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.
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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.
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 -
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!
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@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.
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.
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! -
@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!
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@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??”
@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.
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I'm sorry
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?
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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
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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! -
@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...
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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.
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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
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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.
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@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.
@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.
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@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.
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.
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?
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