Fighting off PPD

[ekblad9]

I haven't been here in a while. I just had my sixth baby 9 days ago. It was a wonderful birth and I had a lot of help the first week with the other kids and meals. Meals are still coming in but dh is back to work and I'm trying to get back to homeschooling and "normal" life. Yesterday was great, today isn't. I feel like I'm teetering on the edge. I'm still on my AD from last time. I was too afraid to go off of it. I'm trying to follow a good diet but it's hard when I barely have time to sit and eat. I guess I just wanted to check in here. I feel some of the "old" feelings creeping in very subtly. Maybe I'm just being oversensitive? Is my fear of PPD causing PPD?

[Gemini]

I don't think so. You have a ton of stress woman! I'm glad you've had help, but make sure you ask for more if you need it! Do you need to up your dose of whatever your on?

[mommyofboy]

Give yourself time to get "back to normal". Giving birth is hard work plus with a new baby and 5 other kids. I really admire you, I don't konw how you do it! I have one and sometimes he wears me out..

YOu could be going through "baby blues" at this point. I think even with antidepressants you can still have "baby blues". So just give yourself more time. Monitor yourself. Say if after three weeks you don't feel better then I would call the doctor about it.

Glad you ahve lots of help. Try to get as much sleep as possible. boy: boy:

[Jish]

Congrats, girlfriend!!! I'm happy all went smoothly.

I have to admit that I don't know how you handle it all. If I had all your responsibility, I would have become a permanent fixture in the psych ward ages ago. I think you have to cut yourself some slack for a while. The kids can catch up on their schooling in a few weeks if you can't supervise as closely for a while.

As for the depression, perhaps it's just some of the baby blues sneaking through. Hopefully, it will last for just a week or two and then you can get back on track. Keep an eye on yourself for the next couple weeks, and if it isn't looking up then, perhaps talk to your doctor. Those hormones can wreak havoc for a while.

You will be in my prayers.

[ekblad9]

Thanks everyone. I'm hanging in there, barely today. The kids seem so demanding and I just want to lay down and rest. I feel like they are totally taking advantage of me too. I'm also falling behind on errands. I haven't even driven yet and have only been out of the house to go to church and Trader Joe's. Anyway, by kid six you'd think I would be used to it, huh?

[KKmama]

You just had a baby--doesn't matter whether it's #6 or not. *Do* take advantage of the rest, support, etc. It's okay, and you deserve it (and need it)!

I see "fear of PPD" as possibly being a good thing (at least in my own case). It can remind you that you need to slow down, take things one day at a time, get some help, let some things slide.

Hang in there.

[Gemini]

No need to feel guilty for not getting to the errands. Just do the bare minimums for now. In the grand scheme of things if you let things go for your sanity for the next few weeks or so, things will still be okay. Hopefully your kids can help out a little bit.

[EllasMama]

I understand how the fear feels. I think once you've had depression, it's always in the back of your mind (at least for me). Every little downturn makes me think, "Oh no, am I getting worse? Am I going to crash?"

I agree with the other posts. Less than 2 weeks post-partum is way too soon to expect yourself to be able to run errands and homeschool several children. In many cultures, the mother is not supposed to ANY work for a month or more after having a baby. I think a good rule is, as long as your body is bleeding after pregnancy, you are healing from a major physical event. Take care and good luck. Oh, and ask for more help from anyone you think will be willing to give it!

Carol