Post Partum Anxiety

I just delivered on Wednesday. The past few days in the hospital were rough - had a horrible time sleeping, very restless, etc. My BP was high, but I truly feel it's from the anxiety I'm feeling. I came home last night with ( is still in the NICU) and the anxiety is unreal. I was up ALL night feeling completely restless and uneasy and broke out in hives all over my body from nerves. I am working on about 4 hours of sleep in the past 36 hours and I'm not even tired - just completely wired. My chest feels tight, I feel on edge and like I want to crawl out of my skin. I'm assuming it's "somewhat" normal and hormone related, and I just called my OB to get a RX for xanax to help take the edge off. Has anyone experienced similar feelings? I never had this with DD so it's all new to me and I feel so alone. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Re: Post Partum Anxiety

I am sorry you are going through this. Congrats on your babies!!!! I can not offer any advice on anxiety. I had typical baby blues for first 2 weeks after my twins were born. THey were in the nicu and in different hospitals for a while. My emotions settled down by 2 weeks pp. However, I developed horrible PPD after they came home from the nicu at 6 weeks pp.
sending you hugs and hoping this passes soon for you.

Post Partum Anxiety

I'm sorry you are going through this... when my dc#1 was born I felt alot better once we took him home from the nicu.

Post Partum Anxiety

it sounds like it could be the beginning of post partum depression/perinatal mood disorder (including anxiety). or it could be normal baby blues. i think you need to compare it to what you normally feel like when you have anxiety. you are also running on lack of sleep. i would give it just a little more time but if it does not improve or if it gets worse and leaves you unable to care for yourself/your baby, you def need to get help. start with your OB and if they dont listen ask for a social worker in the NICU. having a baby in the NICU is a traumatic experience in itself, outside of the post partum hormonal fluctuations. give yourself a little time, make sure you have lots of help and get some time to yourself every day - even if its just a shower. you WILL feel better but you will need to give it time!! def FM if you need ANYTHING!!

Message edited 11/11/2012 11:47:27 AM.

Post Partum Anxiety

yes i was like you described (minus the hives) for the first week. It was such a life adjustment and it was the beginning of what I believe was a mild form of PPD for me. It's so hard in the beginning. Try taking a xanax to take the edge off, and it should help you to relax a little bit and breathe.

Post Partum Anxiety

Thank you SO much for the feedback! It's so reassuring to know that I'm not the only one experiencing these emotions. I did get in touch with my OB and for the time being, I will try a small dose of xanax to get me through the next few days until my follow up OB appointment. I've dealt with a mild form of PPD after DD's birth, but I never experienced such feelings of anxiety that I am now.

Re: Post Partum Anxiety

I had major anxiety after were born. I didn't even want people visiting me at the hospital it was so bad. I cried for an hour every night for no reason other than everything was overwhelming. The hormones are killer...I promise once you start evening out you will feel better and better. Just know your feelings are "normal" and you're not alone!