this makes it all worth it

[JenMidwife]

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL804.../195432109.jpg

Erin was 8 weeks old on Tuesday- definitely the most challenging 8 weeks of my life! High needs baby, lots of breastfeeding challenges, etc. But since she's started smiling & cooing in the last 3 weeks, we've been feeling much more bonded.

By the way, I have had depression in the past & had good results w/ Paxil. I started back on Paxil about 3 or 4 weeks ago & feel okay about that. Anybody else want to share about ppd?

She weighs 12lb 3 oz & is in the 90th percintile for height & weight!

Hope you're all hanging in there. Love, Jen

[cottontail]

What A Cute Babe!!

[ColoradoMama]

She's beautiful Jen! I love baby smiles. I was snapping some pictures of Louis smiling at dh last night. I hope they turn out!

[veganf]

What an awesome grin that girl has!! She's so sweet!

[JenMidwife]

thanks all!

[SummerTwilight]

What a love! I definately agree to being more bonded now that Aria is so expressive. Exhausting but man alive am I having fun!

[taradt]

So cute thanks for sharing

I have yet to get a grinny smile

tara

[jenmk]

She's adorable!! Babies have the happiest smiles.

[BirthFree]

What a BEAUTIFUL grin Jen!! She is a doll!

We've been dealing with the same as you (super unhappy baby (getting better though), bfing difficulties (I should get a frequent flyer pass to the LC) and such). I have not had ppd this time around so far but I had it *terribly* with my first. It is very hard when you're going through it - so let me say a huge "good for you" for doing something about it Jen... don't feel bad about it for a moment. I'm glad you're feeling better.
~Julie

[the_lissa]

Love her smile.

Is that an Old Navy shirt?

[JenMidwife]

Lissa, yeah it's Old Navy. My girl friend who's not in to babies at all sent it to us

Julie, thanks so much for your commiseration & encouragement. I'm glad to hear that things are getting better w/ grumpy baby. Isn't it great to have had a wonderful birth to look back on when things are tough right now.

[ktroia]

Hi, I'm a brand new mommy and I am having major PPD issues. I have a bottle of Wellbutrin on the counter but I don't want to take it b/c I read that one side affect is insomnia and I really don't need to have insomnia right now. I have scheduled an appt. with a psychiatrist for tomorrow to get their opinion. I just am having major mood swings - with this being my first baby I am freaking out that I'm not doing enough with her. Also, we just moved to this area and I don't know anyone so I have no moms to chat with in person so I"m on the internet alot looking for affirmation that I"m doing what I should be doing. I just keep telling my husband that I'm failing and he's getting frustrated with me b/c in his opinion I'm not failing at all. My biggest problem right now is that I'm sooo lonely. The only other human interaction I have other than DD is my husband and he can't relate to what I"m feeling or going through really and I think it's making him feel bad that he can help make me feel better.

Originally Posted by JenMidwife

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL804.../195432109.jpg

Erin was 8 weeks old on Tuesday- definitely the most challenging 8 weeks of my life! High needs baby, lots of breastfeeding challenges, etc. But since she's started smiling & cooing in the last 3 weeks, we've been feeling much more bonded.

By the way, I have had depression in the past & had good results w/ Paxil. I started back on Paxil about 3 or 4 weeks ago & feel okay about that. Anybody else want to share about ppd?

She weighs 12lb 3 oz & is in the 90th percintile for height & weight!

Hope you're all hanging in there. Love, Jen

[swtpesq]

Originally Posted by ktroia

Hi, I'm a brand new mommy and I am having major PPD issues. I have a bottle of Wellbutrin on the counter but I don't want to take it b/c I read that one side affect is insomnia and I really don't need to have insomnia right now. I have scheduled an appt. with a psychiatrist for tomorrow to get their opinion. I just am having major mood swings - with this being my first baby I am freaking out that I'm not doing enough with her. Also, we just moved to this area and I don't know anyone so I have no moms to chat with in person so I"m on the internet alot looking for affirmation that I"m doing what I should be doing. I just keep telling my husband that I'm failing and he's getting frustrated with me b/c in his opinion I'm not failing at all. My biggest problem right now is that I'm sooo lonely. The only other human interaction I have other than DD is my husband and he can't relate to what I"m feeling or going through really and I think it's making him feel bad that he can help make me feel better.

Hi there, I'm not in this DDC, but I wanted to respond...First, I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I know that it is much more common than most people realize. Second, by being concerned and seeking help you are showing that you are a caring and conscientious mama, which is wonderful! Third, in addition to whatever your doc suggests, maybe you could try finding some real life mama friends in your new town. You can see if there is a Yahoo Group for your area, a La Leche League meeting, Mom's Club, new mom support group through the local hospital (even if you didn't give birth there), or infant classes through the parks department. Some more adult interaction would probably make you feel better!

Best of luck to you, mama ~ hang in there!

By the way, your daughter is adorable.

[JenMidwife]

Originally Posted by swtpesq

First, I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I know that it is much more common than most people realize. Second, by being concerned and seeking help you are showing that you are a caring and conscientious mama, which is wonderful! Third, in addition to whatever your doc suggests, maybe you could try finding some real life mama friends in your new town. You can see if there is a Yahoo Group for your area, a La Leche League meeting, Mom's Club, new mom support group through the local hospital (even if you didn't give birth there), or infant classes through the parks department. Some more adult interaction would probably make you feel better!

Hi ktroia, sorry you're feeing so isolated. I totally agree w/ what was said above. i found myself not wanting to leave the house cause i felt so out of control with Erin. once i finally started going out, I found that she actually does better out & about w/ more stimulus. I've found being around other moms & babies to be invaluable... check out http://www.momsclub.org/welcome.html & click on your state for info about a group in your area.

Hang in there! It sounds like you're doing a great job. & your daughter is SO CUTE!!!

[mamamilkers]

JenMidwife-- what a cutie! I love that shirt, too. I got DD#2 the one that says "daddy's little" and then there's a pumpkin (or monster, or whatever) beneath it. I almost got the one your DD has

ktroia--the first little while with a new baby is SOOOOO hard. Seriously. I think the first thing is just recognizing that. With my first I was just thinking "what the heck did I get myself in to?!?!" (okay, I'm thinking that with my second, too, but that's another post for another day! ) I think you can be gentle with yourself and realize that you really AREN'T failing. I know it is hard to hear from your DH because he doesn't really know what you are going through and it probably just feels like he's saying it to be nice-- but he really is right. You're not failing. It just is super hard right now.

Have you checked out your tribe here on MDC? I have met mamas IRL from my tribe, all super sweet and awesome mamas. I have also met mamas IRL through other message boards, as well. It might be ironic, but I think I have met more mamas through boards than anywhere else!

Hang in there, and have you tried the Wellbutrin? Is insomnia always a side effect or just sometimes? It might be worth a try if you can stop taking it if you don't like it.

I wish you lots of luck. Please hang around here for support-- I use the message boards for support alot because I just hate leaving the house most days!

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

Aww so cute
i'm getting broody again

[peilover010202]

She is just a doll - what a beautiful, happy smile!

Oh Jen, I'm sorry you are going through depression - I didn't have it with my first ds, but it hit early with ds2. At ds2's 2 week appt, I was sobbing to the dr when he asked how I was doing. I did NOT want dh to leave me home with TWO kids, I really didn't feel like I was capable of handling them both, the thought terrified me.

I'm so glad that you have found something that works for you. For me, the dr recommended pumping and letting dh give one bottle at night. We started this at 2 weeks and thankfully there was no nipple confusion. That helped me immensely because ds2 just to NOT sleep well at night for weeks.

I'm glad that you are feeling better - it does feel a little isolating at first and I agree, getting out makes a HUGE difference in my mood and for both of the boys too.

[JenMidwife]

Thanks Steph

[2 in August]

She is adorable!!