Pregnancy/parenting anxiety

[MimmyCox]

Hello - my partner and I really would like to have a child. I've been thinking about it for years, it's something I want so much that I am terrified of loving something so much and it going wrong - I'm scared about the pregnancy, the birth, the tiny thing to look after. Has anyone else had this? I'm so scared that I will shut down emotionally. Does that make sense?

I don't feel I can talk to my girlfriends or sisters, they just say don't be silly or you'll be a great mum! My partner too. I've looked up books, I have spoken to my doctor, they recommend counselling which I am doing. Would really like to hear from any women/mums that have had this or going through it.

Thanks so much

I didn't have this but the whole thing can be frightening.

It's fear of the unknown.

I'm naturally an anxiety sufferer. In my pregnancy it was actually the calmest I had felt, ever! Naturally, you will be scared of birth. When I was pregnant I just kept saying to my midwife and consultants you do what you need to do to get my baby here safely. I didn't have a birth plan as such because I didn't really see the point when I said what I had said to the HCP's and I didn't want to be disappointed when it didn't go the way I explained.

There will be bumps in the road to cross but you have to be kind to yourself and remember you're learning, everyday is a learning day with a child.

Also, to add. If you had a baby then realised you were not coping how you thought you would or everything seems to much. Don't just pass it off as baby blues. There is a lot of help out there. You won't be looked down on. But you will need to tell someone if you felt down so you can get appropriate help. That is very important. Good luck in whatever decision you choose to make and just remember to be easy on yourself x