Wife is diagnosed with post partum depression.?
Question:
Husband is left with their 4mo old baby. Wife used to work part time. Hubby works full time. Now with the baby & no one to babysit, hubby is faced with huge financial crisis. Just bought a house, cannot find a cheap daycare while he works. Mother in-law (MIL) used to babysit but stopped per doctor's advise. MIL diagnosed with diabetes and was advised not to babysit due to possibility of blacking out 2ndary to diabetes.
Questions for all helpful and wonderful ppl:
1. what type of gov't assistance can hubby get for him and his baby? They live in Seattle WA.
2. can he ask gov't to help with daycare? is there such?
3. can he qualify as a low income person? having to support 3 persons (him, wife and baby) and he's the only bread winner eventhough his wife is in hosp?
4. when wife is "better" would u advise hubby to go to work while wife watch baby @ home?
Answers:
Post partum depression is so treatable, and I don't mean with downers. Brooke Shield's had it and thought about crashing her car with baby inside! She got antidepressents! Marie Osmond (if u remember who she is) has oodles of kids, but the last one threw her over and she ended up hiding herself away in a motel alone! Hormones after childbirth can really tweek you out,...as u know! I have a mood disorder and take antidepressents. I feel awesome now, but one time I really contemplated suicide. Now, I can't imagine that person ever being me! Can your wife apply for dissability. All the alchies abnd druggies seem to get here. And your wife has a legitimate medical condition. Try for government aid, food stamps, WIC ( free formula for the wee one). Make calls, ask, plead, state your case to ANYONE who will listen!!!! The sqeaky wheel gets the grease, it's said! If your wife gets the right help and meds, she will be able to take of your child as long as she has a support system.Good luck to you sir. Let us know how things are coming along, please..
YOu need to contact the income support division in your state to answer most of the questions.
#4 is one of those that he will have to play by ear. Postpartum is usually something that people heal from completely and are fine. But there are a few historically that do harm to their children. It is very hard to be a new mom under the very best circumstances, and the depression is not an indication of how much she loves her husband and child.
Please look for postpartum depression websites and chat rooms where you can get immediate help, then take a few days off work to get things together. See a counselor for (dad) to get his head on straight. This is a lot to deal with.
Turn to his church. They always have many social outreach programs to help people through bad patches. And they know people who might be able to help with daycare, if they don't offer it themselves. If he doesn't belong to a church, call around and ask. Church listings in the phone book also note what other services they offer
The medical questions regarding his wife's recovery are best left to her doctor. I think at first, she should have full-time help if she's "alone" with the baby.
Have him find out what his FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) will provide through his work (HR / Benefits department). I have worked where you are paid full salary for several weeks, stepping down to 40-60% of salary. Need to be employed with the company at least 1 year before he qualifies (This program is through the federal government, all companies with more than 50? employees must comply). At the very least they must allow him 12 weeks of Leave and still hold his position in the company (they do not have to offer a salary or salary percentage, but some companies do). Need professional advice on most of these questions, wouldn't necessarily take advice on here as gospel. Please have him check out local resources at your County Family Services office. Also, perhaps local hospital has information or knows where to get information that he will find helpful in gaining financial / emotional support for baby's care and his well-being. Have him take advice of his wife's Doctors after she is released, each situation is different.
The woman with PPD should not have to stay in the hospital very long. Once she is established on medication she should be able to go home and care for her baby. Then her husband can go back to work. The Grandma could come over for part of the day to keep her company and help out a little. PPD is usually a short term condition and should resolve itself once the mother's hormones stabilize.
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