Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Postnatal health

As with all health-related issues, please seek advice from a RL health professional if you're worried about anything.

Is this separation anxiety?

1 reply

Jessiejuju · 17/08/2018 22:54

So baby is due on Monday and will definitely be here by this time next week. Not planning to go back to work until next year so that's not the problem. My family are really excited as baby is first in his generation, first great grandchild first grandchild which again I'm happy about but over heard a member of my family talking about him and saying he is gonna be her beautiful boy and this really upset me. I want my family to be in his life but it kind of felt like he's not even born yet and I'm losing him to my family. Could this be separation anxiety or am I just being silly? TIA.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
singlemamalove · 18/08/2018 09:38

Congratulations, it's such an exciting and nerve wracking time waiting for the birth of your first born! Family members can be insensitive to the mum, and make it all about them- of course they are going to be excited to have a new baby in the family, but he is your baby.

If you're not someone who is used to setting boundaries, or are worried about people-pleasing, don't be afraid to set some firm boundaries with your family members at the start. They have forever to build a relationship with your son, but a mother's first experience with her baby is vital. Don't be afraid to choose your own rules around your experience with your baby- if you don't want visitors, that's fine, if you don't want your son passed around or held by some family members, don't worry. Your family members should be respecting that he is your first baby, and as the mother, your experience comes first. You've been carrying him for the past nine months, it can be a shock to have your baby separate from you for the first few months. (My personal advice is very few visitors the first few weeks to allow you to bond. I was out of the hospital within hours of the birth and had my baby passed around like a doll by strangers and it affected how I felt and made me anxious. If you set your boundaries before you go into labour, everyone will know where they stand and you won't feel out of control)

Of course they will be so excited to welcome him, and to build their own relationships with him, but don't be afraid to say no. It can take a while to feel like a 'mum' the first time around, as its a new experience, and with your hormones all over the place, you will be more likely to be sensitive to insensitive comments like 'my beautiful boy'- of course he is your boy, and not this other person's but some people don't realise they are making everything about them.

Motherhood is a great way of learning to set boundaries and be the boss of you- so don't panic about family members, if they are upset about any of your boundaries, they are not thinking of you. In a year's time you will likely not care about comments like that as you will have a strong bond with your son and be used to your new role as mum, but the first six months are really special bonding time for mum, so dont be afraid to speak out if you feel someone is being insensitive. They may not realise. Get your partner to know your boundaries and he can be your gatekeeper. There will be a lot of boundaries to set in the next year as you choose your style of parenting for you- be strong for you and your boy and think about you!

Good luck! It's a wonderful time! But put you and your baby first Smile

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.