Baby blues & health anxiety

[coco111]

Hi,

I had a baby 10 days ago and I'm struggling. This is my 3rd baby so I should of expected this but I'm finding it really hard. My birth was quite traumatic and I spent the first four days in hospital. Since coming home I've felt quite depressed. I wake up and feel ok but by 4pm when the day starts getting dark and I know night time is coming my mood decreases drastically. I'm breastfeeding and baby is waking every single hour throughout the night at the moment. My husband is sleeping with our others kids so I feel really lonely. Also a few days ago I found a lump on my boob I've been to the doctor and she has said she is 99% sure it's a blocked milk duct but I still have it in my head it's something worse and can't stop thinking the worse. I'm already quite a anxious person when it comes to mine and the kids health but I feel like it's 100 times heightened at the moment. Has anybody got any advice? I really want to enjoy our third baby as I know it goes so fast but I just can't shift this horrible feeling.

Honestly, it's so common when breastfeeding to get a massive mood slump at 4. I can't remember what it's called but it's a desperate feeling. I was fine with the night feeds, fine with the majority of the cluster feds but 4-6 every day I just wanted to give up. You'll get through it if you can stick with it my love! Hope your lump nothing to worry about- just advocate for yourself as much as you can and massive hugs xxx

Ps DD2 is almost 3, still feeds once a day and I'm still constantly convinced I'm seriously ill. Hormones are awful xxx

Just sending a big hug. As soon as I saw day 10 I knew you'd be breastfeeding. It's a huge day in terms of milk production and as a result your hormones will be going absolutely haywire. This too shall pass x

Sorry to hear you are struggling. I also have a newborn and I feel like I see 4 hours of daylight as well as I am also up all night!

Are you prone to anxiety? It may just be baby blues but some CBT self help techniques may be helpful.

For instance
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=www.ghc.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/Gaining-Control-of-Your-Life-with-A-Baby-Manual.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjgs4_RqMmCAxWQ2gIHHeQAD04QFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1OthILggcH6lCFPtcRQTa_

I would suggest speaking to health visitor or GP if it persists much longer.

Thank you! There are some great tips on there. In starting to feel slightly better still not 100%. I had a scan on my boob which confirmed it was a blocked milk duct which definitely made me feel less worried. It's crazy but I think the weather is making my mood worse. It's pretty dark and miserable here at the moment which makes it harder to get out with the baby which then makes me feel worse when I have to stay indoors sounds crazy I know x

I also get lots of blocked ducts and they stress me out too, but the new mastitis protocol that was published recently has be helpful - Ibuprofen, ice and normal feeding. I would check out the guidance on "breastfeeding.support" website. Fingers crossed using the guidance I have resolved them all within 48 hours. Maybe it could help?

I am glad you are feeling a little better. The darkness, lack of exercise and cold weather definitely doesn't help. I am similarly prone to anxious thoughts especially when not busy with work - luckily it has been better this time than with the first baby. I think sometimes it is just bad luck with crazy hormones and blockages etc. Hope things continue to improve though!

Hope you are feeling better OP! I’m with you on the weather - I usually love cosy winter days but now I have a baby it is really getting me down! It makes it harder to get out and just feels so gloomy. So you are not alone in feeling that way! X