Advice eneded

[Reblond24]

Hello Mums
Id love some advise. I am 33 and first time pregnant. I am living in London but I am from Dublin in Ireland.
I have a great job over here and my husband works freelance.
We love our way of life here but a lot of it is based around trying new restaurants, seeing friends and exploring - all of which I am aware will change when we have the baby - at least for the forseeable.
We do not have family in London and our friends here are not having children.
We dont own here and we rent.
I am torn on what to do - we could move back to Ireland easily before the baby is born and I can go on maternity leave there around my friends and family ( mine and my husbands are both from Dublin) , My sister also has just had her second baby so will also be on maternity leave.
Equally - a lot of me is saying am I just panicking and running as I am scared and that I am happier here
However - I would love to hear from women who have given birth - do you think having the support close by to be invaluable ? Will I be relieved to be close to family and friends and my priorities will shift anyway ?
Thank You! x

We have no family support where we are and it's something I really think would have made a difference. Especially if none of your friends have kids yet, mat leave can be pretty lonely. If you can find work and housing back home and think you'd be happy there - sounds like a good idea.
If you do stay I'd recommend nct or similar to find some people to hang with on mat leave

I have the village and the village is amazing! Even when they aren't babies, having family around to help with wrap around care is a huge thing. Also being around like minded people in a similar phase to you really helps maintain your sanity alot at the start. To people without kids it's sounds crazy and horrendous, to people with them it's all part of the joys! If you can make moving back work I definitely would. London isn't going anywhere ☺️

I would move to Dublin in your position. We don't have family nearby and it would make such a difference. We do have lovely friends with young kids though so either way you definitely need some kind of village imo. I met everyone at baby groups etc and they are firm friends now. Also factor in what nursery would cost in London compared to Dublin if I were you.

I would be tempted to move. Maternity/motherhood can be lonely, especially if your friends are not having babies. I have a toddler in London and its great (loads to do) but ultimately I will move out of the city for school/fresh air/space etc. As someone else mentioned, NCT is a great shout for local allies going through the same phase as you. Family also important at these times, if you have a good relationship with them. Do you need to make the decision now or can you hold off and see once baby arrives?