Is it Normal? Worried About Becoming a Parent

on January 15, 2009 at 12:29 PM

You wanted to be a mama, right? You hoped and planned for this kid -- so what gives with the pre-baby anxiety? And do other soon-to-be parents get cold feet, too?

Here's what moms around here had to say on the topic.

Whitney2207 asked moms in Pregnancy a while back if it was normal to have fears about becoming a parent. She got a little scared near the end of her pregnancy thinking that, wow, all of a sudden, "it's not going to be just the two of us any more" -- and there will be all of these new responsibilities and pressures.

Here's how moms responded:

"I go through that every once in a while, too -- I think it's normal. Especially if you really enjoy your life the way it is now. Once you see him or her, though, all of those thoughts will go out the window."

"Yes, it's very normal to have these thoughts! But what's even crazier is that once the baby's here, you won't be able to imagine life without him. Everything just falls into place. It's weird -- yet amazing."

"The night before my induction I was completely stressed and freaking out. It's normal! But once you have the baby, it will all fade away."

"Being afraid is normal. I'm going on baby #5, so I should be a pro, but I'm still scared!"

"I'm feeling the same way -- it's all so overwhelming! I think what my husband and I have is pretty much perfect. But once this new man comes into our lives, I think we'll continue to feel that -- just in new ways!"

I know I definitely had pre-baby anxiety before the birth of both of our kids.

What about you? Are you worried about becoming a parent?

Filed Under: is it normal

Comments (4)

armywife00mom02

on Jan 15, 2009 at 1:55 PM

I am a parent of a six year old. but before i was a mom yes i was scared! what person is not! I mean think about it u are no longer in charge of urself but u are going to have to look after a baby and that comes with all kinds of emotions. Can i do this? what if i am not a good mother? will this baby love me? so on all kinds of things run through ur head and that is normal. but in the end it is great and u would not change it for the world!!!1

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Lanasmom

on Jan 15, 2009 at 2:14 PM

Yep--totally normal--even though i had wanted a chidl for years before we got pregnant, when it happened, i was terrified thinking can i really do this? --What if i can't get her to stop crying? --It's normal, and we all get over it. --Now i'm worried Can i take care of 2?

Cafe Suzanne

on Jan 15, 2009 at 8:41 PM

There is not enough spave here for me to write all of my fears about being a parent! My baby is already here and sometimes I still have some of them and some new ones to go along with them. But I love love love being a mom.

ameliasmama1026

on Jan 16, 2009 at 3:57 PM

There was a really great book I read when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter called "Hello my name is mommy" it was written by Sherri Lynch from the Bob and Sherri radio show. It was really funny and helpful. I had a REALLY horrible childhood and was afraid that I wouldn't know how to be a good mother because I had no one to show me. I think everyone feels this way.