Post Partum Depression

Pujols5 · Post by **Pujols5** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:21 am

This may be a little OT so I apologize for that.
I think my sister may be suffering from this.
She cried for two hours after I confronted her about skipping a co-workers wedding ceremony over the weekend. Her son is approx 12 weeks old.

My mom said that she needs to see the doctor if this continues. Moms - are there any good resources out there?

Thanks.

Pujols5

KDlady · Post by **KDlady** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:52 am

I'm a new mom. Things, anything and everything, can seem overwhelming at times. The "baby blues" are bound to hit a new mom.
Please help her as much as you can with housework, etc. Gently encourage her to take some time for herself; a walk, bath, etc.

<A HREF="http://www.babycenter.com" TARGET=_blank>www.babycenter.com</A> would probably have more helpful hints.
If she's unable to sleep, care for the baby, eat well, etc. then yes, she should see someone. Otherwise, her personal care and well-being should be the focus while hormones adjust, etc. It's hard!!! Those hormones take a long time to settle, especially if she's nursing.
Be gentle.
Good for you for watching out for her.

formyboys · Post by **formyboys** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:00 am

I suffered with extreme post pardum depression. The key is to get her help sooner than later. I did not get help until 6 months post pardum and by then I needed a lot. Online there are a ton of resources now that you could reference and see perhaps share with her. I know how scarey this can be and you feel so alone. I agree with getting her the extra support and help with housecleaning, caring for the baby , etc...Self care is crucial....And being a supportive sister is wonderful...my family and sister were a God send during this time for me.

bevhembree · Post by **bevhembree** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:22 am

It's so easy to feel overwhelmed with a new baby. Your baby is recovering, you're sleep deprived, the baby has needs along with other family, etc. I would at least take her to her doctor and talk about what's going on. I don't think baby blues are supposed to last that long. It takes some women longer to adjust.
Brooke Shields has a wonderful book about her experience. Your sis may not be up to reading it now, but it will give you a lot of insight. And when she's ready, it will give her a lot of understanding. Good luck and keep us posted.

Pujols5 · Post by **Pujols5** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:25 am

Thanks for the suggestions.

My sister says that she has checked into the babycenter website. She thinks it is just "separation" anxiety. I disagree b/c supposedly she cried all of last weekend when she was with her baby.

My wife bought her a copy of the Brooke Shields book. Hopefully she will take some time and read through this.

The thing that scares me most is that she is talking about bringing the baby into work one day a week. I work for a family business. Knowing my father he would let her get away with it. I don't think it is fair to my sister, her son, or anyone else in our office if that happens.

Many thanks.

Pujols5