Anxiety following colic
2 answers /
Last post: 29/03/2023 at 7:06 pm
Hi there,
I have a little girl who is 12 weeks on Friday. She is so sweet and is definitely getting slowly ‘easier’ now compared to the first few months. We had a complicated pregnancy, emergency c section and then severe colic and reflux. Nights and days of screaming and not leaving the house.
Even though this phase is fading away and we are finding so much more joy, it’s left my nerves completely shot! I get anxious about the day ahead, anxious when she wakes from a nap, anxious that she is going to start crying and I won’t be able to console her. I’ve basically lost a lot of confidence in my ability as a mummy to comfort my daughter. I think I’m just a bit traumatised from the early weeks.
I’ve managed to get out to baby groups, and for walks, and into town. I recognise these as intrusive thoughts and that plenty of babies cry in public anyway! I’m just wondering if there are any resources out there to help me move forward from this…
many thanks
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
I'm Catherine, one the Parent Supporters here at Netmums. Thanks for reaching out. Gosh, it sounds like you have had a tough few weeks at the start but it's great to hear that 'this phase is fading away and we are finding so much more joy'. Colic and reflux can be so hard on both baby and you, so I completely understand why you feel that you have 'lost a lot of confidence' . Remember though, you are still getting to know each other and learning all about each other and you will know her better than anyone. Would you be able to chat to a friend or family member about how you are feeling? Perhaps they could give you some practical support while you build up your confidence again?
Have you been able to chat to your health visitor or GP about the colic and reflux? Hopefully they have been able to give some support to ease it for her. I wonder though Lauren, could you chat to either of them about how you feel? It can be really common and normal to feel anxious as a new mum but it might helpful to chat through your feelings with them and see if they can offer some support. There are lots of reasons why new mums feel anxious and sleep deprivation and all the changes in hormones can also be a factor. It sounds though that you are trying really hard to challenge your intrusive thoughts which is great but I wonder if you might find some counselling helpful if you find your anxiety continues to linger?
Lauren, here are few organisations who have resources and supports you might like to explore. The first is an article from Tommy's which has some useful suggestions for managing anxiety. Here's the link: Postnatal anxiety | Tommy's (tommys.org) .
The other website that you might like to explore is MIND. They have some really useful articles as well as a helpline. I've linked it here: Perinatal and postnatal mental health - Mind
Hopefully some of our lovely community will be along soon to offer advice and support but in the meantime, please come back to us if you would like to chat some more.
Take care
Catherine