“I do not feel like I am properly loving my child. Is it post natal depression?”
I delivered my baby one month ago and when I see other new mothers I almost feel I am not a very loving mother to my child. I care for my child but I am feeling rather down. Am I suffering from postpartum depression? How can I tell and what can I do?
11 Answers
Postpartum blues and depression are common. Please talk to your OBGYN and a psychiatrist if recommended.
Yes, you could be suffering from post-partum depression. First, make sure that hormonally, medically, nothing is abnormal (such as the thyroid). If all is good, then see a psychologist or psychiatrist to discuss your symptoms further. Don't let it get worse. It is more common than you think, there is nothing wrong with you. Just go and see someone, it will get better.
You may be suffering from postpartum depression. A professional should examine you for potential medical management.
Baby blues are normal, but they are very mild and do not cause any daily routine issues. If it is severe and causing issues, please see a therapist as well as psychiatrists, as it could be postpartum depression.
Hi, thanks for your question. Many women have a problems with feeling sad or overwhelmed after having a baby. However most women start feeling better after a couple of weeks, if it goes on long than that the chances of it being postpartum depression. I suggest you talk to your Obstetrician or your primary care about how you are feeling, as they are trained to diagnose postpartum depression and can initiate treatment. You might also want to make an appointment with a counselor to help you cope with the changes in your life.
In the mean time be kind to yourself, remember there is no way of objectively measuring love. Love can be a feeling, but it can also be defined as wanting the best for the person you love regardless of how you feel. If you are caring for your child and keeping your child happy and healthy, that is objective proof that you love your child despite feeling down.
In the mean time be kind to yourself, remember there is no way of objectively measuring love. Love can be a feeling, but it can also be defined as wanting the best for the person you love regardless of how you feel. If you are caring for your child and keeping your child happy and healthy, that is objective proof that you love your child despite feeling down.
Post-partum depression is a real phenomenon and it can become severe. I recommend in general that you trust your own instincts when you have a baby and not compare yourself to other mothers. The fact that you are feeling down is more concerning. The best thing to do is to talk to your OB/Gyn or make an appointment with a psychiatrist to be evaluated for depression. If you do have post-partum depression, remember that it’s easy to treat and treatment can be very beneficial to both yourself and your new baby.
C Marlo Baird
Psychiatrist
Most importantly, if you are feeling blue & you get a professional appointment, you are Trying Something New. That alone, making the appointment, will hopefully engender some optimism that you are taking action. One step at a time. Of course, you may second guess yourself, so remember, the negative blue mood usually brings a critical attitude, try to allow the negative & go anyway. Your child and you deserve it, for the long haul.
In my humble opinion,
C Marlo Baird, MD, MPH
In my humble opinion,
C Marlo Baird, MD, MPH
Post partum a person can suffer blues, depression or psychosis. You can talk about it with your OBGYN as well to check initially. It is though initially normal to feel that as a mother not caring enough but most importantly at this time do get checked for post partum mental issues.
This is more common than we like to admit. You are very smart to realize this and you should see a psychiatrist before any untoward happenings. It can be treated successfully.
I understand your distress.
Believe that, “I care for my child”
Do not compare yourself with other mothers.
Write your history of depression in the past, your pregnancy course, support/lack of support which you had from your husband or other family members; and your functioning during pregnancy.
Then See a Psychiatrist for Diagnosis, possibly Post- partum Depression; and Treatment.
Depression treatment has good results to improve your functioning.
Believe that, “I care for my child”
Do not compare yourself with other mothers.
Write your history of depression in the past, your pregnancy course, support/lack of support which you had from your husband or other family members; and your functioning during pregnancy.
Then See a Psychiatrist for Diagnosis, possibly Post- partum Depression; and Treatment.
Depression treatment has good results to improve your functioning.
You may have postpartum depression that may respond to sertraline (which doesn't get into breast milk). Also, psychotherapy may be useful.
