Don’t understand why I’m anxious about third baby 5mo?

[pinkponie]

I have 3dc, youngest is 5.5 months.

I was never anxious about my other two hitting milestones even though dc1 didn’t take first steps until 16mo. I just knew/thought they would. With dc3, I’m constantly worried that she’s not hitting milestones. She can’t sit up unaided or roll from back to tummy or vice versa; she can roll onto her side. She doesn’t like eye contact if you’re up close but will if you’re slightly further back or she’s being changed. Is this normal? She is a happy, smiley baby that laughs and generally content.

What you’ve described doesn’t seem out of the ordinary for 5 months, @pinkponie, but then as an experienced mum I’m sure you already know that! Eye contact is intense for some babies and possibly a little overstimulating. That doesn’t mean there’s anything awry, particularly if she’s happy to hold eye contact at other times. I don’t think my DS sat up unaided at 5 months either!

Is there something else going on that could be causing your anxiety? It might just be displaced from another thing you’re dealing with. Either that or maybe, having a third when you already have two healthy kids, felt like a little roll of the dice and it’s hard to accept your third is similarly fine?! I know a mum who struggled with that but she was older so more risks.

Try to relax and enjoy her. Easier said than done, I know, but if the worry gets a bit much, it might be worth a chat with the GP.