Feeling a bit pants

PPD doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby or would have a world without them. It absolutely could be PPD. I’d say have a chat with your GP/HV/ someone you trust. There’s lots of help and support out there but sadly you have to ask for it and sometimes be a little pushy x

PDD doesn't mean you don't love your baby or you regret having him. You can be sooo very much in love with them, but also have a hard time.

Keep going to go to your family as you need. It's great you have a support network.

I think, maybe you should speak with someone about PPD?

Also, wondering if it might be a lack of confidence on your side? You could try to deley little by little what time you go to your family's place (like 1 hour, then 2...) and see how you guys are doing at home. Being alone at home with a little one isn't easy! You've got this!!!

No mum is coping staying at home all day the mums I see really thriving are taking their little one to baby groups and meeting other mums. Push yourself to set up a routine where you’re not in the house every day or at the in-laws/parents. Look for cheap options if money is a push at the moment my cheapest baby group costs £1.50 per week. So it is doable.

You can do this. Make your own schedule. If you’ve been used to working for some years make it like a job. Write out a day to day schedule. Don’t make cleaning an everyday thing (unless you like that) have one or two days maximum for staying at home cleaning the house or you’ll be so bored.

Try and do some form of exercise for mental health. I personally like walking with the pram because it serves both me and baby.

Stay strong and keep going 🫶

I don’t think anyone really talks about the transition to motherhood and how hard it is to lose yourself and your identity and have to try and find your feet in this new space while also trying to take care of a new baby! It’s hard, really hard. I’m a psychotherapist and I work with so many mums who all say the same thing. I myself struggled so much transitioning into motherhood despite being a maternity nurse and having studied developmental psychology, I couldn’t believe the stuff we didn’t talk about and that dread you’re feeling is common. It’s so lonely being home with a baby all day. They are very emotionally taxing but not very intellectual stimulating. I love being a mother and I also struggle with it, I struggle with my body image, I struggle with the boredom and loneliness etc. you aren’t alone in everything you’ve said above! I hope you understand that it’s hard and we don’t talk about it enough. And it does get easier, but it’s a huge adjustment to your whole life.

There’s nothing wrong with having a village and using it! If my family lived close I’d spend one day with my mum and one day with my siblings at least for sureeee! The adult conversation and how entertained my baby would be from being around more faces would be too tempting not to so don’t judge yourself unfairly for it