I can't be the only one dealing with this: my natural state is to organize, plan, control. And I can only do so much of that with this process. When you find yourself overwhelmed and focusing on task lists, Googling baby risks, and so on, how do you refocus your attention toward being happy about the baby or excited for what's to come? What thoughts or images help?
Re: Coping with pregnancy stress & refocusing on happiness and excitement about baby: what works for you
Married DH 7/30/11
CSC arrived 5/7/12
CHC arrived 6/2/14
I also have been doing *nightly* yoga (for 15-30 minutes) since the very beginning of the pregnancy, which I think has been very helpful for me. I personally find meditative yoga easier to stick to than meditation, perhaps b/c it feels so unnatural and unpleasant for me to sit still.
I also have recently limited the amount of time I allow myself to google risks or baby products. I don't need to spend that much time on it, and *limiting* my time helps me feel like I'm still doing due diligence. I've also looked for more positive resources, since I think it's very easy to hear lots of negative/stressful stories about pregnancy and childbirth. A friend recently directed me to this website: https://www.debrapascalibonaro.com/ which does seem woo-woo, but on the other hand has a very positive spin on childbirth.
Anyway good luck! Hang in there.
I'm not new. I just hate The Bump.
I'm not new. I just hate The Bump.
I'm like you and PPs here--compulsively organized, constantly planning. I actually think it's the stall in my "doing" that's making me frazzled. I'm done with everything I could do to this point, and I can't start on anything else for a few weeks (waiting for the shower). I'm in baby limbo.
I agree about bubble baths, but they're unpopular here. I take one every night and they soothe my body and my mind. I always feel better after. I also agree about thin mints, even if flerlgirl was kidding. Eating what tastes good and indulging a little has helped me feel like pregnancy has "perks." Honestly, I've had 2 pints of the new Ben & Jerry's "that's my jam" core this week. It's my jam.
I'm also giving into the feels. If I feel weepy, I cathart. I watch weepy videos and let it happen. I dunno. It's all a huge mindfuck. I try to pretend I'm normal and not lose my mind.
Hugs.
"And all the house elves came to help, and THAT was the day Voldemort was defeated!"
Zoe Johannah, born 6/3/2014
And maybe I just need to know that I'll be excited about the baby when she gets here, but until then, life has to go on. I just see these other folks relishing in pre-baby joy and I don't really feel like that's something I can do. I'm not upset: it's just not a place I can access.
Really the only time I'm content is in the evening when the little guy is going nuts. I love watching my belly move and seeing H's face when he moves. But then I think of everything we need to do before he comes and then I'm back to freaking out. The list is never ending. I know things will fall into place, but I need the control of things happening now.