such thing as late-onset PND?

[bureaudenamechange]

not really been feeling myself for a few days, just low and often very angry. Had a real go at DH out of the blue yesterday morning about something that happened right after dd was born (9 months ago!!). Even while I was laying into him, part of me was outside myself, thinking, who is this awful harpy????? Can't stop bickering with him and swearing in front of dd, which I hate doing.

Thing is, I really have nothing to complain about, dd is a joy and dh is very hands-on and good about helping out with her (as far as any man is, iyswim } and I feel terrible for going on at him because his business is in upheaval at the moment and he's pretty stressed out by that, but instead of supporting him I just seem to be bitching at him all time.

Recently stopped bf and wondered if it might be something to do with that, feel guilty even posting on this thread as there are so many mums with real problems and I just seem to be feeling rotten for no reason at all.

[LilBloodRedWantsGore]

I think you need to make a trip to see your GP or speak to your HV, if she is more sympathetic. It could be PND - I think it can hit later in some people.

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

It could be mild depression. IT depends how long it has been going on for too.

Mine wasnt diagnosed until DS was 7 months old, but I was aware for some time that I wasnt right but didnt think it was PND.

[bureaudenamechange]

It's just been the last few days apart from the usual ups and downs I have felt fine since the birth, which is what made me think it might be due to giving up bf. I think I'm going to wait it out a bit before going to the gp wary of going down the meds route.

[skyatnight]

bdnc - I'm not an expert but I remember reading somewhere that breastfeeding keeps you calm. It's something to do with the Oxytocin hormone/chemical wich is released when you breastfeed that promotes bonding between you and the baby. In my opinion, as you have recently stopped breastfeeding, it is possible that your body is 'missing' this and all the tiredness and the upheaval of what having a baby involves is finally catching up with you and so you are feeling ratty. The fact that you had a row with your dh about something that happened 9 months ago might suggest this is what is happening. I think PND can kick in months and even years after you have the baby and giving up breastfeeding could be a trigger for this as it involves hormone changes. I would try and explain to your dh that you are not feeling great at the moment. Ask for his understanding and support and see how things go. If things don't improve, you could then go and see your GP

[witchandchips]

i was a mess when i stopped breastfeeding (13 mths). Could really understand why and then i thought what happened during the last feed of the day.
first 5 mins "hm after ds is asleep, i need to make the supper, do the bread, make up all the food for tomorrow, yes the washing needs doing. Grr why do i have to do it all. DP is so crap never helps, Why am i finding it such hard work etc etc..
then "wow just look at him isn't he gorgeous"
then "suppose nothing really needs doing"
i would emerge after putting ds down really calm and relaxed

[jellybelly25]

yes there definitely is such a thing

talk to GP

[bureaudenamechange]

thanks everyone, that makes total sense now I think about it. Gave up the morning feed last so I guess I underestimated how that set me up for the day. BF was pretty hard for me so I thought stopping would be a mood booster, not the opposite!!