Driving Me Crazy

B.,

I had postpartum with my first and it was pretty awful. I had a difficult birth with her, and it took me a long time to adjust to what life meant as a mother and a woman. It took almost a year to come to terms with everything. I know this is your third but you are adjusting to life with a health condition which is a huge adjustment in and of itself. I had a brain tumor and surgery the other year. Talk about a life changing event! I also live in Tucson and I would be happy to meet with you or talk about any of this. I was able to come around and use it for good, but it was a process. As a result of all this I do wellness education. I really want to help others improve their quality of life and hopefully avoid some of the things that I have been through. Good nutrition and exercise will go a long way. Also, perscription fish oil, could help your heart and your mood. More than anything I would be honored to lend a listening ear. Feel free to email me privately and I will give you my number.

It seems like you are dealing with grief and postpartum. Just don't feel bad about what you are going through. I know that mother guilt is pretty strong, but cut yourself some slack.

I am here if you need me.

All the best,

J.

Hey B.. I am so sorry that you are feeling this way. Sometimes when I'm having a particularly rough day, it helps me to think about the good things in my life. And the best things in my life are my boys. So tell us about your kids--what are their personalities like, what things do they like to do, what do you do together, what are your most treasured moments like....

My baby, when he was born, had terribly crossed eyes and one ear that was pointy like Spock on star trek. And I know everyone else thought he looked funny, but to me there was nothing more precious or beautiful in the world than those crossed eyes and that spock ear. Now he looks perfect, but the thought of him as a baby still melts my heart.

What things make you happy?

Hi B.,
First of all Contrats on your new baby!
I am not an expert, but to me it sounds like you may not be necessary suffering from post partum depression as much as you may be worried about what the future holds for you and your new baby with the uncertanty of your recent medical problems. I myself have three kids 9, 7, and 4. When my youngest was 8 months old I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It is very scary to be faced with a medical condition especially when you have kids who need you. I know whenever I am having a bad day it helps me to do a couple of things... first think of all of the blessings in your life and second be thankful that it is not something you consider worse than your own medical problem. A good support network whether family, friends or aquantances is helpful as well. Although if you are like me you don't want to feel like you are dumping on them. I hope you find those ideas helpful in coping with your next hurdle in life. Take care and God Bless!

~C.

Hi B.,

I had a really bad post partum depression. I kept replaying my worst fears in my head all the time. I would love to talk with you. Call me anytime: ###-###-####.

Hang in there. I moved through it and so will you.

Please call me.

T.

I had post-partum depression with my second. It's extremely common if you had a disappointing or traumatic birth. My sister had a similar experience as well, with the heart issues. My biggest piece of advice is to force yourself to exercise. Recent studies have shown theat it's more effective than drugs in treating depression, doesn't have the negative side effects (it does have positive side-effects: like losing weight) and won't cause depebdency or depression relapse the way anti-depressants do.
You must find a support group- a friend who you can call whenever you need to, or a group of moms, or a church group. maybe your 19-yr old can be your exercise buddy or your babysitter while you go exercise. you've done a great job reaching out to us, but you need to reach out to your family and tell them that you need their help.
Postpartum depression can last a long time (mine was 2 years), but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and there are ways you can help yourself pull out of it.
email me if you need someone to talk to, i've been thru it before!