Absolutely mortified at the thought of putting my daughter into nursery

[nomez92]

Hi, I've gotten myself into such a state over my youngest daughter going to nursery in 3 weeks time. She was born 5 weeks early and has always been such a tiny little dot, from the second they placed her in my arms I absolutely fell in love with her and have been that way since, I have an amazing bond with her and the thought that maybe her going to nursery is going to weaken that is making me so upset. She's very clingy with me and cries everytime I walk out of the door even when dh is the one caring for her whilst I'm gone. I'm worried that she's going to think that I've just left her with complete strangers that she doesn't feel comfortable with and has no idea when I will return, I'm worried about other kids picking on her and being mean towards her, I'm worried that I won't be there to comfort her when she falls over and hurts herself and just worried about everything else that could go wrong in general! I know she will be very upset at me leaving her there which is going to be so tough on me :( she has barely left my side since the second she was born and now I feel as if I'm not going to be her whole entire world for much longer and I can't bare it. Am I being silly and over reacting? It's supposed to be the child upset not the mummy!! Just very upset and looking for reassurance I guess x

How many days/hours has she got at nursery what dont you break it down to taking each day as it comes rather than the whole experience. With anxiety we tend to catastrophise EVERYTHING so breaking an experience down to little chunks takes the fear away ime

Well mine all went to nursery between 4-6 Months as I had to work. I have a good bond and great attachment with them. Youngest aged 3 currently cuddled on my lap. In the nicest possible way I think the hormones are getting to you here. My youngest was also born at 35 weeks btw.

You are all very correct and making me feel much better about the whole situation. Tethersend you nailed my feelings bang on, I do not in any way want her to feel like a new baby had come along and all of a sudden she's been pushed out of the house and into nursery while I spend all my time with her baby brother. The anxiety just constantly makes me think of worst case scenario in every daunting situation I encounter and most of the time I have it under control and l know when I'm just being silly and need to get a firm grip on myself, it was particularly bad just after I'd had dd2 I think it was mixed with slight pnd but I wanted to put her in a bubble and never let anything happen to her or let anyone take her out of my sight and I think all that still may slightly be lingering! I won't let anybody look after her outside of the house ie their houses or whatever, I don't even know why and I know it's not good for her for me to be holding onto her so tightly. I am sure she will be fine and will come on with her social development leaps and bounds and it's probably what I need to shake me out of the mind set that me or trusted relative has to be the one caring for her. Thank you all again truly you have really helped me

Fwiw i babied dd2 much more than dd1 she was also prem (35 weeker) a dinky dot for ages I think we forget they are not fragile little things and probably ott with the babying deep breaths op it will be fine whatever you decide to do