Severe anxiety that something is wrong with my baby

[Holljns1]

Hello. I need some advice.
So my baby is 8 days old today, since around day 6 I have had a severe anxiety and worry that there is something wrong with him. I took him to the hospital and they told me he is fine. I thought the reassurance would help me. But I feel like every day I find something new to worry about and it’s all in my head
Is this normal ?
I think it makes it worse that I work for the ambulance service so I’ve heard many horrible stories and can always remember them

It's normal in the sense that it's common to have high anxiety, especially in the first couple of weeks. Your hormones are flying around all over the place!

Sometimes postnatal anxiety can trigger OCD. I had this for several months after having my DD last year and I regret not seeking help for it as it became debilitating. I would HAVE to check she was breathing constantly, I would reassure myself for 5 mins and then would have to check again...and again...and again
...all day and all night and no amount of checking would stop the intrusive thoughts. She was perfectly well, but I felt a real sense of impending doom. I even had hallucinations. I became a shell of myself and became very detached. If I could go back, I really would speak to my HV/GP and seek help.

Have you got any reason to think your child is genuinely unwell? Or is it a thought that has rooted in your mind? I found the more I tried to push the thoughts away, the stronger they would come back.

Honestly, the only thing that helped me was talking about it, talk to anyone who will listen. I really would reach out to your HV or mention it when they phone/call in.

Congratulations on your baby, it gets a little easier and a little less terrifying every day.

I was stressed with DC1 for about 6 months and DC2 for about a month. I kept worrying they were ill and I didn't know. DC1 had colic for first 6 weeks, but aside from that it just my anxiety.

Anxiety is awful, it pushes adrenaline through your body and you try to justify why you feel concerned.

How are you sleeping and eating?

It can be normal or it can be a sign of postpartum anxiety which can and should be treated. I had horrible anxiety for the first 6 months and I still get intrusive thoughts, I seriously regret not getting help when it was at its worst to be honest.

OP, are you OK?

One day at a time OP, it's the only way.

Hope you are both ok.

Feeling a lot better today a lot less anxious. My mom came to visit and let me have a relaxing bath whilst she looked after little one.
X

Good you had a brief break, but getting used to a baby is hard work. They don't tell you if anything is wrong, can be incredibly demanding, and they take over your life...it's a really tough and expect a few more anxious times.

The main thing is are you talking and sharing this IRL?