November due date… worried about the dark mornings and evenings

[Cigal]

I’m sure I’m being irrational. Just found out the we are expecting #2 which was a bit of a shock but we are happy. Planned on next year which is probably why I have been in panic mode a bit.

I can’t stop thinking about how November is the worst month to have a baby which I know is me being ridiculous, my 1st was born at the start of summer, so the evenings were light and so were the mornings which made all the difference for me with the night time dread….

I was also excited and keen to get out for walks and go out for a coffee etc in the sunshine, whereas feel like in November I’ll want to go but not want the hassle of getting a newborn into 100 layers to then battle the rain and wind and cold?

I really want to change my mind, not trying to be negative or offend anyone with winter babies just keen to get other perspectives please, convince me winter babies are the best!!

I was in a similar situation. Eldest born in May and second dc born in November.

We have spent a lot of time at home as it's been cold as as you I'm not keen on bundling up a newborn to walk in 3 degrees.

However the first 3 months fly by and now dc is sleeping better I feel much better within myself to start going out and it's been a lot sunnier recently. I'm also looking forward to having a six month old during the summer.

So yes you do stay at home and it isn't the easiest as you say but will be worth it having a slightly older baby in the summer fingers crossed

Oh bless you OP! My first was May and my second was November so I understand. However, I wasn't in rush to 'get out' and think snuggles inside, lots of feeding and resting were lovely, especially in the first couple of weeks when establishing feeding etc.
Then there's always lots of lovely Xmas stuff on in December anyway so we were doing Santa visits and grottos and garden centres and light switch ons etc from when he was 3 weeks old.
A decent sling with layers on the outside is how I managed, so it was easy to take layers on and off myself without having worry about getting too many layers on and off the baby.
I was v lucky in that mt other child went to nursery 2 days a week. I'd often stay home on those days unless it was beautifully sunny or something, or if I'd arranged to meet someone. I liked getting out but didn't feel the need to do it every day although I know some people fine it really helps, especial if you've got a toddler at home!

We have a dog and so were out everyday, DS was perfectly fine in a snowsuit, he didn’t need 100 layers, the daily walks helped me lose all the pregnancy weight and there were still plenty of bright dry days. A good frosty walk in the bracing air is great and we were still meeting people in coffee shops, visiting friends or out and about in general. You’ll be fine op.

My second baby was born in November, and my first in October, and I found it a lovely time to have a baby. I had a very wide winter coat that could be buttoned over the sling/Ergo carrier and kept both of us warm. I’ve seen other women with zipper inserts you can buy to add to your own so effectively your coat is extended. I also had a wool newborn insert for the pram, so the baby was only in 2 layers (a sleeping suit + a snow suit) and then the wool envelope kind of thing. And because Christmas was so near, with everything going on, the first few months fly by. In the warmer months, I bought a foldable picnic blanket and took it with us to playgrounds, so my second could sit and play while the first ran around. It will all work out well for you!

I think it will be fab, you’ll start to feel more like yourself before Christmas. DC will be one of the oldest in school year. And their birthday isn’t too close to christmas to ruin parties and have joint presents. I’d just find some nice classes to do with them. Congratulations!

A decent sling with layers on the outside is how I managed, so it was easy to take layers on and off myself without having worry about getting too many layers on and off the baby.

I agree with this. One of mine was a November baby and our oldest was 3 at the time. I found my sling and front carrier indispensable (you can use a Snugli from 7lbs). They're so easy to use under your coat. I felt much more mobile than anticipated. With the double bonuses that it left my hands free for the 3 y-o and like a pp, made the baby weight disappear.

Congratulations!

Thank you so much everyone! Feel a bit better about it / I’ll just bunker down and get through it 😂

I had a November baby and loved it. I felt a bit more human by the time Christmas rolled round and no one expected me to do anything! It was dark and cosy and I loved feeding whilst watching films etc (DD was our 1st appreciate you can't always do with this 2) - We also went to a few Christmas activites and DD just slept through in sling/pram. Don't panic and congratulations 😘

My first was May and second was November and I actually quite liked it because the first few months where you don't actually want to do too much with a toddler and new born were spent indoors (plus lots of visitors to see us) and then once we were starting to want to go out a bit more we were coming in to the spring months. I think it worked put really well for us. Good luck and congratulations.

Aww my first was November (due December) and I loved it...by the time Spring rolled round, I had found my feet and was at least getting a bit more than 40mins at a time sleeping at night 😂
Second is due Aug/Sep and I feel like I'll just be finding my feet with 2 when the gloomy nights and cold weather starts...we literally have opposite worries!
I'm sure we'll both be fine though...I'm in West of Scotland so tbh, every season is just wet with variable temperatures!

my DC were born in November and February and so autumn/winter babies.

It was fine, not even a consideration tbh.

Although DH and I have autumn/winter birthdays so guess we are just used to the dark and cold!

I loved my November due date! As others have said the first 6-8 weeks is all newborn snuggles, Christmas prep, sparkly lights, good winter TV! Then from January you can start to get out more to classes etc it's perfect.

Just think that they will be in a good position in their school year, one of the eldest. I have an August baby and there is a whole group of people who fret about summer borns.

I think it’s a great time to have a baby because he / she will be crawling as the weather gets better and you will love being outside then. Good luck OP!!

I have two autumn/winter babies and loved it. No sun streaming through the windows at 5am waking us all up. Being able to swaddle (which helps with sleep) without the worry of overheating. Dark at 6 ready to wind down for bedtime. I’m so glad my third is going to be a mid autumn baby as well. I couldn’t cope with a summer baby as I’m a summer-hater anyway so would just be doubly stressed out.

I had a Nov baby and second due Oct. I’d have liked a summer baby. It is hard in winter I think. However it does allow you to embrace newborn snuggles as there’s no pressure to get outside and enjoy the sun. If you and newborn need a morning in bed. Cool. It’s raining anyway. Then you can enjoy summer with a lovely older baby. Xxx.

My first was a late June baby in a heatwave and my second was born last December. I was worried beforehand about the short days and darkness - I hate it more than most I think and would happily live in a sunnier climate! But, others are right when they say time flies with your second! I’ve had the odd miserable day, but getting out of the house regardless of the weather has helped. The main shitter for me had been the increased amount of bloody washing because we don’t have a tumble dryer or a utility room. My mood has improved considerably this week when I’ve been able to dry everything on the line outside! On the plus side, I do think winter babies do better with discovering their circadian rhythms, and snuggles are nice. Overheating can also happen in winter, so be aware of that!

DS is 11 weeks tomorrow and I’m honestly shocked! I remember it taking FOREVER to get to that 12 week milestone with DD, but I blinked and am almost there with DS! Im
looking forward to him learning to crawl outside. Parks will be fun at 6 months (they were useless with DD at that age)!