How Long Do the Roller Coaster Feelings Last Postpartum?

Hang in there! You sound pretty normal to me. I think the 8wk mark was a turning point for me - our daughter was sleeping more (which meant I was sleeping more!), and we were into a routine. I was still emotional, but started to level out a bit. Going back to work threw me all off again. I think you are never really the same, though. I'm much more emotional about things now. (And I thought I was a sap before!) But you will stabilize. Congratulations on your baby boy!!

When I went to my 6 week postpartum check up I still had "crazy emotions" I talked to my OB and she perscirbed me an antidepressant that worked with nursing moms. I found great relief with this. My daughter is 13 mo now and I no longer take the pills. I'm glad I did for the time though. It allowed me to enjoy my days as a new mom much fuller than I would have been able to without.

Be kind to yourself and know that you are normal. The life change you have experienced is huge and should not be underestimated. I can't tell you how long this will last for you. Every mom is different. I experienced all of those feelings and still do sometimes and my kids are 2 and almost 4. The hormonal tears should end soon but if they don't call your doctor. Trying to do it all and feeling like a failure in at least some ways is soooooo normal. Know that we all fail and allow yourself permission to be sad if necessary and fail some as you learn. The rewards are worth it. Take care.

K.,
i never considered myself as having pospartum depression either, although looking back i do think i lost my mind a little. the emotional roller coaster was crazy, and a little scary. i just attributed it to stress (i was so freaked out when i took my son home from the hospital that i got nauseus every time i tried to eat - i didn't eat for three days afterwards, till i got a prescription from my dr.) you will look back at this time and think "what the heck!". i think we all go through it. no one tells you, even if you escape the postpartum depression, you'll still feel like you don't know yourself for a while. your life has been completely turned upside down and you're basically having to relearn everything. it's unrealistic to think it'll happen overnight without missing a beat. it's a HUGE change to your life. i don't know about any timeline because we're all different. just hang in there. you're doing a great job and it'll just get easier from here on out. if you need to talk drop me an email.

Your body is still trying to balance out your hormones from pregnancy so take it easy on yourself. And, your hormones will still fluctuate if you're nursing as well. Keep trying to get rest when you can...it does helps. Also, keep taking your prenatal vitamin which will help if your body is running low on iron and B vitamins, etc.

I have 4 children and have experienced both baby blues and postpartum depression. Based on my experience, I'd have to recommend a call or visit with your doctor. The baby blues usually only last a couple weeks after having the baby and anything more than that may be signs of postpartum depression. My OBGYN prescribed an anti-depressant called Zoloft which is safe to take while nursing. It has helped tremendously so that my lows don't feel soooo low. Being a mom and wife is a constant juggling act and it's obviously important for you (and most women) to feel good and capable about both roles. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

And, just for the record, even though I was diagnosed with postpartum depression...I NEVER felt like suicide or hurting my baby at any time. Nevertheless, the doctor will probably ask you if you have felt that way so you shouldn't take that offensively because they have to ask. I just knew that breaking out in tears and feeling so overwhelmed didn't meet my expectations while trying to enjoy my marriage and new baby.

What you are experiencing is normal but if you continue to not seem to be able to shake it off and be productive in your daily tasks then it might be time for intervention. And, like another mom had shared, you don't have to stay on medication long-term. It will get better and this too shall pass. Then, who knows, you might be asking yourself if you're ready to have a brother or sister for Duke. :)

It will all start to fall into place and as you get used to your new routines than it will become easier for you to not only get done what you need to but even enjoy life in the process. The fact is that sometimes postpartum depression does require medication and there isn't anything to be ashamed about. And, honestly, just "willing" everything to be okay doesn't always make it so. Don't be afraid to take action and also talk to your husband or trusted friend about how you feel. You know yourself better than anyone else so trust your instincts if you're still not feeling quite right.

Take care and enjoy the blessing of your new son!

I can definitely relate to you. It is hard being a new mom. Going through an unbelievable amount of change physically and mentally can really take its toll. Also, your hormones are out of whack from having a baby and if you are breastfeeding. Just be patient. You will feel like your old self again, it just takes a while. And you will get your old body back. My grandma said "It takes 9 months to put it on, and it takes 9 months to take it off". You'll get everything figured out. I think I started putting a lot of pressure on myself to be the perfect mother and wife and it caused a lot of stress. Just concentrate on what's important and everything will eventually fall in line. If you still feel not qute yourself, I encourage you to talk with your doctor. They can help out. Remember, you are normal. What you are going through is perfectly normal.