Panicking already - still have months to go!

[PhieEl06]

Okay I'm not due till July but I'm really really panicking already, this will be mine & DP's first baby but I am going to be considered a young mum & this wasn't planned or expected. & today for some reason I am freaking out, I'm worried that I'm not going to know how to do anything & I'm going to be an awful mother, I've tried to have a bath & relax but it's not worked, right now my twitchy fingers are strapped to my sides to stop me reaching for a bottle of wine.
Like should I know how to change a nappy, bathe my baby, dress my baby? Also I'm a really heavy sleeper, like nothing wakes me up & what if I don't wake up to my baby crying? I know it's early for this but it's all I am thinking about & I do not feel prepared for what's in store. I really hope I'm not alone in this as I already feel like a failure!

Hi, I fell pregnant at 18 and had my ds at 19. I had no clue about babies, nothing!! I used to practise nappy changing on a teddybear lol. I was terrified that i would be useless and wouldnt know what to do. I went to antenatal classes which were great but I got most of my experience and confidence once my baby was born. You learn together, as for the sleeping believe me you will wake at the drop of a pin!! You do change when you become a mother and I am sure you will do brilliantly! :)

Don't worry. Women have been raising children young since the dawn of time. You will find your way, like we all do. I am also pregnant with my first, and am also shitting my pants, but I know it will be ok.
The ladies on here are lovely, keeping reading up and they will help you.
Do you have family around that will support you?
We will find our way through, I guarantee it!
Xxx

I had my first 2 babies at 18 & 20 and as with anything the best way to learn is as you go along ... You n baba will learn together a promise you'll be fine I'm also a really deep sleeper but as soon as you hear a murmur off baba your up its what were made for don't worry xxx

Hey don't worry at all everything will work out ok even ppl who plan babies and are older have these sorts of worries! All you can do is arm yourself with knowledge and try to enjoy the ride!

Hi i had my 1st ewhen i was 17 and had lots of the same fears your expressing. I was fine found it a little bit hard when dp went back to work but i coped fine, it mustnt be that bad me and dh expecting dc3 in april. By the way the fact your worrying abbout this now shows you already care for your baby your going to do fine!x

I'm due in July too OP although not my first baby. I was early 20's first time round and had no experience of babies or children. Don't let your age worry you. There will be lots of women having their first baby in their forties who will be feeling the same anxieties as you. No-one knows it all. Lots of people will offer you advice though and you'll have a midwife and health visitor team who will visit every day for the first couple of weeks. Trust in your own instincts and remember there will always be a MNetter around who will have been there/done that. After my first baby, I joined a mother and baby group which was invaluable. They can be a bit hit or miss but it's worth persevering and trying out a few to find your fit. You will be fine. You really will!

Thanks all, & yeah luckily my parents have been fantastic, really supportive. Really looking forward to it but just so scared I'm not going to do anything right. I think my hormones are getting the better of me today.