Babys First Year Blog
When Postpartum Depression Rears Its Ugly Head
They make me happy when skies are grey.
Well, well, well. It would seem that I am not immune to postpartum depression.
As a matter of fact, it appears that PPD has decided I would make a great host for it to settle into for awhile.
Frankly, it sucks.
The self doubt.
The feeling that I’m not doing enough.
The tears.
Damn the tears that seem to flow endlessly.I think in the end I’m just really overwhelmed.
Returning to work full-time.
Exclusively breastfeeding.
Pumping at work to make sure there is enough to feed Huggy Baby when I’m not home.
Giving both kids the attention that they need and deserve—especially the four-year-old.
Not neglecting my marriage.
Cooking. Cleaning. Paying the bills.
Writing.
It has just become too much at the moment.
Something has to give.
And so … it is with much remorse that I have to take a break from writing at Baby’s First Year.
I hope to be back soon. I don’t know how long it will take for me to feel not so overwhelmed with life. Maybe I just need to get through the holidays without so much on my plate.
Ultimately? I need to make time to take care of ME so I can take care of everything else.
I’ll still be around the internet. You can find me — albeit sporadically at the moment — at my personal blog, Artist Mother Teacher. Or you connect with me on Twitter and Facebook. Whatever you do — in the words of Simple Minds — don’t you forget about me.
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11 Comments
emily commented on Nov 30 11 at 4:27 pmLove ya, holly! Take care of yourself, and that BEAUTIFUL family of yours…
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] commented on Nov 30 11 at 4:31 pmWe’re here for you when you need us or even when you don’t think you do.
Josh Baltzell commented on Nov 30 11 at 4:48 pmGood choice. Making sure to take care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your whole family. Women seem especially susceptible to trying to do everything until they have nothing left and then breaking down. Most guys seem okay with watching Sports Center with dishes in the sink.
Are you trying to be super mom? I bet you would find that your family is perfectly happy with regular mom.
It’s okay to eat a little more takeout than usual. It’s okay to supplement with formula. It’s okay to pay someone to clean your house once in a while.
It’s okay to ask for help.
mybottlesup commented on Nov 30 11 at 5:09 pmstill with you, my friend. here, there, and in between. proud of you for taking care of you. xoxoxxoxox
Katie commented on Nov 30 11 at 5:17 pmbeing able to recognize and reorganize to take care of YOURSELF is so important. Love to you, momma.
Ms Kate commented on Nov 30 11 at 6:36 pmI am so sorry to read this. I understand http://blog.mummybrain.com/2011/11/ptsd-being-mother-after-birth.html
Katherine Stone commented on Nov 30 11 at 8:08 pmHey Holly, come hang out with us at Postpartum Progress. We get it, hon. We understand the doubt. We know how much it sucks. Please know you are not alone.
Lauren commented on Nov 30 11 at 8:28 pmHope you feel better, I had ppd too….it’s no fun, but it does pass! Don’t be afraid to seek treatment!!
Bre commented on Nov 30 11 at 9:59 pmDon’t forget a mom’s best friend: red wine. Allow yourself to relax. Take care of you boo!
ErinIsabel commented on Dec 01 11 at 2:20 amSo sorry to hear it’s gotten you, I had it pretty bad too. Katie said it best; recognizing that there is something wrong is *so* important. Sending lots of love to you and your beautiful family. Take care:)
Kimberly commented on Dec 01 11 at 12:22 pmI had ppd/PPA and know that there is a giant world of support out there ready to hold your hand as you weather this storm.
It gets better. It really does. I promise.
I do encourage you to got to Postpartum Progress (www.postpartumprogress.com)
It was a life saver for me.
Sending you warm hugs. You can do this.
Xoxo
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