Full of dread...anyone else?

[aimees75]

Booked in for an ELCS on Friday for twin girls. I already have a 3yo DD. Last time the birth was long and difficult but being handed a newborn was so much harder and I was reeling in shock for weeks. I really panicked and had no idea what to do with this tiny human being! I feel like this time round I'm in the same boat. I genuinely don't know what I will do or how I will manage to feed them. These are longed for IVF babies but all I feel is dread/terror as the days tick down.
Is anyone else feeling dread at the prospect of their second child arriving? It's like now I know what to expect, it's even more terrifying!

[aimees75]

Just me then..

[Glamorousglitter]

I haven't had twins but I do have 3 dc. Couldn't read and not post. It s really normal to feel the fear towards the end of the pregnancy, I remember taking to a midwife about it and she said because you ve done it before and know what s ahead it s normal to feel that kind of anxiety.

However! Having your second is so different to the first! You re more confident with the baby, it s much easier on so many levels! You know Time will pass, the babies will get bigger, sleep longer, feed less frequently. You can enjoy the newborn period much more because you ve done it before and know it ll pass, and new borns are so damn amzazingly cuddlesome. You have more confidence and know when they cry it s ok.
You ve done it before and you ll be able do it again.

I would suggest though making a bit of a plan, line up someone to help with the babies or the toddler, get in help if you can - cleaner etx, (if it helps I think of it as I m not going out and socialising as much so divert the money to that)

Make life as simple for your self as possible - refuse visits that will stress you out, tell people when to leave, (tell them befor they come I find is best 'yes we would love to see you from 2 pm but will have to ask you to leave so we can get babies down for naps at 4) accept all offers of food / tea/ cake / gin in fact ask for it from those you feel comfortable enough to ask for it.

[Wishful80sMontage]

Agree with Glitter-.you know what's coming this time so make choices now that will make your life easier. I made it very clear that I didn't want visitors at the hospital this time and that we'd let people know when we we're ready for visitors at home.
Take up offers of help especially if people want to entertain your dd.
I can honestly say that it's much easier with a toddler and newborn than a toddler and heavily pregnant :)

[aimees75]

Thanks both it is much appreciated. think we were so disorganised last time it was awful when DD arrived, we were in panic mode for weeks. I guess I'm just scared that will happen again although we are far more organised this time! X

[totty12mum]

Think it all depends on the baby/babies too. My second is so much easier than the first. I am still shocked at the difference 11 weeks in! Hope you have that experience too...