Panicking!

[VN15]

Hi all,

I'm due 3rd September and this past week I've felt so unprepared for life with a child. Don't get me wrong everything is ready but I'm afraid. I know it's all a learning curve and you'll never be fully ready but I'm just feeling so anxious. Looking for words of encouragement from all the mums out there!

Also dreading the childbirth part but so far I've not had any signs that she's on her way. I reckon she will be a late one!

If everything is ready, you're doing much better than I was with my first! I was so sick that I never even managed to go to antenatal classes. He's a seemingly well adjusted teen so something must have gone right

Honestly, you'll be fine OP. Try to get as much sleep as you can and I'd recommend reading Baby Calming before LO arrives, if you have time

It's totally normal to feel anxious! You will get into a groove though with your new LO.

I ended up 8 days overdue and became so anxious that I asked for an induction. Labour started the day before though so no need. It's very very common to be overdue with your first and it is actually healthy for baby if between 40 and 42 weeks so try to just enjoy the last weeks of little one being safe and snuggled in your belly. Baby is obviously happy if they are staying put! ❤

Don't worry about the childbirth part. Your body knows what to do.

The fact that you are concerned about motherhood suggests that you know how big a job it is. You won't always be perfect, you'll make mistakes, but you will muddle through as best you can. Check out Brené Brown on parenting, she imparts some great wisdom.

As for childbirth, your natural instincts will kick in. I went 7 days over first time around and I'm convinced it was a lovely relaxing maternity massage earlier that day that kicked things off for me. Listen to your body, communicate with your midwives and you'll be fine.

First of all childbirth: remember the midwives have done this hundreds of times so they will talk you through each step and their knowledge will help keep you calm. Not to lie it will be painful but take your pain relief and it will come to an end.
As said it's very normal to be concerned about having a new baby in your life but you sound organised and a lot more disorganised and all over the place people have managed it and so will you. Your motherly instincts will appear and you need to just take one day at a time. Take any help offered as long as they are not driving you mad and you will do fine.
All the very best now.