My 5 month old won’t look at me PPD

[Gleedom]

Can anyone help? I’ve been experiencing postnatal depression including insomnia. Now my 5 month old won’t look at me. I’m trying to sing and talk to her the whole time but she just looks for her dad and smiles at other people. What will happen now? Does anyone have experience of this?

A 5 month old baby hasn’t any notion of ‘like or dislike’. She is far too young to have the intellect for that.
What help are you getting for your depression?
Going back to work early may be a good option, not because ‘she prefers dad’ but you may need a routine and adult stimulation to get you back on track. Many mums do.

@Nextyearhopes They do show preferences at this age though and I’m last. She smiles at anyone else now…I’m on meds and have a counsellor.

Good. Keep engaging with your treatment.

Babies and toddlers go through phases OP. She is fed, settled and healthy.

I’m sorry you’re feeling so low.

You’re doing all the right things. Definitely carry on singing, smiling, playing peekaboo and engaging with her. Eye contact is so powerful - keep working at it and soon you’ll notice a difference. I had PPD and know how dark it feels. I hope things get better soon.

I had PPD with my daughter, I also travelled lots as I was still at school and I had this with her. I thought she hated me! 10+ years later and we are so so close, and have been through her childhood.

Babies can sense energy - sadly if you are anxious or scared, baby can pick this up. Relax when you are with baby. Put extra effort into building the relationship and it will be fine. Just be kind, smile etc. I know it’s so hard while you are experiencing the depression - and I’m not sure how it manifest for you - but try and get help from family to recharge so you can be the best version of yourself for your child.