How to enjoy solo pregnancy?

[SolitaryConfinementInMe]

Hi,

For context I'm 25 weeks pregnant and have pretty much been single throughout the whole duration, this is unlikely to change. Baby's dad is unlikely to have any involvement moving forward, nor has he been involved in anything so far.

The issue is I'm really struggling to actually find any enjoyment in the experience. I don't think anything to be concerned about MH wise, it all just feels pretty bland if I'm honest like life is just continuing as normal, if that makes sense. I guess the lack of having a person to share the experiences of kicks, shopping, Name choices, photos, etc is just diluting the whole excitement of anything. I just feel like I'm missing out on a whole experience because there's no one to share anything with.

Is there any way i can start to enjoy my pregnancy alone? Any hints/tips? Would it be daft to document my journey solo?

Anyone?

I don't have personal experience of this but do you have a friend or family member to talk to? I'm sure there are people in your life who are excited for you and who would be happy to come along on shopping trips, throw around name ideas (people love naming babies) etc. And personally I think the idea of keeping a diary or journal is a really nice one, you can share it with baby when they are bigger!

I don't have experience of this but my husband was not ready for our first baby and was very detached and disinterested the whole way through the pregnancy.

My friend's husband was far more excited about the kicks, scans and 'this week your baby is the size of a raspberry' updates. It was so lonely.

When the baby was born, DH was a fantastic, loving, doting dad so when he agreed to the second, I thought things would be different. Wrong! Totally disinterested, didn't want to hear about the baby, talk about it other than to discuss names.

I made a conscious decision that I was not going to let him spoil my pregnancy and reminded myself of how this was a once in a lifetime experience with this person, my child living inside me. I spoke to her, stroked.my belly and just day dreamed about who she was.

When she was born, DH was, again, dad of the year and when he suggested we try for a third baby I took it for granted that he wouldn't have any interest and I just enjoyed this special time with my little baby growing inside of me, knowing it would be the last.

I'm sorry that you feel so flat about it but the real joy does come when you meet your baby and he or she is all.snuggled into you with their bum scrunched up in the air. Don't pressure yourself to feel a certain way. It will all fall into.place x

Hello!
I do have experience of this, my daughters dad left the day before my 12 week scan and never seen him again!
Everyone will tell you how hard it is but I found it easier than any of my friends in relationships, nobody to resent… my own little flow. When I was pregnant life did continue as normal to a degree, i shared my excitement with friends and family, she had an identity very early and I would always imagine our life. Like you, I feel “cheated” out of the experience others get, even had my scans alone… but your experience will be SO MUCH MORE because you are doing everything… which is amazing! The resilience and strength you will have will make you feel so proud of yourself.
Good luck! It truly is amazing x

I don't have any experience of this, it must be a really difficult position to be in. I agree with PP maybe talk to family or friends for support and for people to share stuff with. Maybe try and look at it from the other side, you get to be in control of everything without someone else disagreeing with you? You get to pick whatever name you like, whatever clothes you want, you get to spend your time cuddling your gorgeous baby without a boyfriend wanting attention too, and you get to raise your child how you want to. It will probably be tough at times (being a parent single or not always is) but at the end of the day, you will be the one who has nurtured, loved, comforted and raised your child and you can be proud to say 'Ive done that, it's all me'. X

My experience is a little bit different, as Im single by choice, but I felt similarly.

To be honest, I dont think theres anything to "enjoy" in pregnancy... It was pretty much a miserable experience, for me. But it was a means to an end, and that end is more than worth it!!!

And I kinda liked going to appointments on my own! My mom would have loved to go with me, but I felt like it was my own little thing. I "let" her come with me to my sex reveal scan, and I had a friend with me on my 30 week scan, but that was because we had back to back appointments, so we were both at the offcie at the same time, and since I was alone, she came with!

I honestly have not found it hard, or harder than havng a partner. Even now, my baby is 1 month old, and although I have loads of family help, should I need it, I prefer to do things on my own!