Sleep

[pompei595]

My wife (41) is permanently exhausted.

We have a 6 month old baby and she is still on maternity leave. She gets plenty of sleep at night but can't stay awake during the day. She says she needs more sleep.

She has suffered with post natal depression.

We eat healthily, but I struggle to get her to do more exercise.

The doc isn't too bothered - she's taking anti depressants.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[carrot99]

Do the anti-depressants cause lethagy? A new baby and post-natal depression will always knock you for six but possibly the anti-depressants aren't helping as they should. Go back to the doctor and see if the pills can be changed

.

[red~bez]

Hello pompei.....congratulations on the birth of your child x

Has she been checked for Anemia (sp)......it could be that.
Also the anti-depressants may be making her tired too. I'd change your doctor if you can and get a second opinion.

Best Wishes pompei....will be thinking of you and yours...XXX

[Trinny]

Hi pompei, the antidepressants will make your wife feel tired, but its usually when you first start taking them. How long has she been on them?

She may be better off talking to the Health Visitor.

Hope she feels better soon, I suffered with post natal depression and can sympathize.

[Lonnie]

Hi pompei,
Again, congratulations on your new addition, sound as if you dear wife has a lack of iron, i;d take a look at that side of it, can't do any harm.

[jno]

and maybe a lack of ironing board too, Lonnie?

Yes, I'd ask about a change of pills.

[fine,thanks]

a talk with her health visitor may be a good idea,

[B00]

Of course she's exhausted- a 6 month old baby is VERY demanding and it's still very soon after the birth.

If she needs more sleep, let her have it.

[pompei595]

Thanks for your answers!

I'm not sure it's the anti deps causing the probs - she took them before she was pregnant, and I take the same ones too, in both cases with no ill effect.

She doesn't think she's anaemic, and she is taking an iron supplement - should have said that in my opener.

My own view is that it may stem from the PND - she's also having counselling for this - is this realistic?

Thanks

[banjobabe]

How do you know that she sleeps all night? Are you sure that she doesn't get up at least once with the baby.

Let her sleep. Try doing the night duty.

[jno]

just spotted your wife's age, pompei: that is older than the average new mum, and I think she can expect to be tireder (I know, she's not an OAP, but it does take more out of you when you're 40 than when you're 20).