Lockdown baby, serious anxiety with second pregnancy. Help?

[Covbaby12]

NC for this. I had my first during lockdown. Mat leave was shit but no mental health problems at the time. Now I'm expecting no 2 I'm suffering severe anxiety - scared of doing it all again, feel I can't cope, etc.

I think it's related to how hard having no 1 in lockdown was, and tho rationally I know it won't be the same I am in a bad way with the anxiety. Anyone had the same problem? What helped?

I had mine the other way around. First not in lockdown second in lockdown.

Talk to your midwife about the anxiety you should be able to get referred very quickly for some counselling.

The baby groups that you would have missed out on could be your life line on your next maternity leave. You'll get to chat to mums with the same age baby as yours and you go through it all together. You'll be able to go to baby weigh ins once a month where you can get advice from the community health visitors. It will be a completely different experience.

Also had my second in lockdown. Found the first mat leave very very hard and was scared about how I'd cope in lockdown too.

Everything about the second time was easier. I know this doesn't happen for everyone, but my experience was that not going through the big psychological adjustment of suddenly being a parent, and already being knee deep in that space, meant the second just slotted into our lives. She was also a much easier baby which was helpful. But basically I think she was in part easier because I was more relaxed. So all I'm saying is that while your anxiety isn't illogical, it may turn out to have been all for nothing and you have a wonderful met leave second time round

I had my first in lockdown too. It was hard and I completely sympathise with you.
My second is coming up to 10 months now. It has been so much easier. Family can help out, classes and entertainment is on (mainly for toddler). I have to get out the house personally so we are out a lot!
I don't have any tips for anxiety, mine is bad but always has been. Talking to my husband/mum helps. If you feel it is bad then talk to your midwife.
Good luck x

Was it the fear of your baby getting ill that caused anxiety in the lockdown
or the general not being able to freely move ??
I didn’t have my babies during covid but long before in a foreign country and then in my home county . In all places I had zero help or support as my family are totally hands off even living near them , my dh couldn’t attend appointments as no family would mind my other dcs, I was on my own with my first baby as I was abroad and knew nobody . It must have been really hard not being able to go out during covid and if you are someone who would have had loads of support and it was stopped then that’s hard but there are so many of us regardless of lockdown who had absolutely no help or support anyway and were alone with small babies. If you have help or support this time around it will be a much more positive experience.