POst Partum depression

[MAYNARDSMOM]

Has anyone out there gone through this? I have a friend who gave birth to twins a week ago. I went to see her tonight & was told by her & Her dh that she is having PPD pretty bad. From comments made she is on meds but she mentioned something about the psych center ?????
What can I do or say to help?

 

[workoutaholic]

Yep, I had it. One thing you could do to help her is to offer to help with the babies. I had no family around me and all my friends (literally) had new babies of their own, so I was at home alone, exhausted all the time with a baby who cried all the time and didn't sleep (he was really difficult for a long time).

But I think you could also suggest she talk to a counselor, because sometimes it can get pretty serious. She may need some help.

 

[chefkate]

Tami, I had it. BAD. It lasted a couple weeks after I had Gina and for six weeks after I had Isabel. It was awful. I would wake up and start sobbing uncontrollably. This was one of the biggest reasons DH didn't want to have any more kids. He didn't want to see me - or HIM! - go thru it again. After I got pregnant with Julia I discovered a natural remedy called placenta encapsulation for PPD. It's actually too late for your friend to do it but if you're curious about it read the thread "Hey Melanie" that Briee started in Fit Moms.

I agree with the above poster - Mama needs help. AND she's afraid to ask for it. That was my experience anyway. Just flat out say to her to her DH "I'll be over at 3pm with food." Hold the baby and make Mom take a shower and a nap. When she's holding the babies clean and organize whatever you can.

BIG HUGS to her. I know what she's going thru, minus the twin part, of course! PPD is awful, awful stuff.

 

[melanalyus]

At the very least, bring over a nutritious dinner that can be popped into the oven. Call often, and let her know how much she is loved.

 

[LaughingWater]

Tami, I think it's great that you're jumping in to help.

 

[PinkMom]

I agree with the above poster - Mama needs help. AND she's afraid to ask for it. That was my experience anyway. Just flat out say to her to her DH "I'll be over at 3pm with food." Hold the baby and make Mom take a shower and a nap. When she's holding the babies clean and organize whatever you can.

Tami,
I had it (not as bad as hers sounds, though) . . . and I had twins. I agree completely with Kate. Don't ask, "What can I do?" Just decide what you can do and do it. Twins are very overwhelming. In my case, because I was in preterm labor and on bed rest for 3 months, I was getting a lot of attention before they were born -- from my dr., from family, from friends. After they were born and home from a week in the NICU, that attention ended and I was stuck home alone with two tiny babies -- with colic. As melanalyus said, just let her know you care.

You are a good friend, and just showing that you care will help!
Kristi

 

[cindi1]

I had it with my twins too. I don't know if having twins makes it worse, but when I had my second pregnancy with a single baby it was non-existent.

I agree with the other posters and would add to encourage her to breastfeed if she's able. It helped my mood immensely and the PPD actually returned when I stopped breastfeeding - I assumed it was the hormones adjusting again.

Edited to add - as you can see from my avatar - my twins were born quite a while ago. The boys are NOT the twins. It's my DD and DS on the right who are the twins. My other DS (in the middle) is 2 years younger.

 

[ElaineP]

I had it after my first. It lasted for months. We had just moved so I had noone but my DH. I rejected any help or advice from him.
As the others have said helping out without being asked and keeping her company is a big help. Having someone to talk to is so helpfull.
Maybe even encourage her to join a baby group. They can be a great source of support. I had some very dark thoughts when I went through it.
Big hugs to your friend.