Post Natal Depression ..

[Tillismama]

I just wondered how long after giving birth can you get post natal depression ..
My cousins bub is now 3 months old and she's starting to neglect her .. forgetting to bath her, expecting others to feed her, change her etc etc
All she wants to do is go back to work and I'm curious as to whether she could have post natal depression?

[Angike]

I hope it's not PND I'm sure some of the other Mums will be able to help you out with this..

However, my parents used to work at the State Library and a lot of women used to go back to work when bub was a few months old because they realised that it's not all fun and games and being a SAHM wasn't really for them.

Maybe the "novelty" and excitement of having a new baby has just worn off (which IMO is no excuse).

[OopsieDaisy]

It can start at anytime, and it often goes left untreated.
Have you spoken to her about it?

[Tillismama]

Actually been finding it really hard to get time to speak to her ..
She seems to always be busy!!

I'm starting to think that maybe because she's been working and supporting herself for the last 5 years that now she's a SAHM she's not enjoying it as much as she thought she would ...
I've always loved it but I finished high school, got pregnant and know no different!
I'm the opposite, i find it really hard to work .. since I've had my daughter the longest I've stayed in a job is 4 months ..
Tho I think I'll just keep an eye on it and see what happens.

[Tam-I-Am]

If depression is diagnosed anytime within the 2 years following the birth of a baby its usually diagnosed as PND.

[MissSookyLaLa]

hope shes ok, maybe being a sahm just isnt for her and it isnt depression...

try to chat to her, maybe all she needs is someone to talk to :hugs:

[Ky]

I moved from NZ to Australia when my ds was almost 5mo and although all had been well before then, I found that the move from a rural setting to an apartment block in the middle of Bankstown where I knew nobody resulted in PND a couple of months down the track.

I found that once I had acknowledged I wasn't coping and went seeking help, it was over and done with reasonably quickly. I only needed meds for a little while and just being able to talk to someone not close to me, was what I needed.

I do hope that your cousin can find a solution ... she is probably beating herself up for not having the energy or motivation to do things for her bub as it is a struggle with the lack of inner strength to do it conflicting with the intense love you have for your bub. It means you sink further into depression and self hatred but can see no way to claw your way out so end up thinking that a complete change might be the only solution.

Well done for being so caring and seeking advice - she will be thankful one day ...