feeling sooo jumpy!

[kittypink]

Hi everyone, this is my first posting and im a little nervous! my cat just frightened the life out of me by rustling something and running up the stairs. Im sooo jumpy!

i,m in on my own with my 15 week old baby as my hubby has just gone to work for the night. I get so anxious all the time anyway but when he goes its loads worse.

I'm so scared of doing something wrong or not being able to cope, I used to get panic attacks and i'm worried that i will get one when i'm caring for my baby.

Is it normal to be this anxious?

[whiskersonkittens]

Hi kitty

Have you spoken to your HV about this? I am sure she will be able to give you coping strategies. Sounds to me as if you are a little over anxious but you have done really well to get to 15 weeks with no panic attack and things will get easier all the time.

It is hard with a newish baby when your dh goes out or away at night. CAn you give yourself some strategies, such as having a phone handy pre programmed with his / a friend's number in case you are worried, and also working out what sounds your cat might make so you are prepared for them eg cat flap going, cat having a 'funny five mins' and racing around, scratching furniture / carpet etc. TBH I feel happier when the cats are around as i can attribute any strange noise to them which reduces the worry of odd noises in an empty house.

[kittypink]

I prefer it when my cat is in as well, he makes me feel safe, which is perhaps a little odd!

I have talked to HV about it, she was the one who recommended mumsnet to me. She has also helped me to get a kind of routine going with feeds and bedtime. Baby is in bed at the moment and i'm downstairs, small victory! (I did have to buy a breathing monitor in order to do this though)

I feel like i'm wound really tight all the time. routine has helped things feel less chaotic though.

I have bought my phone through, good idea!

[whiskersonkittens]

I found routine was key to at that age too - I used to do bath, feed, bed with lots of quiet, gentle time in between to settle baby (and me!). The Johnsons Lavendar baby bathtime is gorgeous and helps you as much as dc!

I would then have supper and relax ready for the 'dream' feed around 11pm, then drift off to bed myself (or feed in bed depending on which dc - I found that easy with dd but could just never get ds in the same position!).

I am sure if you can start to feel more relaxed it will 'rub off' onto your dc and things will steadily change. Did you have any relaxation techniques when you were pg? I found the midday nap a perfect time to do those and really relax myself ready for the afternoon / early evening stint.

An early evening walk helped us both get tired too from the fresh air (altho all the recent rain has been horrible)

Have a look on the post natal boards here too for parents with children the same age - there is nothing better than help and support from people going through the same thing and the knowledge that you are not alone in all the trials and tribulations

Keep strong and have fun!

[kittypink]

Thankyou, I will add a walk and relaxation during nap into my routine. I'l try that board as well. Much appreciated. x