Dad with PPD.
Hi all,
New dad to a 6 day old and I am feeling it. Exhaustion, weight loss, acid reflux. I’m doing everything I can to stay afloat. I have up to 12 weeks off from work, but I’m am struggling mentally. I was fine in the labor room, but once we got to postpartum, I started going stir crazy. We were only in there 2 days and my anxiety got so high from being cooped up, it triggered a nasty spurt of GERD that finally resolved 4 days later. I’ve lost 15 pounds in a month. I have no problem with diaper changes, feedings or any of the actual dad stuff. I am just so tired and feel like I’m accomplishing nothing. I tried to take care of the yard one day and the battery died on the weed whacker. By the time it recharged, it was too late in the evening and now it’s too hot in this heatwave. The house is a mess, there’s laundry, and this newborn will not sleep more than 3 hours at a time and she is certainly not entertaining the idea of a the bassinet. I try and smooth her and put her back in, and she just wakes up under 10 mins later because she hates the bassinet. I’m not suicidal or anything, just struggling with what to do and feeling like I’m not doing enough. My wife has been great and encouraging but she is also struggling with pumping and feeding. We are seeing a lactation consultant tomorrow, but it still doesn’t solve my depression/anxiety. Not a fan of the newborn stage. Any advice appreciated on how to get some sleep or get her into her bassinet!