Mental health deteriorating 9 weeks postpartum

[toadabode]

Hi all,

I'm really struggling today with feelings of intense guilt and anxiety. My mood is deteriorating 9 weeks postpartum and probably has been for the last week or so. I feel sad and on edge alongside the added pressure of thinking I shouldn't be feeling this way so long after giving birth. It isn't though as I can blame this on hormones!

I'm just really disappointed because I thought I'd skipped the whole baby blues and I don't want to let my baby down.

I just want to be able to lie in a dark room for a couple of days (despite knowing how counter productive that would be!)

Has anyone else experienced this delayed postnatal depression/ anxiety?

Do you have any tips (or reassuring words) that could help? If this continues I'll of course speak the the HV/ GP.

Thanks

Post natal depression and anxiety can hit any time after birth, with my third it was 6 months after. You are not letting your baby down in any way, it is extremely common and it will get better with help from your health visitor and doctor.

Be kind to yourself, rest when you need to and make sure you get some time alone too. It sucks big time but with the right support it will pass

9 weeks post birth is a really short time, so give yourself a break! I found that the first 6 weeks or so was just pure adrenaline but after then the exhaustion really started to hit. Please speak to your GP/HV and they'll be able to support you.

Postnatal mental health issues often crop up around the 3-4 month mark. I know for me it started when my baby was 3.5 months. Most friends were the same. I would speak to your GP or HV and also make sure your partner can give you a break. Sometimes you do need to lie in a dark room, rest and have a break.

It always amazes me that ALL mothers don’t get PND. The sleep deprivation alone, never mind the stress, worry and responsibility for a small helpless infant, coupled with massive hormonal shifts, is gruelling.
OP, cut yourself some slack. Is there anyone who could care for the baby to let you get an occasional decent night’s sleep, for a start? Do you have support at home and friends or family to see during the day, or are you a bit isolated with the baby?
Please do speak to your health visitor and GP. The sooner you catch this, the easier it will be to treat it.
Finally, don’t set yourself impossible standards of home and childcare, then feel guilty for not achieving them. As long as baby is fed and changed, and you are getting your meals, (which can be takeaways!) the rest is optional!
You will come through this, although you may need a bit of help in the form of antidepressants or extra support. What you are going through is very common, and no reflection on you or your mothering abilities. Be kind with yourself. God bless.