Do I have PPD?
My little one was born a week ago. He’s been an absolutely joy. My 3 year old is struggling though. He loves the baby and is great with him. Always wants to hold him and show him things. Tries to teach him things and is very gentle. His behavior otherwise, however, has been awful. Very emotional, tantrums, and just down right mean.
It’s breaking my heart to see him act like this, even though I know it’s normal and a phase.
I find myself with a super short fuse around him though. I don’t yell at him or raise my voice, but every time he acts out or doesn’t listen, I get very upset internally and start to shut down. Of course I continue to play with him and cuddle and do whatever he needs to do, but I feel like my whole heart and personality aren’t in it once this starts to happen. This is going to sound awful, but I feel like I just don’t enjoy being around him right now with how he’s acting. And of course that’s awful to say and feel which makes me feel like a terrible person.
He’s usually so pleasant and goofy and a great listener, so I just am not used to this new (hopefully temporary) personality.
Do these feelings line up with PPD or does it sound more like just normal parent feelings when a kid is acting up?
Also, any advice on how to get him through this would be appreciated!
Achieve your health goals from period to parenting.