Starting to freak out

malibu5880

I'm starting my 8th month. I've lost the excitement, and gone straight to terrified and panic mode now. I'm really hoping the childbirth class we have this weekend at St. John's will help calm me down (being a FTM, I have a real problem with the fear of unknown and the pain), but it's been really hard for me to be excited about the impending birth...instead I'm just scared. (And exhausted, since I hardly sleep more than a few hours a night anymore.) I think money issues are starting to worry me too; I'm afraid we won't have enough saved up before the birth. Trying to clear things up before maternity leave at work is getting to me, especially since we're normally going into slowdown mode, but the nice weather has kept us extremely busy so I haven't been able to catch up.

Sorry, I'm kind of rambling and this really doesn't have anything to do with Mpls/St. Paul stuff (other than I live in the Twin Cities and the 3rd Tri board women have been awful so I won't post there anymore), just had to get it out. Hoping it's kind of normal to feel completely absorbed in fear around this time and that hopefully I am not going crazy!

 Jenny

MrsJJD2008

I did the same thing once I realized how close we were getting to having our LO with us.  Take a few deep breaths and try to remember that things have a way of working themselves out - you will make it through the labor pains, work will get sorted out without you there, you may need to cut back on some things and money may be tight, but you can do it.  I am a huge planner, and no matter how much you try, you won't be able to plan out everything

mbgreenwalt

It is normal to be scared and anxious.  My last few weeks of pregnancy I would think all the time "what was I thinking!  I can't do this"!  In a way I don't think your fears will ever go away because there is always something to worry about when you are raising a baby but, it is all worth it.

I freaked about money then and I still do now (DH just got a job after 22 months unemployed).  You buy generic, you pay minimums on bills, you go without when you can and you just make it work.

I'm a big list maker and about 1 month before my due date I sat down and made a list of everything I needed to have finished and purchased before I had my baby.  Having that to focus on and feel accomplished when I checked something off helped relieve some of my anxiety.

P.S.  Your posts don't have to be about MN, this is just a local board to talk with local moms and moms to be.

BJKL

I have to agree with the other ladies.  I think it is normal to be scared especially since you have no idea what it is going to be like.  I am expecting my second and I am finding it easier to be calm about the birth aspect because I know what to expect and that I can get through it.  You can get through it too!  Just try to think about one thing at a time or you will get overwhelmed.  Good luck!

mdlytle

I'm due a few days after you and I am also a FTM.  I know what you are going through, I feel about the same.  Hang in there.

Denise70

I'm due any day now and around the 8th month I REALLY started freaking out.  It got a little better but stayed stress which I now know is because it is just all so overwhelming....and new.  You will get through it. It helped to talk to other moms.  I joined a MOMS group even though I didn't have the baby yet.  I have found it SO helpful!  

Hang in there!