Am I the only one?

I am almost 39 weeks and I have had a very good pregnancy. I am not that uncomfortable, my sleep is restless, but more from anxiety.

I am so nervous about this life change, I know I am so fortunate to bring a life into this world.

But I am really anxious about caring for a newborn and juggling everything.

I am lucky because I will be off 2 months and then going back to work 3 days a week until Aug 09, so for 17 months I will will be working part time.
My parents will be watching the baby 2 days a week and my DH one day a week.

I know I am very lucky, but I wake up in the middle of the night all anxious and scared. I am more anxious about the future and if I have to go back to work full time after those 17 months. I really want to stay part time.

Are we going to be able to handle another baby if we decide to have one in the future?

I know, I know I am thinking too far in advance and I need to have faith that everything will work out. I have the next 17 months planned out, so relax and enjoy, right? But this anxiety gets to me.

Re: Am I the only one?

It's absolutely normal to feel this way. Once that baby is here, although you will have some moments where you will feel anxious (it's only normal), everything will be okay!

Re: Am I the only one?

You are not alone. I was worried too. More if I would be a good mom. But then I met my DD and every feeling I had was gone. She is the best thing that's ever happened to us.

I think it's perfectly normal to feel the way you do.

Re: Am I the only one?

Thanks Ladies!!! I am excited, but just anxious too, I want to be such a good mom.

Re: Am I the only one?

I think its normal to feel anxious. You are so lucky to work part time for so long!!! Once the baby is here your instincts will kick in and you will be a great mom

Re: Am I the only one?

I felt the same way at the end of my first pg. I started my new job when DD was just 10 weeks old. I was (am) part-time as well- DH and I are able to share the childcare responsibilities.

It was a huge adjustment in the beginning, but work as a team and everything will just fall into place.

Shoot- it's worked so well for us that we've decided to add another to the mix.

Re: Am I the only one?

You'll be great! I think I was more anxious before the baby came. Afterwards, I was too busy or tired to think about everything that COULD happen, I was more focused on the present.

Re: Am I the only one?

It is so very normal to feel the way you do. But once your baby gets here and you hold them in your arms, all the anxiety literally melts away and your mom instincts really do kick in and you know what you need to do for yourself and your baby. I was so terrified of having a baby and knowing what he will need. But once he got here, it all went away and was replaced with this overwhelming sense of love and "knowing" what your child needs. You will be GREAT!!! You really will!

Re: Am I the only one?

Oh no you are not alone I remember going through this when I was pregnant with my daughter. It is so natural. No matter how easy or hard your pregnancy was/is, the thoughts about how your life is going to change is so normal. It is scary to think that you are now going to be responsible for another human being. I remember not wanting to share her with the world yet and just keep her inside of me. All of that is normal.

Re: Am I the only one?

totally normal You must be sooo excited that your due date is almost here!!!!!!!

Re: Am I the only one?

I think what you are feeling is normal. You are not alone.

Re: Am I the only one?

totally normal feelings!
I know its hard but try not to worry. First, its amazing how your instincts kick in once you see your little one! you would do anything for that little person and somehow it all falls into place!

I will also say dont think 17 months out. Let me tell you, things change, your feelings may change. I know women who thought they would be SAHM and relaized that wasnt the life for them, I know some who wanted to work FT and changed because of their baby to PT. So take it one day at a time, focus on having your baby, and all the fun you are going to have the next few weeks.

The next 17 months will figure themselves out! Somehow they always do!