[Tierdofthis]

Well I gave birth ten days ago, been back on my meds for a week now, at first I was a little weepy, but I'm just fully depressed now. I'm exhausted, overly sensitive, anxious ( tho not as bad as before the meds) and I've been coping pretty well until today... Not even the sight of my newborn makes me smile, just reminds me why I gotta keep breathing. Which I will, I just feel like if I mention this to anyone I'll get blown off like its just baby blues or its not that serious. But they haven't spent two days crying, with no support or help what so ever

After giving birth to my son, I was in a LOT of physical pain. I couldn't even hold him because of how bad I felt ..... Breast feeding was a nightmare because my back hurt in every position. I was miserable but ashamed to talk about it. Then mania set in which I shake just thinking of what I did at that time. Please talk to your doctor. If you have a decent one, they will listen to everything without judgement. I wish I had more info, but it was nearly 20 years ago for me and some stuff I just can't remember. Your baby AND you deserve the best version of yourself. (((Hugs)))

[lilypup]

First of all, this is really normal, IMHO. I had three kids. It's normal not to be thrilled when the baby cries or fusses. Your hormones are really swinging and you're getting back on meds.
I had rough pregnancies off my meds. After I had the babies and a small amount of time passed...a few weeks...I felt really good.
You really do need some help and support. Is the baby's father taking a shift so you can get some sleep? Can he do laundry? Can you get take-out food a few nights? Do you go to a church that could send a volunteer over? Speak UP and get some help.
Getting sleep is hard for "regular" new mothers. Bipolar moms REALLY need sleep. Tell your man things will be a lot better if he helps out.
My kids were three years apart. Make sure not to have yours too close together. You want one potty trained before the next one shows up. PM me if needed...I understand.

[gina_re]

Why bipolar?
And I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I had a friend who had this problem and someone else in one of my IOP groups as well. It can be such an overwhelming depressive feeling. Please take care of yourself, and please contact your doctor.

[NoIdeaWhatToDo]

There's a huge difference between baby blues and post partum depression. I'm not sure if you have a history with bipolar or not. Regardless, the PPD is MISERABLE. I had it with my first, but was too scared to mention it to anyone. I did what it sounds like you're doing - pushed on remembering that I had to keep going for my child, but I was horribly depressed the whole time. It affected my ability to make/retain memories from that time, and I am deeply saddened now that I can't remember most of it. I remember how overwhelming it all was, and I remember not being able to stop crying for days on end, except when someone else was around and I was scared for them to see me that way.

With my second, I realized that I had had PPD with the first, so I expected it. It was even worse with him that it was with my first. I spoke up and talked to my doctor. She put me on a medication that helped with the overwhelming depression. It wasn't the right one for me, in the end, because it made me completely flat. I think that was better than the unending, ever-deepening depression, but sometimes I'm not sure. Anyway, I left that med behind and tried to cope on my own. It took me about 3-4 years after my second to get back to rights, more or less.

Around that time, I realized I had bipolar. If I had known at the time, perhaps we could have found a better med for me, or maybe some other techniques that have helped since I found out. Maybe knowing wouldn't have made a difference. Either way, I wish I had mentioned it to my doctor the first time around, and that I had worked with my doctor the second time to find the right med. I spent around 7 years in depression, with small breaks here and there. It was SO not worth keeping quiet about it or giving up on finding something that worked.

It may eventually go away on its own, but you don't want to wait years and years for that to happen. And you definitely DON'T want it to get worse, which it does for many women. Doctors are much better educated about it these days, and they can help. It is vitally important that you get support, not only with the baby but for yourself individually as well. You and your baby deserve happiness and peace and calm in this bonding time together. Being stoic and avoiding dealing with the depression can rob you of that opportunity.

I hope you can find a solution that works for you. Many, many hugs to you from someone who knows what it feels like in those shoes.

[Nammu]

A lot of people don't realize that pregnancy is a lot more than just carrying a baby for nine months. I couldn't say which is affecting you but please keep in close touch with your pdoc and t so they can monitor your symptoms. My daughter was off meds then back on them within weeks of giving birth. After about 2 months( I think it was) she was in the hospital for a week....her boyfriend stepped up to the plate and then realized just how difficult it is and kept helping out after she returned home. That helped a lot.

[zepchic]

Take it easy. Babies are hard to adjust to. You will need time to adjust to your meds and for the hormones to settle, you don't say what meds you are on, but be sure to tell your dr. everything so you get the right ones.

[eeyore1234]

I don't know much about having a baby, being bipolar and post partum depression.

But I just want to wish you the best! I'm sure you have a family or a doctor who can advice and help you don't be embarressed.
It must be awful and I'm sorry you have to go through this!
Stay strong!
Hugs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gina_re]

I haven't had the pleasure of becoming a mother. But even my sister (she doesn't have any MI) told me it's a traumatic experience. Bipolar or not. It definitely can be overwhelming to go home with a baby to take care of. So don't beat yourself up over it (I know, easier said than done). We're here for support and I hope you find relief soon. Take care

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by Tierdofthis

Well I gave birth ten days ago, been back on my meds for a week now, at first I was a little weepy, but I'm just fully depressed now. I'm exhausted, overly sensitive, anxious ( tho not as bad as before the meds) and I've been coping pretty well until today... Not even the sight of my newborn makes me smile, just reminds me why I gotta keep breathing. Which I will, I just feel like if I mention this to anyone I'll get blown off like its just baby blues or its not that serious. But they haven't spent two days crying, with no support or help what so ever

Oh honey, I totally understand how you feel! You can have postpartum AND be bipolar at the same time. Get some help - call somebody now and make an appointment. Don't let this go -- things will get better, I promise you.

Message me privately if you want to. I'm here for you.

That's about the norm for about a week or so after giving birth -- a hormonal mess. Let your doctor know, but it should start getting better. If it doesn't lift after a week, definitely let them know.