38+2 and freaking out!!!!

[Freudianslap]

As the title suggests, my first baby is due in less than 2 weeks and it has just suddenly hit me that I'm having a baby!!!

Totally freaked out, I'm not at all worried about labour because I know what is supposed to happen - its the bits after that are scaring me. Feeding, sleeping, how to be a decent mum etc etc...

Please tell me that this freaking out is 'normal' and does anyone have any words of wisdom for me?

Oh no! Hope all is ok. You will be fine, just very very very tired.

I was diagnosed with mild/ moderate OCD in my pregnancy (all of a sudden I felt it at 20 weeks no previous history of anything like it), no family support within 2hours of us and the next nearest 5 hours drive.

We did fine and are 5 weeks pregnant with number 2 now.

It will be hazy and a bit chaotic based but very special!! Just try to get loads of rest for a couple of weeks with only small trips out, enjoy family and friends visits and only offer a cuppa and a biscuit.

As long as you have baby's needs met, food in the house (if waitrose is your nearest shop, just go there for a few weeks and wean your self off or online delivery from supermarket), clean dishes and clothes, you're fine. Housework will be fine for a few weeks (obv exclusions apply!)

I got wound up for the first few weeks as I just wanted to do the tidying/ dishes etc immediately and couldn't relax. Next time, I wont worry so much.

Also, I didn't realise how much a new born could cry/ grizzle. I found this very hard and my DH dealt with this much better. I accept that with next child, I will be carrying/holding them and use a sling alot.

I think that I expected too much from a new born and thought we would instantly slip into a routine when in reality, it took 4-6 months.

It will be tough but absolutely amazing.

Hi, I'm exactly the same 38 +2 but with my second. My pearl of wisdom is only this, you'll know what to do its instinct, it's your baby. You'll also have lots of support from health visitors and weekly weigh in sessions, the first few weeks will fly by and you'll suddenly realise you're doing it, you're a mum and it feels natural.
Babies need food, sleep, nappies, cuddles and burping!! Enjoy every moment.

Def, as FastWindow says. i had never even changed a baby's nappy until I had my own or cuddled a baby for longer than a minute or so before min. It does click into place.

That does make me feel better so thank you!
I suppose it's all just getting a bit 'real' now...

im 34 weeks realised today I am giving birth in exactly 5 weeks (ELECS).... totally feek overwhelmed by the concept of looking after and being responsible for a little person....I completely understand where you are coming from and I really do hope that for me it all comes naturally

TKKW, you've just reminded me how I was before I had my first. Just that, I had two nephews but zero nappy experience or any real idea what to do with them as babies. Didn't occur to me I might need it!! And I did fine. Turns out I had a maternal streak after all.
Freudian, keep me posted!!

jess you'll be amazed how easily that responsibility comes. Don't forget to think about yourself from time to time!!

thank you I really hope so...its my first too and I do feel so overwhelmed and unprepared !

I'm the same too here at 37+5 with my first.... YIKES!!!!!

Thank god for this thread. I am exactly the same. 35+3 and having a section at 37. That's 11 days time.

I am an only child who has never held a baby. In a country with no health visitors and family half way round the world, so. Very limited support. To say I am absolutely kacking myself is an understatement.

Have no idea what to expect other than intense sleep deprivation, a screaming baby, and my life being over for at least six months or longer. (Helpful input from people.)

Sounds great.

You'll be fine. I freaked out at this point too and got really scared, but you really do fall into the roll of motherhood very quickly because your baby depends on you. I didn't think I would ever be maternal, but I have been, my baby is now 1 month.

I totally advise that when the baby is born, sleep when he/she sleeps. It's the only way I've managed to get through it!

Kelly life as you knew it is over. Your new, incredibly rewarding life is just about to begin (blimey I sound a bit new agey, sorry!) doesn't mean you won't get bits of your old life back, but your priorities will have changed so much, you won't miss most of it. Or even notice!! :-)

I'm 38+1 and yday had the same panic. Spent the afternoon watching YouTube vids of how to do everything. I did change a nappy once on a doll at antenatal class and it had marmite in. I know it's going to all hit us like a tonne of bricks when we bring our bundle Home but such is life. I've got nappies, clothes and boobs so there's a good start. Had the 'what happens if you go over due' convo with midwife yday so now worrying about that too.

I suppose it's normal for us to be worried, kind of reassuring that I'm not the only one though!

I've had no real contact with babies either so it's all brand new to me, I just keep telling myself that millions of women have babies and survive so I should be able to do the same.

I'm feeling exactly the same! 2 weeks away from an elecs with our twins and panicking more every day! I have never changed a nappy or even picked up a crying baby but Im trying not to dwell on what I haven't done & focus on how exciting the future will be!

Clara - I'm trying to do the same today, allowed myself the major wobble yesterday but trying to be more positive today!

I have been feeling more and more of this panic set in over the last week. I'm 34+5, and having elcs at 39 weeks. I just keep telling myself that it's ok to feel scared, it doesn't mean I won't cope or be able to be a good mum. It is normal to have these feelings as a big change is coming. I'm just trying to focus on getting everything ready so I feel more prepared really. Hope you have managed to stay positive today op :)