Parenting Australia

Post-Natal Depression

Name:    Angela
Subject: Post-Natal Depression

I think I’m suffering from post-natal depression. I asked my doctor about it 3 times and she just tells me to get some rest. I’m tired all the time and my baby sleep all through the night. Some days I’m fine and others I just cry all day every day and I just went back to work because I thought that it might make me feel better. I’ve been getting headaches alot, also I’ve become very forgetful. I attend a mothers group once a week and my normal maternal health nurse is away so I’m stuck and dont know what to do about it.

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Hi Angela

I am very proud of you for asking for help and seeking support. You are experiencing something very normal and common amongst new mums and there is help in the community for you.

I suggest the following:
* Seek immediate support from your partner, family friends or a close neighbour. It is ok to ask for help and receive it, you don’t have to everything by yourself.

* Communicate very clearly how you are feeling with your support people about how they can help you.

* Make an appointment with your GP again or another GP if necessary and communicate very clearly how you are feeling. It is important that they listen to you and help you soon.

* Make an appointment with another Child and Family Health Nurse if necessary if your usual one is unavailable. They will probably ask you to fill in a questionnaire called an Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale. It doesn’t take long and will help the health professional determine what types of support will be appropriate for you.

* Your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse will introduce you to other support services such as:

* Rest as often as you can. Don’t drive the car anywhere if you are too tired.

* Try to fit in some fresh air or gentle exercise such as walking each day.
This is great for escaping the home and getting your feel good hormones pumping.

* Try and eat small amounts of healthy food even if you are not hungry to keep your energy levels up.

* Talk to your friends at mothers group about how you feel, they may have felt the same and be able to provide support as well.

Best wishes,

Natalie

Natalie Ebrill
RN CFHN Mother of three
Baby Sleep Consultant 0-5 years
"I want to give you your life back!"
Sleep and Settle
Office: (61) 02 4963 4460
mobile: 0437 633 953
www.sleepandsettle.com.au

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