PPD-anyone else just realizing it?

Question

So my LO is 5 months now. But in the past month, I think I’ve realized I’m struggling with PPD and it’s getting bad.  Not every day is bad!
I’ve reached out to my ob’s office and their response?  Talk to your pcp. Of course I just  had to find a new pcp because mine moved. Talk about bad timing!
I’m frustrated, exhausted, and stressed out. I feel so guilty about feeling the way I do.  I love my baby but he’s more than I can handle at times. I’m also so anxious. I think I’ve left the house with the baby on my own less than 10 times. It completely overwhelms me thinking about what I’ll do if he starts screaming and I’m “that mom” at the store. 😭😭
I’m not looking for judgement so please keep your negativity to yourself. I hope others aren’t struggling like me, but it’d also be comforting to know I’m not alone in these feelings.

Answer

I too struggled with anxiety post partum. You need to find a good counselor, one who will help you realize those new feelings are part of being a mom. If your ob was of no help, reach out to your local La Leche League or any midwives (they’re usually more in tune to the family as a whole unit) & see if they can recommend a counselor who has experience with that area of newly expanded family. You might not need medication, but just need someone who can help you talk thru your feelings. It’s ok to need help, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. There’s no manual that comes with our little bundles :) you got this tho!!

Answer

Start with little trips. I try to go out with her when she wakes up from a nap and fed, that way I know she’ll be in a good mood. I still don’t go very far with her without my husband (she’s 5 1/2 months old) but at least I know I can take her out for a good 2 hrs

Answer

Also something that has helped me get out more is to have a couple of family members’ houses set up for naps. I’m lucky that all my and my husband’s family are nearby. The hardest one to get the point across to, oddly, had been my mom. But I’m insisting on a dark room and a sleeping space where I can put him down so I’m not limited by the two hour wake window. If you have fellow mom friends or family, maybe something like that is an option for you? If I have an errand to run near my MIL’s house I know we can stop in for a nap or to calm down if he gets fussy or even just change a diaper so I don’t have to do it in a public restroom or the car.

Answer

That sucks that your ob wasn’t more help! I know it’s just one more thing piled on to make another appointment, but it’s worth the effort to get some relief from the anxiety.

Answer

On the "that mom" note. I totally used to feel like that.   But you know what people need to go jump if they're judging you for your baby crying.   I used to feel so embarrassed and overwhelmed when he would cry in public.   But I finally noticed people rarely notice him crying.  I just accept it.   It is hard though. I know you can do it.  Start with little trips.  Thatswhat helped me

Answer

My LO is also 5 mo and I felt the same way. I didn’t really feel down, but definitely overwhelmed. I was always with my DD when I left the house, I never had time to myself. And I dreaded her crying in the store too. Does this count as PPD? I just figured it was stress. 
What helped me, and it saddens me that this is true, was going back to work. Granted I love my job, but I felt bad about leaving my daughter. 
My DD is so much better now. I’ve learned to read her moods and I know what makes her happy. Those first 3 months were so hard though. Hang in there, you’re not alone.

PPD-anyone else just realizing it?

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