Currently at 21 weeks and so thrilled about becoming a first time mum. I have some anxiety about Maternity leave and was looking for any tips about how to enjoy it when having in a very small flat in a fairly rough area.
For various reasons we're unable to move out of our 1-bed flat any time soon (on the market, but significant drop in value, no interest and unable to rent out due to h2b property).
While it's a great flat for a couple I'm a little worried about coping when I'm by myself during husbands working day - it's circa 560 square ft in total and the high street has gotten quite rough over the past few years (so won't feel great about pushing the buggy about to get out of a small space). A sleep beside me crib will fit just fine in the bedroom, but concerned about when they get a bit bigger as I can see how big cribs are, and we will need to find somewhere to put the baby things! I oscillate between thinking it'll be fine, and then feeling quite upset about feeling so cramped/isolated/boxed in like lock down during this period (I have friends accessible via public transport but most trips in London will take nearly an hour - family more like 2 hours away). I will of course join an NCT group to make friends.
Wondering if anyone has any practical space saving or mental health tips about staying sane during maternity leave in a small environment?
I know that many people have to cope in much more challenging situations, so this is not intended as a woe-is-me post, just if anyone has any tips that would be appreciated.