Struggling mentally 1 week PP

[SophieJRC]

Hi everyone, first time using this so please bare with me.
I had my baby girl a week ago today, and since day 4-5 my moods have been so low. I cannot switch my brain off, I physically haven’t eaten in three days and I just feel sick to my stomach.
I’ve spoken to my midwife who I’m seeing again tomorrow, and my GP has given me Sertraline and anti sickness tablets (which aren’t working). I’m barely functioning, I don’t know what I’d do if my partner wasn’t here.
id just like someone to talk to really. Especially late at night.

If you need a human voice rather than online, phone the Samaritans. Post partum depression can be life threateningly serious in some cases. Hopefully the support you get will help soon plus the love of your partner and baby. Remember you are not alone and you will get better.

Op, how you feel is completely valid. Please continue to reach out as you have done, has your midwife given you the post natal MH team details to call if you need? PP I felt the same and like I was never going to feel good again, midwife told me I would feel better by 6 weeks she suspected and it just felt an eternity away. But it did lift and I started to be able to breathe again and eventually stopped crying/started enjoying my baby. It will lift for you too, but utilise any support available to you in the mean time. Feel free to DM if you want to chat xx

Completely normal, it’s a massive physical and emotional shock. Rest as much as you possibly can, drink plenty of water and don’t make any commitments or social plans just yet.

Thank you, that’s really reassuring. I spoke to a midwife again today, I’ve been out on some anti sickness tablets so that I can actually eat, and they’re also anti anxiety. They don’t affect breast milk thankfully.
it’s just so hard when you don’t see a light at the end. I’ve been slightly more productive today, so that’s a good sign I guess. Sometimes the nights are just so lonely.

That’s good hopefully they help! Are you a busy person usually? I don’t think it helps in this situation in a way as if you’re like me, you measure success based on productivity. Someone said to me, your only goal in the first weeks of mat leave should be looking after the baby and anything else is a bonus. If you need to achieve, aim to have a shower or wash your hair or something that makes you feel more ‘you’. Sadly I got that advice months into mat leave but I do think it’s good advice. How long is your husband able to be off for? Is he able to be with you for some of the night feeds for some company?

At this stage, you & baby are just getting to know eachother. It’s daunting how much life changes suddenly but it does get much more easy and enjoyable honestly xx