Anxiety or normal baby blues

[thunderonlyhappenswhenitsraining]

Had my baby girl 4 days ago and I can't stop crying over everything now I know baby blues are to be expected but I'm also very anxious. Especially around sleep. I've barely had any since last Tuesday but also finding myself to scared to sleep because I'm so worried about my baby.
I already take 50mg sertraline and today asked the doctor if I could increase and they've said no as they have to be cautious with breastfeeding. So now I think should I knock the breastfeeding on the head so I can up my dosage which I know I need too. But then I feel guilty ! I'm not ebf only mixed feeding but expressing so she can have at least a bottle of breast milk a day.
Any advice ?
I just want to relax and sleep normally as I know that's contributing to how I'm feeling

Just left the hospital (got sent there by gp who didn't have a clue basically but that's another story) and I just feel so anxious like I need to be back with my family. I know I'm being irrational but can't help it. I should be on top of the world right now but instead just full of worry and really emotional

Can anyone advise please ??

Hi OP, sorry you’re having such a difficult time.
I was extra emotional/weepy for a few days after giving birth, but you know yourself best, and sounds like you’re concerned about your level of anxiety.

Are you in England? There should be a specialist perinatal mental health service you can be referred to - can you ask your GP or midwife to refer you?

All these feelings are very normal. Your hormones have just had a major change. Feeling great sadness/anxiety/joy can all be very normal and anxiety if you already had it is likely to be worse. Sleep is hard but will make you feel better if you can use support of partner/family to get some good stretches in.

As much as many will say 'breast is best' I was in your position and honestly give up the breastfeeding and get the meds you need. The aniexty in the first few week is horrendous and even more so if like us you're already on meds. I stopped breastfeeding after 2 days- my DD is now 7 months and absolutely thriving! Please at this point do what is best for you because when you take a step back and look at the full picture what is best for you is best for your baby ❤️

I agree with PP, I stopped at 5 days as it was just making me unwell.
Breast is best unless mum is not feeling right, then breast is worst!

You need to be well for you to look after your baby. Do what you need to do and please don't feel guilty. Your feelings are however perfectly normal. I did not have post natal depression but I do remember feeling so tearful and completely overwhelmed for the first month. It's a massive shock to the system and having a little life depending on you is very daunting ! Try to relax a little bit and have a rest if anybody can take the baby for a while while you have a bath or a lie down. It's very early days and you will adjust and feel more settled but it takes time. Lots of luck

Day 4 and 5 were awful for me with my first baby. I was crying everyday and felt anxious and miserable. My baby was VERY wanted but I felt like my life was over. I stopped breastfeeding at 2 weeks and did feel much better. With my second baby I felt the same in the first week, but this time I had a toddler to deal with too. I phoned the GP crying hysterically and was given citropram, it has changed my life. I no longer have insomnia and my anxiety has decreased hugely.

Saying all that, day 4 is the worst for hormones and things may settle next week. It gets so much better I promise. But please seek help if you need to xxx

I also pumped and expressed breast milk with DD2 and fed it via a bottle. My partner therefore could do some nights so I could sleep. It will all feel so much better after some sleep, can you get that support?

Hi there
I’m so sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Things will get better but it might be you need some extra support / medication.
despite not having a history of mental health, I developed very bad anxiety that ended up as psychosis after having a baby. Not being able to sleep was a big factor was a big factor.
fingers crossed you won’t go down this route (its quite rare) but I’d definitely flag your feelings with doctor. If you start having any strange thoughts do please let people know. Definitely put yourself first over how your baby is fed.
I promise things will get easier but do keep talking to the health visitor.

Those first few weeks are so hard OP especially with your first. It's too early to say whether it's anxiety or baby blues.
I was extremely anxious and tearful and felt similar to a PP as if my life was over.
You do what you feel is best for you and baby

Also just wanted to add, however bad you are feeling, things can get sorted and at some point soon you can enjoy some happier times with your little one. Look after yourself.

I was prescribed 100mg sertraline by the hospital when I had dc1 (had a complete breakdown in hospital). The gp is fobbing you off.

Thank you everybody so much for replying.
I am home now. Had a bath and have calmed down a little. I know it won't last long though ! I know the tiredness is contributing to it too but I know that isn't the only cause. I told my husband I'd be like this and I am.

She isn't my first but there is a big age gap. I had to give up breastfeeding before to go onto antidepressants but I didn't feel as guilty last time... I've gotten so much more anxious as I've got older.

I agree it's hard to tell atm if it's baby blues or abit of both, thing is with me I worry so much about one thing, then will suddenly forget that and find something else to worry about! So it's just this vicious circle.
I am seeing the midwives tomorrow so I will mention how I'm feeling and see if they know more about the dosage or if they can refer me to perinatal. I was actually referred in my pregnancy but at the point of finally getting my appointment I had already started the sertraline and was feeling better.