Scared?

Hi!

This little girl is our first baby and last night after spending hours reading about newborns, care for newborns, sick newborns, relationships after newborns, etc. I am frightened beyond belief! I thought I knew the basics after being around my nieces and nephews but I realize now that I am really clueless. And that petrified me to the point of tears.
Anyone else going through/gone through these emotions? How did you overcome them? What gave you confidence in the process?

Scared?

It's totally normal. All the babysitting, reading, nieces and nephews in the world are nothing like the 24/7 care and bonding you have with your own newborn. Every mom is scared and has no idea what they're doing. If they say they're not and they do then they're lying.

You will be more than fine and get I to the swing of things!

Re: Scared?

I was terrified. In hindsight I guess DH and I were "lucky" that DD was in the NICU for so long because the nurses taught us EVERYTHING. But while we're still learning (DD is 4 months), I'd say we're doing a pretty good job. It's all on-the-job training

Re: Scared?

I think what you're feeling is totally normal. My advice is to follow your mommy instinct and your Pediatricians advice. You could drive yourself crazy reading books, experts, etc. it can be overwhelming at first, but just do what feels right. Newborns sleep a lot...as long as they are fed, clean, dry diaper-that's all they really need. Then if things arise that you're not sure about, call the ped. You'll be fine.

Re: Scared?

as others said, what you are feeling is normal. i found it easier NOT to read about this stuff until dd was born. once you have them in your arms, its like an instinct kicks in and you just know what to do...and if not, open up a book or read online and youll get guidance. but trying to read about it in advance petrified me!

Scared?

I never even held a baby or changed a diaper until I had my DS. IMO its just a natural thing. Just like you would use your instinct to help another person its the same with a baby.

Scared?

The nurses in the hospital will teach you the basics if needed. Once you hold your baby your natural instincts will kick in- it is normal to be a bit nervous.

Re: Scared?

I think it is normal - or at least I hope. I am due to have this baby on Monday and I am nervous all the time just thinking about it!

Scared?

Hopefully it's normal because I feel the exact same way!!! =)

Scared?

totally normal. I had moments where I thought OMG this is a huge mistake. So I pushed reading books like that until now and still I try to read like a page or so each time. I got Dr Spok book which spends the first section of the book on telling u to relax LOL
We are also taking a 2 hr class in a few weeks of general baby care class just to be a bit more prepared and less petrified

Re: Scared?

Totally totally normal.
The only thing that will give you confidence is when your baby is born and you are doing it. And gaining experience.
You will see that you can do it, and that the fear of the unknown was worse than the acutally reality.
In a few months of having your baby you will feel like a pro.
By 1 year you will feel like- what the heck was I so worried about?

Message edited 4/25/2014 10:12:30 AM.

Scared?

Totally normal! I was beyond clueless, but you will be amazed how much mommy instinct kicks in!

And once she's here--you will be with her 24/7 for the first few weeks and will know her better than anybody

Scared?

ALL of you words mean so much and melted some of those overwhelming feelings.
I love that thought that it is a natural instinct. That its already in us and books certainly cannot teach something like that!

Think ill put the books down for a week or so!
Thank you everyone!!!

Scared?

I totally went into this blind, lol. I didn't really read up on any books just knew the basics but I honestly went with my gut and winged most of it! It was scary and challenging but in the end I think I am doing a pretty good job!! it goes way to fast to really think about things you really just have to act on the spot. anytime I was unsure or didn't know something I just called my friends and asked them what they did.. and ofcourse just followed whatever the pediatrician told me as well.. You will do great! good luck!

Re: Scared?

Re: Scared?

Re: Scared?

Absolutely normal. I balled my eyes out when my mom left after staying the first week when the baby came home. I thought I was going to fall apart.

Flash to 7 months later and I'm still standing and so is DD! You will pick things up naturally and figure it out as you go along. Don't worry so much.

Scared?

Totally normal!!!

I worked in the infant room at a daycare for several years and had to care for as many as 6 babies ranging from 6w-12m at a time and I was still nervous to care for my own!

Scared?

Totally normal!!!

I worked in the infant room at a daycare for several years and had to care for as many as 6 babies ranging from 6w-12m at a time and I was still nervous to care for my own!

Scared?

I agree with what everyone said, but I wanted to add that you should have a really frank discussion with DH about what you think you should be like as parents. What do you like/dislike about what other parents are doing? We are so glad we did, because it made DH and I agree on everything and it kept us on the same page.

Scared?

I think it's totally normal. I still get anxiety and my Is girl is 6 weeks old. Once you hold her there are just some natural instincts that come out. And I was once told "new babies are made to survive new parents" I remind myself of that often. And when I have a question I ask, I ask my mom, other moms, my girlfriends.