Questions?

1. The same way you would through any other time you experience anxiety or depression, however the symptoms may be more acute and fluctuate rapidly. It can also include things such as rage or ocd, it’s a wide umbrella. Your doctor will give you a PHQ-9 form that tracks symptoms. 2. It’s common but not normal. That is a sign of anxiety or depression. Many moms feel this way and have shame or doubt, but no body should “normalize” it. 3. Could last about a week or so, sometimes longer. More than a month and it would be too long for sure even on the outlier end. 4. Because your body is spending more energy to make milk, to put itself back together, and you are dealing with the stress of having a new born. But also excessive fatigue can also be a sign of depression 5. Entirely dependent on your relationship. Encourage the dad to participate and give him as much praise as you can whenever he engages with his child. Ask for help if you need help and don’t ever turn it down.

No. You don’t have to pay back maternity leave money. Unless there is some weird policy that you “borrowed” but maternity leave is covered under family and medical leave usually If you are breast feeding, you may experience lumps and bumps from milk ducts. A clogged milk duct can be very painful and result in mastitis. Massage the area. If it’s still there and doesn’t move, have a doc evaluate it.

I can see people already answering your questions but just wanted to reassure you that there isn’t one thing on here that you should be afraid to ask your health visitor. These kind of questions are EXACTLY what they’re there for and they won’t judge, scold or take away points for asking any of them. So please share with them xxx

In the UK If you’re getting enhanced maternity pay through your work then yes, generally if you don’t go back for a minimum set time you pay it back. I get full pay for 6 months, if I don’t go back for at least 3 I have to pay it all back minus the statutory (gov) element. You should speak to the midwife about your mental health and the lump, they have access to so many resources and you won’t be the first mum that feels this way. You’re exhausted because you just had a baby! Your body needs time to heal and your mind needs time to adjust! There is no set amount of time that a dad should be there, it’s entirely dependent on your situation and relationship. Don’t worry, you’re probably doing a great job even if it doesn’t feel like it!

1. I knew something was wrong when I felt rage towards my baby, couldn't bring myself to feed him, and wanted to give him up for adoption. I immediately called my provider they started me on meds it helped immensely 2. Yes it's completely normal to feel like this. Even now 7 months pp no longer dealing with PPD. I will still occasionally feel like a bad mom. Like I'm not doing enough for him or I don't have enough money to get him something, like a specific toy. 3. For me I was several months pp when most of the pain stopped. I had a second degree tear. Even now It can be a little uncomfortable if we are going to fast it feels like scar tissue is being stretched. I also have no libido. I assume due to breastfeeding.

4. Embrace the exhaustion it's gonna be like this for a while. Sleep when ever you can. Accept help whenever you can. Definitely get help for any ppd you might have, that could be playing a role as well. 5. I'm not sure what you mean with this question, but my husband is here every day with us. He doesn't wake up with out baby at all but he helps with other stuff. 6. You shouldn't have to pay back maternity leave. 7. You should definitely ask your Dr about the lump

I live in the US I didn't have to pay it back

I am nine weeks postpartum. I have postpartum depression You will know if you’ve got it or not. It basically makes you not wanna leave the house. It makes you feel like you’re not good enough for your baby. It makes you not be able to eat food or have the motivation too things like that xx You’re probably always exhausted because as I said, I’m nine weeks postpartum and I’m exhausted it could be because your hormones are still leaving your body I’m gonna favourite your post as I want to know the answer to m if I don’t go back to work do I have to pay the maternity leave back’ Aswell as I’m thinking about not going back Also, you might have a lump in your boob if you’re not breastfeeding or pumping as it’s a buildup of milk if you just leave it and don’t express any milk if you’re not breastfeeding or pumping then it should go away on its own sometimes it could be quite painful to touch

I had a second degree internal tear and Still have the achiness quite extreme inside and bruising So I think the pain is meant to leave within 2 to 3 weeks once the stitches come out but then the bruising can stay for awhile

I can see a lot of people have answered your questions but just re the mat pay one. You won’t have to pay statutory pay back but if your company provides occupational/enhanced pay, it will depend on their policy. Some will require you to go back for 3 months or similar, otherwise they’d look to recoup that enhanced pay. Sounds like you’re having a tough time, it’s so challenging in the newborn trenches but if you can find someone to speak to, health visitor, midwife, counsellor etc, I’d really encourage you to speak to to them about how you’re feeling