I'm scared of becoming a mum

[Lellowcar]

35 weeks pregnant with my first. I'm aware i can't back out now, I don't want to its just kind of hitting me I'll be responsible for another person soon. Honestly I don't think I'm good with kids as much as i love them, I don't have the patience and don't know what they're talking about most the time. I haven't exactly spent much time with newborns, I feel like I won't know what I'm doing and he'll depend on me. Just need someone to help settle my nerves right now because i can't stop stressing

Before I had my baby I’d probably held babies three times in my life. I think everyone gets into a bit of a panic at this stage which is understandable. You will be in love with your baby when you see them. It’s a scary exciting time. Good luck!

I had a massive panic during labour and cried to the midwife, saying how I'd never held a baby before and how I'd be a shit mum haha.

It's normal; we're allowed to worry when bringing new life into the world

I had never made a bottle, changed a nappie ect either before my first. There is a good side to this because after my baby was here every step felt like an achievement, I felt really proud and surprised myself with every stage and mum and baby grew together. I remember thinking I can't believe I'm going to be called "Mum" lol by the time your baby is 1 you will feel like an expert and find your self-giving others advise and thinking how did I get here. It's a great experience and life-changing in the most positive way. Don't worry, step by step your confidence will grow x

I'm 36weeks and same panic, cried for an hour the other day as so freaked out.
It will be okay because it has to be (my mums advice lol).
Good luck with your baby X

34 weeks here and I feel exactly the same. I have had very little interaction with babies in my entire life - nothing more than holding and I've changed one nappy.

I've cried about it several times but then just realised that it's coming, it's going to happen and I know I already love this little girl more than anything so I'll make it work, somehow!

Perhaps you could ask some questions on here, reading recommendations etc? Have you decided to breastfeed? Do you know about baby sleep patterns? Some things are worth being aware of before baby arrives. You'll be absolutely fine, but it is a huge adjustment

I hated kids before I had mine. And I was a bit worried, my dh was freaked out that I would never hold any babies or pay attention to any. I Still hate other peoples but I love being a mum it's so much fun.

34 weeks here, I feel the same.
I'm like oh god it's really happening

Excited and prettified at the same time

It'll all come to you, as I've been told lol.

Yep freaking out a bit too. 35 weeks. Some days I’m fine. Others I’m in tears. Worrying about birth is distracting me a bit but I’m terrified of being alone with a baby all day with no idea how to deal with it. Especially when it probably won’t let me sleep for more than a few hours.

Oh me too! I'm 31 weeks and have been freaking out regularly recently. I cried this week because there was a toddler screaming in JoJo Maman Bebe and I couldn't stand it! If I hadn't been in my underwear in the changing room I would have run out of the shop . It made me question what on earth I'm doing as maybe I don't even like babies and maybe I'll want to run away every time my child cries. I felt horribly guilty about it as I know it's a privilege to become a mum and I was too ashamed to talk about it to anyone.

But then yesterday I talked to my husband more honestly about how I have been feeling and it was like a weight lifted. If you can do that with your partner or a friend or family member I really recommend it because it helped to put it back in perspective.

It's scary - of course it is. And we're human, so we have all sorts of thoughts and feelings we struggle to control. Dealing with body changes, work changes (maternity leave), identity changes (becoming a mum) - it's A LOT to take in. I think we can forgive ourselves for having a wobble and panicking!

I'm personally very anxious about how my life will change as I'm scared I'll lose what I love now. But I keep reminding myself that I am thinking of the worst case scenario and scaring myself. Yes there will be a change, and it will be hard at times, but there will be rewards too and it will be what I make of it that will determine whether I am happy or not.

Basically, (sorry for the waffle!) I am saying I think it's really normal to feel freaked out and really normal to question whether you will be a good mum or even like children. The trick is not to let those thoughts take over and to try and keep a little perspective - whether that's through talking to other people, talking on here or perhaps even just doing something active when negative thoughts start creeping in. Don't let the fear eat you up - you're not alone!

When I was pregnant I used to have a recurring nightmare that I would forget to feed the baby and it starved to death!
I also had never changed a nappy or had anything to do with babies, except professionally. I think it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about being a first time mum - it’s a big upheaval and responsibility, after all. But you’ll be surprised how quickly you get the hang of it. Apart from the sleep deprivation, you’ll soon be besotted with your baby and unable to imagine life without it.
Have a chat about your fears, and see that we all have them. Then relax and look forward to this amazing new stage in your life.
Good luck, OP!

I was the exact same, with twins, ten years ago. Even when I brought them home it felt so weird, like two little strangers depending on me to keep them alive! Within a day or two it became very normal, and next thing you know you don't know how you'd live without them. I know it's a cliche, but motherhood really is the most natural thing in the world!

I was the same! Didnt know what to do with a baby! I had probably held 2 babies, and i was a bit awkward and scared incase they cried haha.

When he came out i was even like to the midwife 'can you help me, how do i hold him!'

But they were so nice and supportive. Dont be afraid to ask questions and for help in the hospital with breastfeeding ect.

But i just got used to it! You kind of have to! Everyone says it, but it is so different when its your child!
Good luck :) everything will be ok! X

Thanks everyone! I do know some of the basics, I've spent sometime researching. I did ask my sister a few questions a couple months ago since she has two daughters, I don't see them very often though. They're the only new borns I've held and I passed them back over if they started crying haha. I have wanted to be a mum for a long time, I think it will be different with my own child, it's just I'm more nervous than i am excited right now. I'm glad I'm not the only one

I'm 38 weeks and also more nervous than excited and I could go into labour whenever now . But as another PP said, anxiety and just general preoccupation with labour and giving birth is taking up most of my headspace so I can't worry too much about what comes after that, when the baby is actually here .

Very normal thoughts. Everything in life comes with a manual apart from taking hime a child
But all being well it will be the best experience. Run with it and enjoy as it will fly and at least your worry will prepare you for what is ahead.... non stop worry!