Postpartum anxiety?

[Materialbarbie]

Hi,

I suffered with PPA after my first born due to traumatic labour, had flashbacks constantly. This birth was different and not traumatic compare to the first, he’s now 3 months old, struggled with his feeding as he’s had reflux and CMPA as well as looking after a 2 year old. I just wondered if anyone ever felt the same as I do now?! It feels like PPA again but different, more just anxious about everything, going dizzy a lot, head feeling full, headaches, not focusing well and very grouchy, I’m also grinding my teeth constantly, I stop when I realise I’m doing it but then end up doing it over and over again.

I’m already on low dose of sertraline from pre-pregnancy but wondering whether to get intouch with the gp. Just wanted some advice really and to know I’m not going insane as it’s so different to the issues I had after my first.

Thanks in advance!

[Shopper85]

First of all you're amazing and alot stronger than you think. I would say if your baby is 3 months old and you're still experiencing those symptoms you have described then 100% reach to either a GP or your midwives helpline, because these symptoms are normal 2 weeks pp but any longer means you must seek some help. You are making the right steps so far so please pick up the phone today

[Materialbarbie in reply to Shopper85]

Thankyou so much that means a lot! I will get intouch with the gp and get sorted out. Thanks again x

[Pasaeoco01]

Hey there, I do feel for you. Even if you’re feeling 100% having a newborn and a toddler is tough so cut yourself some slack!With my second I had internal stitches and 3rd degree tear. I suffered ongoing low level pain which left me exhausted.

I can only explain that I had brain fog, I couldn’t think clearly, my mind was always busy. I didn’t grind my teeth but I used to wake with clenched teeth and also clenching my muscles all the time,

I was seeing a physio and she was a great help, she helped with breathing and mindfulness techniques.

I would certainly go back and speak to your GP. I waited ages before I confided in anyone which was def to my disadvantage.

Good luck and take care xx

[Materialbarbie in reply to Pasaeoco01]

Omg yes to the brain fog! That’s exactly how I feel, my mind is so busy all the time and just foggy! I’m ringing the gp this week to get sorted because it’s just got so much worse over the past few weeks! Thanks so much for your message! I’ve got to the point where I’m panicking about leaving the house and things so I know I need to get sorted, I just want to feel normal again xx

[Pasaeoco01 in reply to Materialbarbie]

I almost felt like I was functioning but disconnected from everything and almost like I was at a distance. I’m hindsight I also struggled in feeling really connected to my new baby. I knew I loved him but I just felt like I was on auto pilot sometimes, a bit numb.You’ve been really strong to acknowledge that things are proving challenging snd confiding so all credit to you. Keep the momentum and pick up the phone to gp as soon as you’re able.

My kids are 8yrs and 5yrs now and I still have periods of feeling overwhelmed although I feel like I have the skills to handle it.

Really hoping you’re feeling more like yourself really soon xxx

[Materialbarbie in reply to Pasaeoco01]

I feel exactly like that, I’ve never admitted it to anyone before and probably felt this way after my first but never said anything and not to this extent. I love my boys so much and I’ve bonded well with my new boy but I too feel like there’s a block up and I’m not sure why?! It’s making me feel even worse because we struggled to have my first and went through fertility treatment so to feel this kind of numbness is awful! Thankyou so much for your words. They’ve helped me realise I’m not alone or going crazy xxx

[Lou9]

Hi 👋🏻 so sorry to hear how you are feeling, it sounds really hard. I have suffered with anxiety since my daughter was born 3.5 years ago so I know how hard it can be. I tried Sertraline too but it made things worse for me, I just wanted to mention that a lot of the symptoms you have listed, including the teeth grinding, are all side effects of that type of medication. Might be worth mentioning this to your GP. X

[Materialbarbie in reply to Lou9]

Thanks so much for your message! I’m ringing tomorrow as they’ve been closed for bank holiday. I know I need to get sorted it’s just hard trying to look after myself while looking after everyone else! To top it off my 2 year old has tonsillitis at the mo, and he had a double ear infection last month. Don’t seem to be catching a break! I’ll mention the meds to my gp as I didn’t realise that was a side effect! I’ve been on them for a few years but maybe they don’t suit me anymore?! Thanks again xx

[Lou9]

Honestly, everything you’ve mentioned - the brain fog, dizziness, teeth grinding, feeling of disconnect/numbness… they can all be side effects of the medication. Hope your GP is helpful. I know it’s hard to find time for yourself when you’re a mum, but you deserve time and support too. Sending a hug. X

[Materialbarbie in reply to Lou9]

Thankyou so much for your lovely words! Hopefully I’ll get sorted and start to feel better soon ❤️X