i am finally pregnant and i am happy about it. however, i have never been around kids and i am an only child. i know nothing about raising kids and taking care of a baby. i worry all the time about if i am going to be a good parent and if i will really have motherly instincts on what to do. plus i also have nightmares almost every night about dying in the delivery room when the baby is born and then i have to leave my precious baby behind. anyone else experience this or worry about not being a good parent?
2007-02-12 17:13:30 · 7 answers · asked by mrs garfield 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
All of your fears are normal. When I was pregnant I dreamed I had my baby, at home on the couch, and then refused the baby and said it wasnt mine. I also dreamed I forgot to feed the baby, that I forgot which baby was mine, all sorts of things. Your dreams are caused by your fears. Once my baby was born, from somewhere in me that I didnt know existed, motherly instincts kicked in. And although I was so worried while I was pregnant, I always remembered to feed the baby and everything else and none of those nightmares ever came true. The fact that you are so worried is probably a good sign that you will be a good mom. Your baby is not even here yet, and already you are trying to be a better mom. Try to relax, talk to a mom you know that you think is pretty good at it, and get some good new baby advice. Other than that, try to relax. Youve got the rest of your life after this baby is born to worry about being a better mom. And Congrats!!
2007-02-12 17:27:07 · answer #1 · answered by shaylor_1299 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I also am an only child and had also never been around small children before. But now I have a two year old son and one year old twin daughters. I felt the same exact way you did and thought the same way. I don't think you should worry anymore though, every mother has felt the same way I am sure and they are all doing fine unless they were on drugs or something, but that's another issue. yes it changes everything and you don't really realize how much it changes you life until you have had your baby for a few years. But it is worth it. If you have any questions about anything ask the nurses every chance you get that is what they are there for. They will show you the basics of taking care of your baby before you leave the hospital and even print you out some information to take home with you if you ask. If you are still nervous talk to your mother or any mother and I am sure they will be delighted to help you out and share some of there wisdom. Good luck and congratulation's !!
2007-02-13 01:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by jenny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh hun, I'm sorry you are going through this. I was the same way 8 years ago when I was PG with my daughter. Needless to say, yes I've done some stupid things but remember all parents do - to err is human! My suggestion is to sign up for a new parents class at your local hospital - they usually are very informative and give away some cool fun stuff!!! You will be a great parent and mother instincts didn't kick in for me until I held that baby for the first time. All of a sudden I just KNEW what to do!!! I don't know what to tell you about the nightmares - just try relaxing and thinking happy baby thoughts before you drift off to sleep!!! Good luck!
2007-02-13 01:19:04 · answer #3 · answered by Well duh! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry so much, if you can help it. i don't think there's any such thing as being "prepared" for motherhood, but i do believe that most women have that fabled maternal instinct. you have a great tool at hand; the computer! read up on whatever you can find, just remember to take it with a grain of salt. every child's developement is different. it's fine to be afraid, just don't let it rule you. lots of women have those nightmares, not just you. believe me, by the time you're 6 or 7 months along, and there's all feet in the wrong places and you can't cross your eyes without having to go wee, the little bit of sleep you manage to get at night (since it's no longer possible at that point to sleep thru the night for the kicking and feeling like your hips are coming unjointed) will be filled with dreams of the sweet release of childbirth, and the first visit to the bathroom in 9 months that is remotely normal ;)
2007-02-13 01:39:52 · answer #4 · answered by zoë's mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was like you...didnt know anything about babies, was scared about delivery. I decided to spend some time with new mothers..was very helpful and i got to learn alot...of course not everything, others you get to learn through trial and error. You will be suprised at the way you will pick up things so fast...in the end i was able to nurse my baby on one hand while typing with the other hand!!
2007-02-13 01:28:57 · answer #5 · answered by Riderya 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think we all worry about doing the right things for our babies so you are perfectly normal. Get some books to read about being a first-time mom. Good luck!
2007-02-13 01:18:37 · answer #6 · answered by Tenn Gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read Dr. Spock.
2007-02-13 02:23:21 · answer #7 · answered by daryavaush 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋