The Tewksbury Patch Moms Council is made of of moms throughout the community from all different walks of life. Each week, the moms tackle a different question posed by readers of Tewksbury Patch on issues of life, family and motherhood. This week's topic is about deals with bullying. Not about your child being bullied but about what to do if your child is, in fact, the bully.

Dear Moms,

I have a two-month old daughter. It's my second baby, my son is 4. I've been depressed and my doctor has said i have postpartum depression. This doesnt make any sense because I was fine after my first baby. My husband has tried to help but he just doesn't get it and I wind up getting mad at him and he winds up frustrated. Is it possible to get post-partum depression with one baby but not the other and are there ways to deal with it without medications? And how do i stop pushing my husband away? I know he means well.

The Answers:

Sue Panilaitis -- Postpartum depression can happen after the birth of any child, even if you did not suffer from this with your first.  PPD is largely related to post-pregnancy hormonal changes and can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and/or physical limitations or problems after childbirth.  Talk with your husband and explain specifically what would be of help to you.  Would getting an extra hour of rest make you feel better?  Would having him take the kids so that you can meet some friends for coffee be a mood lifter?   Research has shown that exercise is an effective but often underused treatment for mild to moderate depression, so try to make an effort to get out for a walk with the kids.  Join a mom’s group so that you have someone to commiserate with and can offer you important insight.  Also, perhaps your doctor could suggest counseling or support groups.  Hang in there!

Maureen Castiglione -- I would suggest you have your primary care physician refer you to a councilor/psychologist and go from there.  There are certainly ways to treat PPD that do not involve medication, but I am not a medical expert and wouldn't attempt to advice you on that.

Jennifer Shpritzer -- Well said Maureen.  I agree.