49 answers

Feeling Alone - Spring,TX

Hi moms. I have struggled emotionally since the arrival of my daughter 4 months ago. I am not the kind and patient person I used to be. I lose it so easily and I don't want to be this way. I had to have my husband come home from work and relieve me a few days ago so I could take a walk by myself and clear my head. My daughter is very fussy and I have a little boy about to turn 2. I have chosen to stay home with them and it is so hard. I have so many guilty feelings and feelings of being alone. My husband and I are so far apart now that I don't know what to do. We are so sleep deprived that we can't function like we want to. My OB prescibed Wellbutrin for me the other day because she said it may help me. I am still breastfeeding, and would like to continue, so I am scared to take any medication. I have never taken anything like this before. So, if anyone has any advice or well wishes I really need it now.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

I wanted to thank everyone so much for thinking of me! I am totally overwhelmed at the support I received. You have no idea how much it helped me. I don't have much computer time anymore so I rarely get a chance to post anything. I am doing much better. I equate the majority of my feelings to lack of sleep. I was able to get some rest last week due to my baby napping at the same time as my son a few days and that helped tremendously. She is very inconsistent with nighttime and nap times so sometimes I get good rest and sometimes I don't. She also has bad reflux (she is on meds for it and has been since 2 weeks old) so that is one reason why she is so fussy. My son had it, too, so we have lived through this before. I am not in denial that I have some post-partem depression but I am not ready to take meds yet. It would be too hard for me emotionally to stop breastfeeding now because I don't feel comfortable taking the medication while doing it. (even though my doctor said it was OK) I never knew I would enjoy breastfeeding but my daughter does so well with it that I hate to stop now. I also dropped my son off at a mother's day out program this morning for the first time (that's why I am able to be on the computer :)) and once I recover from that I know it will be helpful for me. :) I work one day a week, too, so that also gives me some time away from home. I love staying home with them, it's just really hard some days. The other thing that has helped me so much is all the sweet replies I got to my post. I had no idea I would get so much support from people I don't know! Reading all of them was truly like taking medication. It let me know that I am not alone and it is OK for this to be hard right now. I have a pretty good grasp on my mental state so I know when I need help. I have a clearer mind now and I need to go back and read everones replies again when I am down. Sorry to have written you a book but I want everyone to know I am doing better. Thank you again for your help. Please keep praying for us because prayer it what I use to keep me healthy!

Featured Answers

I have kids almost the same age, a 22 month old son, and a 4 month old daughter. I don't have experience with medication, but I can share stories, tips, vent, whatever. If you need someone to talk to, exchange e-mails, let me know.

2 moms found this helpful

I sufferred from post-pardem depression after my second son. I was also on Wellbutrin. I recommend you take it. It will take 2-3 weeks to take effect, so the sooner you start, the better. I am an RN and just from the information you have given I would have you evaluated for depression. I was on it for less than a year and recovered with no problems. My boys are now 7 and 4 1/2. I waited way too long before seeking treatment because I hate taking medication and other than that have never been on anything except pre-natal vitamins. By the time I started on medication, I had become a different person. I was miserable and suicidal. I almost lost my job and was having severe anxiety because even the smallest issues seemed completely overwhelming. Please take this seriously. Call me if you want to talk. ###-###-####

1 mom found this helpful

Hello! I know exactly what you are going through. I have a 7 month old son and I was feeling very overwhelmed and tired and angry. It got so bad that my husband and I started fighting all the time. I always felt like I had all this built up stress and anger and it drove me crazy. I talked to my doctor and she also wanted to put me on some medicine but I really didn't want to be on anything. I started taking B Complex and it has helped me so much. I still have the stress sometimes but who doesn't right? I no longer feel angry and my husband and I are getting along and I actually look forward to waking up every morning. If you don't want to take any medication then try the B Complex, I swear it's helping me. Good luck and hang in there! *hugs*

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Hey C H,

I just wanted to post on here to let you know that things WILL get better. It's pretty normal to be feeling depressed, stressed, sleep-deprived, etc. You have an active toddler which demands a lot of attention, and now you have a beautiful new baby that needs what's left of your time and attention. Hubby's away working, you're home all day long with no intelligent, adult conversation. It's definately understandable to get lonely and depressed. I'm a SAHM myself with a 7 mo daughter. My other daughter is almost 12 yo, so she needs a totally different form of attention. About 2 mths ago, I started feeling VERY lonely. (We moved out into the country about 6mths ago, outside Bandera, TX. My family all live in the TX Panhandle. I haven't made any friends either.) I spend every day at home. I go grocery shopping every two weeks, but other than that, I very rarely leave the house. When I finally got to the point that I was crying myself to sleep at night, I discussed the problem with my hubby. At first it was not a good conversation, but after some tears and some talking, he began to understand my point of view. When he is home he actually helps with the baby more often. Sometimes he even gives up sleep so that I can sleep a little bit longer. He takes care of the baby while I take a long hot bath. My point is this.....Discuss your problems with your hubby. Tell him your thoughts, feelings, all of that stuff. He may surprise you, and be able to shift things around to help you out.

Take heart knowing that things always get better! If you need someone to talk to or just vent to, feel free to message me. I'll even send you my personal email address if you need it. That's what we moms are here for!!!

Good luck!!!

3 moms found this helpful

Take the medicine! I can't say it enough. I was in your situation after my baby (who is 8 now) was born. I was also nursing and continued to nurse for nearly 2 years while I was taking wellbutrin. The only thing that happened to either of us was that I became "normal" again. Think of it this way - what kind of Mom do you want to be for your children? If it is a sane rational loving Mom and wife then take the Wellbutrin. It will work and if it doesn't there are other types of antidepressents on the market. Ask your OB for another. Give it at least 4 weeks to really work before you decide it isn't. Most important of all - once you feel better don't stop taking it - taking it is what makes you feel better. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

my midwife would tell me... up your Omega-3s and B Vitamin complex. Also make sure you are still taking all your vitamins and minerals that you did when you were pregnant. Postpartem is hard emotionally and physically. It does get better. And ask for help, people like to help. Someone to watch your 2 yo or just come clean or cook for you a few days a week. Seriously, I know its hard (we're having our third kid any week now) and I have a 3 yo and a 1 yo. It will change and get better. Eat well and try to sleep/nap as much as you can. Hope all goes well...

2 moms found this helpful

Hang in there! Another group you could try is through Meetup.com. There are a lot of locations specific groups in there that hold play dates during the day and mom's day out types of groups in the evening. I know it's scary starting to go to other people's houses like that, but so far everyone I've met has been really nice. I try to have an activity for every morning - Dynamoze, Library (Semmes has a great program), play dates. Then the afternoon can be for naps and playing quietly until daddy gets home.

For the depression, I've read that acupuncture can really help - if you want to try something drug free first. I also second the exercise, and maybe journaling (there's research that shows that just writing in a journal for a couple of weeks can really improve mood).

You are not a bad mama just because you need a break and find it hard to stay home. I think everyone goes through that, and it just takes time to work it out.

2 moms found this helpful

I have kids almost the same age, a 22 month old son, and a 4 month old daughter. I don't have experience with medication, but I can share stories, tips, vent, whatever. If you need someone to talk to, exchange e-mails, let me know.

2 moms found this helpful

I'm not a big fan of mediction, but love support. Have you thought of joining a mom's group? I am a member of a fantastic one, and they are all over. An example is Mom's Club international...a great group of moms offering so much support, and they are all stay at home moms. I do it, and it is very hard, but the support helps, and I really wouldn't trade being with my kids for anything. Also, on the subject of grumpiness in an infant, have your baby checked out by a chiropractor. I use an excellent one, and my daughter was in need of one after my c-section delivery. Something may be hurting her.Please message me if you have questions. It will get better. I wish you all the luck in the world!

2 moms found this helpful

Dear C H,
You are not alone, dear. There are many others of us who have dealt with post-partum depression. The antidepressant will help you. I took an antidepressant after the birth of one of my children. You are not doing anything wrong. Many women have difficulty after the birth of a baby. Obviously your body has been impacted and needs to recover, your mind just needs some solitude and relaxation as well. Do you have family/friends nearby who could lend a hand to help you get some rest? Perhaps fix a meal or 2 to give you a break? You are fortunate that your husband was able to come home to give you some relief. The medicine should be helping you see some improvement soon. If it doesn't, do not hesitate to try another from your dr. You will be better soon. I have some other simple suggestions if you want I will send you, just write me back.
Peace,
C.

2 moms found this helpful

Dear CH,
I really feel for you. Please know you are not alone. So many new (and new again) moms are struggling with exhaustion and that causes all kinds of other problems. I'm not an expert, but I've had 3 children, and all I can say is that is DOES GET BETTER, esp. once you can get a little more sleep. Hang in there! It sounds like you were smart to seek professional help from your doctor. If you can find some help from a mom's group (like this, or in person like a neighborhood group) that might be a real life-saver. Just knowing you are not alone and having someone who will listen and sympathize helped me so much.
Good luck - and remember - it will get better!

2 moms found this helpful

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