https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:41:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911359 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 20:11:26 +0000 foodiebee 2911359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: Honestly I think the thing that helped me the most was getting a break so that I could recover. I was sick back to back to back for so long that I never really got to recover fully and the cycle was vicious. It's a tough circle to break when you're in it. I'd also say to sleep as much as you can, but hahahaha, I know how that is. ;) I tried elderberry after it was suggested a lot, but I had a HORRIBLE reaction to it! I'd never heard of it before but it definitely didn't agree with me. (I also just read a NYT Parenting article about it that basically discounted it, so I put myself through days of crud for nothing. :silly: But some people do swear by it, so who knows!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911335 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 07:04:03 +0000 meadow 2911335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That was totally me! I attributed it to not sleeping well at all......up every 2-3 hours nursing combined with all the daycare germs!</p> <p>As a teacher I thought I had a strong immune system.....but these 2 variables really threw me for a loop! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911304 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 10:48:27 +0000 hellobeeboston 2911304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I feel like this was me, especially after my first baby. I was sick so much while EBF - luckily the baby barely got sick (until he went to daycare at 14 months, then I was sick all the time all over again)... good luck - try to sleep as much as possible with a newborn and eat well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911301 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 09:17:25 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2911301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m the not birth parent and I got sick sooooo much, and DW who birthed both our boys rarely got sick! We are in Canada so I was off 3 months, her a full year and I caught HFM, ear infection, multiple sinus infections and bronchitis the first year our older was in daycare. Now he’s 5 and other than gastro, we both stay healthy most of the time even with our younger who is 18 months. It seriously sucked so I sympathize...both for the fact you have to go back to work so early and that you are feeling like crap all the time! I attributed it to daycare germs and lack of sleep and high stress, but obviously postpartum hormones are crazy too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911289 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 22:42:19 +0000 bhbee 2911289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>yes me too with the low level crud (or worse) all the time! This past year I’ve definitely been sick more than usual, maybe it is just having 3 kids to harbor germs ... my oldest is 8 and youngest is 1.5 so I don’t really think it’s postpartum but kids did change things in my body I’m sure. My immune system was really a joke during my last pregnancy. I was sick a lot, got the flu pretty badly and finally got shingles at 38w pregnant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911287 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 21:00:07 +0000 mrs.kiwi 2911287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes.. I used to rarely get sick. Then I had three kids and passed 30. I get sick now all the time. I am hoping it’ll be better once the kids are older and I’m sleeping more/exercising more but it is what it is for now.</p> <p>Our bodies do sooo much carrying and taking care of these little people! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911281 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:45:27 +0000 karenbme 2911281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Yes, I am in the US, and I do wish I could’ve taken longer 🙁 Sorry to heat pregnancy triggered long term immune issues for you. Glad to hear it’s under control, and I really hope that isn’t what’s going on with me. 😬</p> <p>@foodiebee: Any advice to pass on? Not sure if it’s daycare crud because DH seems to be patient 0 at least for this sinus infection, but his was a normal sinus infection, no fever and it cleared up quickly. DD has, thankfully, avoided everything but a little stuffy nose. Meanwhile I got a crazy fever and two weeks and counting of sickness. I didn’t throw up at all though, so at least there’s that.</p> <p>@Shantuck: I was GBS negative, so I can’t blame antibiotics, but probiotics are definitely a thought. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911273 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 17:44:56 +0000 Shantuck 2911273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've experienced this as well but I was GBS positive for both of my prior pregnancies and always chalked up my issues to all the antibiotics I was administered at birth, which totally destroyed my gut. I'm due with another baby in a week and plan to load up on probiotics this time around to see if that helps at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911272 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 16:46:10 +0000 foodiebee 2911272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep, right here. I actually posted about it and asked for advice how to avoid the daycare crud I kept getting. I basically spent months 4-6 postpartum constantly sick and miserable. It's been much better for me in the past month, so I'd say I started to turn a corner around month 8. I'm EPing too, and I felt like I always got everything way worse than my LO. Related, I threw up a LOT during pregnancy and have the weakest stomach now. Everything makes me throw up. It's awful. I hope you turn the corner soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911264 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:31:06 +0000 Anagram 2911264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: yes. Same happened to me. Are you in the US? It’s a shame mothers have to go back to work so early when their immune systems are still down. </p> <p>For me, I eventually found that the big hormonal changes of pregnancy/birth trigged a latent autoimmune disease in my body (actually 2 of them!) which are now managed with medication. Hope yours is just temporary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/rant-weaker-immune-system-postpartum#post-2911263 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:16:32 +0000 karenbme 2911263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, need to vent. I'm four months out from having my first LO, and it feels like I'm constantly sick. I got a cold/fever the first day I went back to work, got over that after ~2 weeks and was fine for maybe 5 days before developing a beast of a sinus infection that sent my temperature up to 102.8 weekend before last. I went to the doctor who tested me for everything under the sun, everything came back negative, and it was labelled a seasonal virus. The sinus infection gave me a bad enough sore throat from all the post nasal drip that I thought I had strep, so I went back to the doctor, negative. And now it's spread to my left eye, giving me viral pink eye. PINK EYE!! I feel like my immune system has totally left the building. I don't know if it's just lack of sleep making me more susceptible to diseases or what, but this is totally ridiculous, and I don't have time for it. /rant</p> <p>Has anyone else felt like they got sicker postpartum? How long did it last? I'm EPing, so I wonder if all my antibodies are just going to the baby (I hope)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891823 Sun, 21 Jul 2019 05:28:56 +0000 pachamama 2891823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: I was the same way about environmental concerns. My school was under a construction project when I went back at 20 weeks pregnant and I ended up taken mental health and leaving bc I was so worried about weird shit contaminating me and the baby. I guess it was valid but I totally took it to another level.<br /> Your baby is starting daycare so I'm sure the anxiety is increasing! It will get better I promise! That adjustment is a particularly tough time for babies and you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891802 Sat, 20 Jul 2019 15:32:53 +0000 MrsSCB 2891802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dahlia: @gotkimchi: I had no idea until I read a list of symptoms that talked about rage and irritability that it could be related. And then it hit me that maybe PPA could explain how I've been feeling. I've also been fixating a bit about safe sleep this time around... Like she starts daycare Monday, and I'm SO worried about whether she'll be put down in a safe space to sleep. Even though I know her daycare provider has a crib for her and is licensed by the state and county, and sleep spaces are a licensing requirement. Argh. </p> <p>@Mrs. Champagne: I'm realizing that with my first, I was irrationally concerned about environmental hazards. We started renting an older home shortly after he was born, and I worried a LOT about lead paint, even though the house had obviously been painted many times since it was built, and I had read that it wasn't really a concern as long as active construction wasn't going on. I was so relieved when they did the lead poisoning screening and it was normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891757 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:33:32 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2891757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like anxiety for sure. I had similar symptoms and my worry was about my own health, not the baby. Like constantly googling “symptoms”. Going to a therapist really helped. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891743 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 16:45:46 +0000 gotkimchi 2891743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just read an article about how no one talks about ppa/ppd and rage. It’s a real thing and I’d keep an close eye on how it’s affecting your quality of life and if it’s getting better/lifting or not. If you feel like you need help call your ob or even your pediatrician </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891734 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:40:43 +0000 Dahlia 2891734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Absolutely. Irritability/rage is one of my key indicators I'm feeling anxious, even if I don't realize it. Call your doctor. Zoloft made a world of difference for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891733 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:30:59 +0000 periwinklebee 2891733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: while LO did go to daycare, we didn't hire a babysitter to come to our house until he was around 15 months. We've been doing it more often lately (there's been a ton going on, I'm pregnant, and just really needed a bit of extra help some weekends to ensure I can keep our life/house functioning on a level I'm comfortable with), and it's been hugely helpful... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891728 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:16:30 +0000 pachamama 2891728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>one more thing. OBs are really not trained in any sort of mental health issues. I think they do like 2weeks during their rotations on it. Talk to other moms and see if they're seeing a therapist or get a good psychiatrist who can prescribe you medicine. my OB was drastically unqualified to address my mental health needs and the Zoloft was a shitshow. she didn't tell me about how to wean, how long it would take to work, how I would lose the ability to orgasm, warn me of suicidal thoughts. She literally was like, go pick it up at CVS ✌️<br /> And about the babysitter thing. I know it is so so hard to leave the baby. But it's really important for the baby to be away from you every once in awhile and it's incredible how refreshing a little break can be, even if it's an hour at a coffee shop! looking back, I wish I had taken more time for myself. I think I would have made me a better Mom. I'm doing it this time though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891727 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:08:30 +0000 periwinklebee 2891727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry :heart: I tend to agree with @pachamama: that this is a good first line approach. Would it be an option to have a college student come Sat or Sun morning and watch the kids for a bit while you nap or squeeze in some other relaxing activity? Or have your husband take this shift? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891726 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:53:08 +0000 MrsSCB 2891726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBear87: @pachamama: yes, it’s so weird! My husband accidentally brushed my arm, and I literally pushed his hand away. It was totally involuntary, I was just so startled. He was like, “umm??” 😳</p> <p>@Mrs. Carrot: I totally relate. Especially when I forget things, I feel like a huge failure. Like I forgot about an activity I wanted to take my toddler to on July 4. It wasn’t a big deal, he didn’t even know about it. But I was just so upset and mad at myself. And then it makes me lash out at my husband because I feel like I’m the one always having to remember and organize things, so maybe if that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t forget so much....which is a real issue we’re working on, but it’s still not a healthy way for me to react. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891724 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:47:17 +0000 pachamama 2891724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: okay even the touch thing? Your body is pumping with sooo much adrenaline and cortisol because of having a newborn (it's actually a protective mechanism our bodies/minds do to protect baby) that it puts you on edge. I remember being so so jumpy and I never was before. It's biologically a way to keep you literally ready to pounce and protect the baby. I researched a lot about this because it was so scary what was happening to me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891722 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:45:02 +0000 pachamama 2891722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: GIRL THIS WAS ME. well, is me. Exactly like you described. I think a lot of it is sleep deprivation though. And definitely PPA. Mine did not manifest in worry about the baby really either. I was extraordinarily irritable and ragey. Everything was a HUGE FUCKING DEAL. I was a FAILURE. it was so rough.<br /> I tried Zoloft and it did not go well but I know many women who've had good luck with it. I wish somebody would have told me more about the side effects and showing me other options.<br /> if I could offer advice, I would let yourself regulate with hormones and sleep and then decide about a medication. But that's just me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891714 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:35:54 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2891714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds a lot like what I experienced. I was definitely worried about the baby but for me it showed more as a need to control everything and every setback felt like the most epic failure and feeling like everything would spiral out of control because of one tiny thing not going according to plan. I honestly just assumed it was just me trying to be a good mom, so I never saw a doc but in hindsight I really should have and I would talk to your OB for sure. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891711 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:23:45 +0000 MamaBear87 2891711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Call your ob. I didn't have ppa but had major anxiety issues due to something else and had alot of those symptoms. Especially the being overly surprised when being touched.<br /> I take a supplement called myo-inositol and use rescue remedy to help. There are also lots of breathing exercises that help quite a bit </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-this-be-ppa#post-2891710 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:13:02 +0000 MrsSCB 2891710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always thought PPA was just, like...worrying a lot about the baby. But I read through some symptoms recently and am wondering if how I feel could be PPA? I am super irritable, the smallest things can make me ragey. I feel very on edge, like if someone accidentally touches me, it's so startling and I want to smack them away. If even minor things don't go according to plan, I feel SO overwhelmed, like it's the worst thing in the world. And I often feel like my brain is overloaded--constantly moving from one thing to another, like my thoughts are racing. Anyone experience this? Did you end up taking medication? Who would I talk to, my OB? My baby is 16 weeks, so I've already had my follow up appointment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/overwhelmed-and-overly-defensive#post-2861027 Sat, 08 Dec 2018 11:01:09 +0000 smuckers 2861027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Popping back in just to give you hugs and support. Honestly, the situation is wayyyy too close to my own for me to be able to give you unbiased advice without projecting, so I hope you understand if I bow out from that. </p> <p>What I can, and will ABSOLUTELY do, is be here for support. HB is an amazing community, and we are here to be a listening ear or a supportive shoulder if you need it. Trust me when I say I understand how hard your situation is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/overwhelmed-and-overly-defensive#post-2861002 Sat, 08 Dec 2018 08:17:46 +0000 DesertDreams88 2861002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As for you, I think it would be great if you would call, leave a message if need be, and as for a mental health appt with the nurse or OB. Bring baby. Talk to them. Do as many apts as you want ans bring babies if needed. Ask them for a therapist that is baby friendly and specializes in postpartum. Don't put it off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/overwhelmed-and-overly-defensive#post-2861001 Sat, 08 Dec 2018 08:14:07 +0000 DesertDreams88 2861001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CC Mommy: my DH has struggled with depression for 3 years, with former episodes from 2006 and 2002 . He finally got help when the stars aligned:<br /> - for a year I talked openly with him and others in front of him about my mental.health and struggles with anxiety (modeled for him how it's not something to be ashamed of or ignore)<br /> - I asked my.OB for help, got medicated, life was so much better, I talked openly with DH<br /> - I had hard convos with him every 2 months or so about how his depression was affecting our marriage and the kids and I was worried he was going to kill himself. We had these convos in bed with the lights off and I think that helped him be more receptive<br /> - during my yearly visit to our PCP. I asked if they would be willing to do a mental health appt with my DH ans give him an SSRI script as a stopgap measure<br /> - I let my husband know that was a non threatening option<br /> - every so often, especially on bad days, I would ask him if he was ready to go talk to someone, and he would say no, and I'd drop it. But finally, after a bad week, he initiated it himself and called our PCP. I think that was more nonthreatening in his mind than a therapist. </p> <p>The PCP talked to him about the importance of sleep and he seemed to take it more seriously from him.</p> <p>He is doing so much better. A month ago he told me, unprompted, that he wished he had gotten help sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/overwhelmed-and-overly-defensive#post-2860997 Sat, 08 Dec 2018 07:52:39 +0000 MrsSCB 2860997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CC Mommy: I know it’s hard, but I think it may be time to have a tough conversation with your husband about him seeking help as well. I understand he’s been struggling, and you are incredibly supportive for wanting to help him. But now here you are, understandably struggling yourself while trying to prop up your entire family alone, and on the verge of seeking outside help, while he hasn’t. Please do talk to your OB and start therapy, those are GREAT things to do for your own health. But your husband needs to step up to the plate, too. It’s just not fair that at this point you are essentially sacrificing your own mental health to try to maintain his. If it’s putting this much pressure on you, that should not be your responsibility alone. I think you need to have an honest discussion with him, and let him know that you are struggling, you want to seek help, and you would like him to do the same. For your sake and his. I’m so sorry, this is so tough. My father suffers from severe depression. He’s under the care of a psychiatrist and on medication, but it really does affect the whole family. Big hugs to you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/overwhelmed-and-overly-defensive#post-2860933 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 18:55:47 +0000 Foodnerd81 2860933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CC Mommy: I just feel like that’s a recipe for disaster. Maybe if you can find someone that starts helping you, would he be willing to join you with the therapist? </p>