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That is exactly how I felt after my son was born. Also, I was very anxious/nervous. I never told the doc about it either, which for me was a mistake! After I had my daughter I got the same thing and did go to the doctor and was prescribed antidepressants and was better in about 2 weeks. Totally felt like myself again. I went on antidepressants before my 3rd (son) was born and didn't get depressed at all with him, which made such a difference in enjoying him! I soooo wish I would have done that with my first, because I felt bad/sad almost his whole first year. I would even put his infant carrier in another room when he was sleeping and try to pretend that my life was back to "normal". I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel and like there was never going to be any point to living since I felt it was going to be diapers and sleepless nights forever. But, it DOES get better... it really does!! Your baby will eventually get onto a schedule, will be potty-trained, will be able to do so many things for him/herself, etc. My oldest is 6 now and it's so nice! Talk to your doctor, a friend, SOMEONE who will listen and help you get the help you need to get better...whether antidepressants, counselling, or whatever... it doesn't have to be this way for you. ~HUGS~.

I felt the EXACT same way. I thought I had post partum depression and I got medicine for it but I stopped taking it b/c I was b___stfeeding and I worried about my baby getting the medicine. I started to feel better after about 6 weeks. Now my baby is almost three months and I still have off days but not like they were. My advice is to get out of the house, go for a walk and invite people over. It just seems to make it worse if you are by yourself all day. If you feel like you might have pp depression then talk to your doctor!

Which doctor do I speak to? My OB? Can he prescribe antidepressants? It's also a little extra rough for me because we just moved here about a month and a half ago and we don't really know anyone. My hubby is in the military and we live in Florida and our family is in Texas. So it's just me and my hubby and that 's really hard because I know he feels the same way (being away from family) too. I just can't wait until I'm over this. I tried talking to my hubby about it today and to me it seems like he just doesn't understand why I'm feeling this way. Also, during my pregnancy i gained 48 lbs. and I've already lost 33 of it (had my baby 2 weeks ago), so I feel so weak and drained. I can't even eat healthy because I'm constantly doing something for the baby. My husband does help, but sometimes it just doesn't feel like enough. I haven't left the house in two weeks either. My hubby is afraid that if we take the baby out, he's gonna get sick. I feel like I'm trapped in my house by this little person. Not to mention that my C-Section incision site is still hurting me and leaking a yellowish fluid. It is re-a__suring though to know that everything WILL get better with time. Again, thank you ladies.

Carol- yes, your OB can prescribe antidepressants if (s)he feels you need them. Getting out will help. If you take a walk and avoid crowded places you won't have to worry about germs- maybe you can convince your dh of that. I know the feeling of being trapped and it's so overwhelming with a new baby. In fact I was more overwhelmed with just one when I had my first, than I was when I brought home babies # 2 and #3. It can be a hard transition! I also had 3 c-sections and it's hard to deal with if that's not what you planned on. Good luck to you :)

Hi carol23, you really need to see someone if you can, even if it's just your GP and then go from there. It's good that you know you are feeling this way (if that makes sense) and are able to do something about it now, not down the track. The other women are rigt - you have to get out of the house. My dh also is very 'nervous' about taking our new babies out soon after they are born, and even now at 4 weeks with our fourth baby, he is no different. So with no car, I to feel very closed in. You must go for a walk at least, even around the block. Have a shower, get fresh and feel good in that area, get out in the sun and go for a stroll. It does wonders, just feeling the sun on your face. But you still need to talk about how you feel with someone who understands you and can help you. Don't keep it bottled up - if DH doesn't understand, then find someone who does, even if it's not face to face, over the phone or online. It does get better as baby gets older and is more settled into a schedule. Please take care of yourself and make sure you talk to someone. xo

After my first baby I had the pp depression and after my second it was worse and lasted for 6 months...it does get better but dang it is tough and you feel like nobody gets it. With the baby I just had I started having it the day he was born...my doctor noticed it and knew my history and gave me a very low dose of Buspar for just taking the edge off of the anxiety to where I could emotionally handle everything. I have taken it for a month and I feel great!!! The late night feedings don't bother me, I don't cry, snap at the children or my husband, though I haven't lost the weight I am not dwelling over it but am looking at it positively thinking it will eventually come off. All of this is the exact opposite as the last time....our hormones are completely out of whack and the buspar has helped me tremendously. It is not an antidepressant but is for short term use for anxiety. It is worth a search on google or asking your doctor about it. I am only 4 weeks pp but feel wonderful. We have already gone out of town twice, and I am much calmer.....a calm mommy helps make a calm baby....really it is worth looking in to. My son is sleeping 6 hours at night and has been since 2 weeks. I am b___steeding him and with my other two I thought I'd never make it....again I believe it was anxiety; ppdepression and hormones. This medication has helped me get a handle on things. I asked him how long I'd need to be on it and he said it is for short term use to get you through the first couple of months....

ps....yes you can talk to your ob about it..since he is taking care of you post partem as well. I tried talking to my husband while we were still in the hospital and you are right on the money...they don't get it. You just need to take care of you and help him understand that....if he can get that then things will start falling into place. You have to take care of you emotionally and physically. I mean to carry this baby for 9 months and welcome the extra weight and then abruptly have the baby out but still have the extra weight with no baby in the tummy is huge to deal with emotionally. I went through missing being pregnant so bad.....again the medication has helped me tremendously to deal with those feelings, when my husband is difficult at times, when the baby is fussy etc and so on.

My wife seems to be experiencing postpartum depression and I'm worried about her. The baby is only a week old but I can't stand seeing her cry. I suffered through depression and know how horrible it is. She will talk about it with me but I wish I could do more. I read that I should take care of the chores etc. I will gladly comply of course but my problem is I can't convince her to get more sleep.

The first few weeks are always hardest for me personally too. The first week I couldn't stop crying...happy then sad, glad to see my baby but desperately missed him inside my belly, relieved not to be going through pregnancy pain anymore but the emptiness in my stomach was too much to bear. It is not only that those feelings are valid and real but hormones are all out of whack too...and both need to be taken into consideration. Part of it valid feelings, part of it hormone rage and crying helps....I know it is tough to see that but really crying helps her get it out but also releases hormones that help regulate her body. It WILL get better....unfortunately mine never got much better and the medication that I am temp. on is wonderful for me...I used to cry for weeks and after this last baby it stopped after the first week because the med has helped me that much. I wish you all the best. If there is any advice...let her cry and get it out....for personal and hormonal reasons....help her as much as you can. Let her feed and insist that you do everything else when you are home so that she can rest....if she is tired, hormones seem on edge even more. A tired mommy makes for an uneasy baby...babies sense the tension and may even fuss more. Plus the bonding with you is so important also..so the baby can sense that when you are providing care and comfort it is ok too. God Bless.....