[TillyT]

Hello, all. I became a first time mother through adoption 4 years ago, and I experienced the adoption version of post-natal depression. I am wondering if any of you are going through that, or have gotten through it? What helped the most?

For me, I think it was the sheer shock of parenthood that threw me for a loop. I got a lot of great support from family, friends, and medical people, and we're all fine now. For a while, though, I couldn't sleep or eat. I lost 13 pounds in about as many days!

Anyone else going through these things? Tips or hints for new parents?

[mommybaby04]

I just read an article on that very same thing about a week ago.
Post adoption depression is very real. I read that it's the shock of parenthood and also the let down after all that crazy pre adoptive preparing frenzy. You're running around like a maniac preparing for this child , dreaming of this child then boom, it's done and we try to figure out what normal/ parental day to day living is. Hang in there. Some tips I read were, make sure you shower and fix yourself up everyday, including makeup and hair.
This seems silly, but it will help a bit. Get some exercise if possible, such as walking. Of course, support of friends and family also get out of the house on bright sunny days as often as possible. Listen to some fun music , watch funny movies and talk talk talk to other parents.


I wish you well.... Take care and good luck.

Blessings........

[mom2alex]

I too had a bit of depression the first month dd was home with us. I think some was just the whole whirlwind of activity and emotions. For me, I also suffered terrible grief on behalf of dd's bparents. I just couldn't be completely happy when I knew they were sure to be hurting so bad. Our counselor helped a lot with that and assured me it was the life they CHOSE her to have.

Also, I guess I anticipated feeling this immediate love and bond toward my baby and though I loved the "idea" of my new baby, it was hard to accept that SHE was my baby. It all started getting better after the 30 day mark (which in our state is how long the bparents have to retract consent). Looking back I think they were definitely related though I didn't realize it at the time.

[kay72]

Kind of taking a poll--Those of you who feel you suffered post-adoption depression, did you already have children in the home? I was wondering if it's more common in parents who went from no kids, to one or more all of a sudden. We have three bio kids (ergo, used to chaos), and am wondering if I should still "brace myself" for it...
Thanks!
Kay

[mom2alex]

kay72, if you really want additional feedback on this one, I would post a question about it on Adopotion Forums/Adoptive Parents/Parenting after Adoption. It is reallya active board and many of the a.mom have bio kids as well so I am sure you'd get a pretty good prospective.

[kay72]

Sorry, I didn't intend to take over the thread. I'm in the "research stage" of adoption, and when this thread triggered that question I didn't think to post it where it should've been posted--still learning message board protocol. And thanks for that suggestion, I'll do what you advised. I've learned so much in this last month, and people have been so helpful!
Blessings,
Kay

[mom2alex]

Oh gee, I hope you didn't take me wrong. You are free to post any questions you have on any board you want. That is the beauty of these forums. I visit almost all of them, so it doesn't matter to me where you post. I just know that there are a lot of people in the "research" stages that post over there and they get tons of wonderful information.

Best of luck during this stage, please feel free to ask a zillion questions :-)

Sue R