Expert: Rebecca Buchanan - 7/3/2007

Question
Hi Rebecca.
I have been feeling very stressed out at times off and on. It all started when my son was 2 months old and I started to experience post-partum. My Docter said it was from the breast-feeding. I stuck it out until he was almost 8 months and had to stop for myself. My son is now almost 14 months and yes I do feel better than when he was an infant but at times I feel like I still have post-partum. I am 1200 hundred miles away from my family and don't have a large social network down here. I do what I can to keep busy, funds hold us back from extra cirricular type of activities. I feel like I am going to blow at times, help...

Answer
Hi Elaine,

From a holistic point of view, I'm not sure what I have to offer you?  Perhaps you might want to resubmit your question to some one who has a different focus.  What I have to offer you is insight based only.  

It sounds like you have defined your issues well and the reasons for your unstableness at times.  

First, everyone needs a support system Elaine; family of some sort, whether actual or improvised, to depend on.  At least for mental support.  

Second, from what I understand of post-partum, it is chemical in nature, not mental.  It causes mental anxiety and emotional issues . . . but it's not, "all in your head" as if it's something you have made up or created. It is a chemical instability, that I believe is hormone related.

So, keeping busy might help, as will a support group, but it may not make the "I feel like I'm going to blow at times . . ." feeling completely go away. I would suggest you do some more on-line research on post-partum. And speak to a professional who could make suggestions as to what you can do beyond that.

Above all, don't beat yourself up.  You have a wonderful son, you stuck with breast feeding, to his advantage, for 8 months, you survived that hard time and now you're coming up for air, and asking for help.

My best advise Elaine, is to not stop here.  Continue to your best, and continue to ask for guidance and help from professionals who are familiar with post-partum.  Don't let anyone, including yourself, blame your feelings on weakness . . . A weak person would not seek help, nor would they even desire a change a happier place.

Best wishes to you,

Rebecca