Realistically how worried should I be about loneliness and coping?

[Fueale]

I live in a small village and dc due in December. Ex is not around and seems to have absolutely no interest. He is around 2 hours away anyway.

I have family 30 mins away but they are elderly and often travelling to visit places etc. I am not close to them. I have good friends but they are scattered over the uk. Nobody on the doorstep as I only moved here a year ago and it’s quiet.

I keep hearing how hard and lonely it will be. It’s making me feel utter dread. Just how bad will this be do you think? Am I going to be unable to cope well, does it bring everyone down? I see winter months of being sad and isolated.

Does sound quite lonely but you have to build a support network if you don’t want to be lonely like if you had an emergency it would be a good idea to have someone who can have your child? If you needed to go to hospital etc or could you move closer to family/ friends

Attending baby groups when your child is born will help to build up a support network

@SpinningFloppa i am close to family it’s not that far. Just can’t rely on them much. My good friends are scattered so not possible to move like that.

I am getting very worried about it all.

Maybe you'll meet similar at ante natal or baby classes, as you'll have a lot in common with all having a new baby to talk about. It's also an option to start a meet up or chat group yourself via facebook etc, if there's nothing about. Don't forget, you'll also have the love you feel for the baby to keep you going. Good luck x

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I had my first baby in the spring and was very frightened of this too. Whilst I do have a husband to "help" (term used loosely, plus he's at work all day), I do not have any family around (on either side) nor any friends as we're new to the area. Everyone kept saying how I need to move near family and that I'll need so much help etc etc. But you know what? I'm been fine on my own. I've learnt to be very independent over the years and I enjoy just taking my time and doing things in my own way. Whenever I have had a visitor, I've almost been desperate for them to leave! I actually find it quite stressful when others try to 'help'.

One thing I did find helpful though was joining an antenatal group as I've made a few friends that way. It's nice to meet a fellow mum for coffee, but as for the day-to-day, I've learnt to trust myself and any questions, I just call the Health Visitor (or midwife at the start).

As pp said, you will have the love for your baby to power you on each day. I spend a lot of time just being with my baby, and as a result we have a lovely bond.

Do you drive op? If not could you take an intensive course to learn before the baby is due?

If you drive you'll easily be able to go to mother and baby groups and build up friendships there.

Congratulations op. Try and join nct or similar it helped me meet people and I'm still friends with them