Looking for advice

[chandasz]

I had someone I know recently have a very traumatic birth ending in a c-section and then very little support for starting breastfeeding off right. she's currently not breastfeeding.

She's seeming to be disconnected to baby-- asking others to feed him and pick him up when he cries.

She's aware that she's been depressed but says she's feeling better but I'm concerned.

I'm not a close friend-- I'm a CBE and she was my student.

Can I ask anyone's advice on how to proceed? What helped you?

This is a very recent birth.

[mom0810]

Sounds like she has PPD. Or PTSD. She should talk to someone soon. I see you are in Berwyn. Alexian in Hoffman Estates has an EXCELLENT program for PPD. There is a number to call... Gosh, I wish I had it. You can check www.postpartum.net for the information about resources in the area. I am sure there are some closer to you..

Also, there is an excellent therapist in Northbrook. Her name is Dr. Sarah Allen. If you PM me, I can send you her contact info. She treats postpartum PTSD and is very good. Also, Dr. Aldridge at Alexian is a psychiatrist specializing in PPD.

I really hope she gets some help. In Illinois now, anyone having a baby with an OB GYN is automaticall screened for PPD a few weeks after the birth.

Is she sleeping? Eating? I don't know how I would broach the subject.. but I think I definitely would say something. She needs help, and may not even recognize what she has. I didn't know what it was until 9 months postpartum, and I wish someone had told me.