Hi everyone,

I am not sure what is but I am starting to feel very overwhelmed. It seems the littlest decisions are difficult for me to make these days. I did take the college course I was pondering about and it is going OK. Now, there is another class coming up the last 4 weeks of my preg. and I have to decide whether to take this one or not as well. It is only 4 Saturdays in a row for 8 hours each day.

I am just upset with myself because I can not make simple decisions. There are people in my class taking 16 hours, and I am only taking 3...I feel very inadequte. I am not sure if it is the hormones or what. I feel pressured because I am going to stay-at-home with her, but at the same time, I need to graduate at a decent rate so I can hurry up and go back to work...no fun.

I am very concerned about my ability to make small decisions, it scares me because I hope this is not a sign of things to come with postpartum.

Another thing I want to share privately, is before I was preg. I did struggle with aniexty and now it is full force with all the hormones. I hope I do not pass this gene onto my daughter. It is very embarrassing for me to talk about, admit, and live with daily.

Any advise or support would be appreciated.

I think that if you asked your ob...you would be told that this is perfectly normal with pregnancy. Your body is going through a lot of changes right now, and it is focusing on that little one..and maybe not enough on YOU. You are doing GREAT. You know that there are problems, and recognizing it is a major step in correcting it. I don't think anyone can predict post partum. Some have it with no warning, some don't who had all the signs..but I DO know that there are meds that are not harmful to you or the baby that you can take now and after....just to take the edge off and make you feel more in control...if that is a route you might be willing to take. Otherwise, just know you are doing fine...and take it one day at a time...soon you will have that baby and she will make all the struggle worthwhile.

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Shaking in my boots (well, if I was wearing them in the middle of summer!), but glad to be back!

Big hugs!!!!!!

You are taking on a lot right now. Just expecting your first baby is enough to fill your every thought. It's life changing and all new moms are nervous. I'll bet anything this is why you are having trouble focusing. I'm a very nervous person too, it doesn't take much at all to rock my boat and make me feel like all I have been juggling will fall. When I get feeling this way, it helps to just take one task at a time. Sometimes if you look at the whole thing it's overwhelming. If it were me I would let that Saturday class go for now. Concentrate on the class you are already taking and concentrate on you for a little while. Take a little bit of quiet time to do something you enjoy, this is the last little bit of quiet time you are going to get for awhile...(giggle/wink). The first time you see that tiny baby face your anxieties will just melt away. Your new little one is going to make you smile and forget all those worries that are chasing you right now. They are even more amazing than you can even imagine. I used to just sit and look at my sons for hours counting toes and watching the funny faces they made when they were dreaming. (what can one possilbly dream about when they just got here anyway?) Jennifer is right, no one knows if they will be affected by post pardum, let that go for now and try to think of happy times that are very soon approaching.

More big hugs and keeping you and your little one in my prayers.
Kelly

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The mighty oak started out as a nut that held its ground.

Hi Blesses with 6,

Thank you so much for your support!!!! I guess I am also working through what every mom, woman works through...trying to do it all, superwoman. This is my first child so it is a major life change. I get frustrated because I really do not want to take meds. I will see my OB next week, and explain to him how I am feeling. The closer I get to delivery the more anixous I get. I really want to try to work through it. I hope next year, after I get adjusted to motherhood that I will be able to take more courses in school.
The usual feelings of a new mom, how will I manage all of this well i.e. house, school, baby, etc. The response I get from some is we all do it. I know I am not bringing in a paycheck, but taking care of her, this house, and going to graduate school is more than a full time job. I am sure all the moms on here would agree.

Thank you for your support.

I'm sure all the people taking 16 hours are not pregnant! They are just taking classes, and you are creating a new life... what is more important, not to mention impressive, in the scheme of life?

You are getting on in your pregnancy- probably you are a little (or a lot) uncomfortable, probably you are not sleeping very well (most pregnant women don't), so it is natural not to be tip top mentally... to have doubts and fears... to have trouble making decisions. You and a bazillion other pregnant women have the same feelings. It's very natural. I would talk to your doc about it. I think that will help you feel better.

As far as that class... will you be able to sit comfortably for 8 hours at a stretch by then? What if you go into labor early and then have to miss a class or two? In your place, I wouldn't put that extra pressure on myself. I would just try to enjoy the last few weeks without any extra stuff going on. School is important, but how many times will you be pregnant? You can always take a class. Enjoy yourself, slow down... after the baby is born you will get back to feeling like your old self. Little things like being able to sleep better, breathe better, not having to run to the bathroom all the time, being able to eat a full meal...that really makes a difference. Hugs!!

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

I'm glad to hear the class is working out for you. I would just stick with that one, as I couldn't imagine sitting for 8 hours in class now. I could do a couple of hours, but 8 is pretty long. Also, you have plenty of things going on right now and it would probably feel best to just take 1 class and have that extra time to get ready for the baby.
I agree with blessed w 6....ask your ob. They will be able to tell you more about what is going on...
I have a hard time making decisions right now and I am getting stressed a little easier than before. Sometimes I make my husband make small decisions for me, because I don't know what I want (like what I want to eat). I haven't ever really had these problems before, so I think the hormones and changes during pregnancy cause us to be more indecisive or stress-prone. Just stick in there and I'm sure the rest of your pregnancy will go great and you will be enjoying your new little one in possibly 7 weeks from today! Find things to do that help you relax and not have to think about decisions in the meantime (for me its soaking in the bath and relaxation exercises with my DH).

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Mom to Kaylee (10/2006)
Waiting on our second bundle of joy to arrive January 2009!

It sounds like you are doing a great job and taking on quite a bit right now. I would let the other class go and enjoy your last month of pregnancy! I loved being pregnant and the last few months were uncomfortable, but soo much fun! Get into the nursery and arrange all the little clothes and diapers and everything. Sit in the rocking chair and read the story books. Enjoy this time.

I am also an anxious person and I was nervous about the life change that was going to happen, but I focused on the positives and channeled the love I had for that unborn child into postives and tried really hard not to run the worse case senarios through my mind. And, if you are watching those delivery and baby shows, stop now!!

Remember, you are supporting two people with your body. You are soo lucky to be having this child and to be able to stay home with him/ner! Count your blessings often.

Hugs

you hang in there hormones are just crazy during this time and being a first time mom is overwhelming all in its self..definately talk with your ob maybe there is something you can do for the anxiety...you can always take the other class when you are up to it and settled in your life with all the new changes..and don't try to be superwoman you can only do as much as you can...big hugs and prayers for you.. if you need anything let me know..

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Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.