Am I being a control freak before giving birth

[PeapodRas]

I haven't had my baby yet, officially due in 1.5 weeks.

I feel overwhelmed with people buying things or giving me things I don't want to use. Like sleep noise machines and a walker. I know I don't have to use them but these people are excited for them to be used.

And I feel like I won't get quality time with my baby after the birth, like I'll just have to put a happy face on with people about all the time, rather than just be myself and natural with the baby.

Is this me being a control freak or is it normal to feel like this before giving birth?

Ta

You don't have to use anything but if you want to try it at 2.30am when baby hasn't slept for more than 40 minutes in 30 hours then it's good to have it there ready. I wouldn't sweat it now. And what's stopping you from being natural when people are around? Anyone who's had a baby knows how much of a slog the first few months are, the more comfortable and natural you are the better your mental health and wellbeing will be. Sod everyone else's opinions, you just had a baby!

Congratulations in advance of little one's arrival 💐

It's how you feel, doesn't really matter whether it's reasonable pr normal or not. Though - when it comes to late pregnancy, and labour - there isn't much you can control, so I expect you are just desperate to control something and that's reflecting how you feel about these gifts.

It also sounds like you need a bit of space to hunker down and not be overwhelmed by people - these gift-givers that are clearly draining your energy at this point and leaving you dreading their reappearance after the baby is born!

Stick the stuff in the attic or a spare room where you don't need to look at it, and forget about it for now. Your newborn won't need a walker or noise machine, anyway.

Spend a little time on your birth preferences (really don't think of it as a plan - more guidance notes on how you feel about different possible scenarios), if it'll make you feel more in control. And if there is one, talk to your partner about how you feel about visitors and what boundaries you need in place for after birth. Take control where you can!

Why wouldn't you get quality time with the baby after the birth?
Tell people you don't want visitors. It's your birth & your baby.
I didn't see anybody for 3 weeks - granted it was at the end of covid but I didn't want to see anyone. Didn't answer the door.
When I was ready; I sorted out seeing people.

About people giving you things; just say you have one already or accept them and store them somewhere - you may find the noise machine helpful when the baby hadn't stopped screaming for an hour and you really need some sleep and it's the middle of the night with nothing open ......

It's perfectly normal to feel like this. Most mums go in to a sort of "bubble" for a little while once they've had their baby- you don't have to have lots of people in your home for the first few weeks.
As for the gifts- make sure you're gracious in receiving them, and you may change your mind and use a few bits. The things you don't want you can donate later on!
Try not to sweat it, and best of luck x

People pushing their old shit on you when you have kids is par for the course ... sometimes I politely decline other times I take it and just give it to charity because I feel rude saying no. The visitors thing is different. Tell people you aren't having visitors for the first few weeks. They will understand. I wish I had done that when I had my first baby. If you don't feel up to saying it ask your husband to tell everyone - one of his main jobs is to protect your space.