Dear Wendyl, oy friend has a gorgeous baby girl who was born six months ago. In the past few months, I’ve noticed she seems to resent her child, making comments about wanting to go back at work, telling me how bored she is at home and asking me how I coped when my baby was born. I’m worried about her state of mind because I have never had those feelings about my baby. Should I talk to her about it and maybe get her some help for postnatal depression? I know you have some experience of this and I would value your opinion. Tracey, Auckland
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Dear Tracey, I think it sounds like it’s too early to start tossing around a diagnosis of postnatal depression. Your friend’s feelings mirror my own after I had babies – all four of them! There are some of us who find nappies and burping less challenging to our brains than working. And there is nothing wrong with that. If her baby is happy and well, then you should be supportive of her perhaps returning to work. However, if she’s struggling to look after her baby, then I’d get her along to her GP quick-smart as there could be something deeper going on, such as postnatal depression. You are a good friend and she’s lucky to have you around.Wendyl
