advice would be appreciatted.

A father.

The photos idea is a really good one.

Thanks Domesticlattern. I am looking at the book on Amazon and will probably make a purchase.

Cheers.

loneSoldier- just wanted to add my comments. I am a health professional and work with women with PND. I have to say that first off, your partner is extremely lucky to have you because not only have you actually NOTICED that there is something wrong, you are also actively seeking out solutions on her behalf. This puts your partner in a much stronger position and this will definitely help her. Secondly, you are right to seek out professional help - there are a few options available for treatment and it is not a "one size fits all" scenario. Your wife may benefit from anti-depressants, or she may benefit from some sort of therapy - what's for certain is that it is curable and she will get better - all the faster with your support. Also, your child will be just fine and whilst it may take a while for her to bond with the child on a deeper level, all the studies show that no long term damage will have been done to your child at this age. Very best of luck with this journey - it is not easy but there will be an end to it. Well done you for posting on here. HTH.