Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

Thomas will be a year on April 17. He is my world. I love him more than I could possibly ever put into words. I'm just still so overwhelmed. I am NOT a go-with-the-flow type of person. Whenever he gets sick, I freak out. When he's well, I worry that he'll get sick. When he doesn't sleep, I feel doomed, like he and I will never sleep again. Whenever we have a doctor appointment and the doctor asks a question, if there is any doubt in my mind that the ped thinks he's developing absolutely perfectly, my heart sinks and I obsess about it. If the daycare teacher makes the mildest comment that can be taken that she doesn't think he's the most perfect angel in creation, and feel defensive and hurt. When we go out, I'm completely stressed that he will cry and I won't be able to handle it.

I've been blessed with a very good baby, I don't even know what I would do if he was more difficult.

Are these normal mommy feelings, or am I in need of some professional help!

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I think to some extent they are very normal fears and feelings. You are responsible for this little child, of course you're going feel that way. But you also need to be responsible enough to say enough is enough and not allow yourself to do that. I finally made the decision to stop obsessing like that, and I've been so much happier since. Hang in there and talk about it. The more you talk the less overwhelming it is.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I have these feelings too. You are not alone.

I fear that Troy will get sick, and I will not get sleep or get to clean up.

I fear he will not take a nap and goto bed earlier, wake up early and I will not have had but 4 Hrs of sleep.

These amongst other thoughts. I think are perfectly normal. I am usually pretty easy-going. But sometimes, these feelings take over and I feel like I am not going to make it as a mom.



DH's solution is, call a friend and gtg. Go to the park (weather permitting). Take a walk in the mall. Take a drive.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

From what you've written maybe you have PPD manifesting as anxiety? I had ( still have to some degree) a bit of that myself. Talking to someone and getting some meds may help.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I definitely do have these feelings sometimes. However, I did deal with pretty bad PPD and am now taking medication to deal with that and the thoughts are MUCH easier to deal with now. For instance, in the past, if DS had a bad sleeping night, I would DREAD the night ahead, and swear I was never going to sleep through the night again. NOW, I can say "tonight is another night" and move on fairly quickly. I do definitely obsess when he is sick or doesn't feel well, or just isn't acting like himself (this weekend). But I think some of that is just being a new mommy. I hope so anyway. Hang in there and talk to someone if you think you need some help. It is all very overwhelming and a very scary time.... I totally understand.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

Im like that still at almost 3 yrs, just recently I have decided for my own sanity to cool it- I was literally driving myself up a wall. I still freak out but not as much.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I am like that to an extent-particularly where sleep is concerned and i don't know why...i am SOOOOO afraid of being as sleep deprived as i was in the first 4 months. i was a total mental case under sleep deprivation that it terrifies me. so when she refuses a nap or wakes in the night on occasion i still freak that it's starting again!
i think it is normal to worry still-but think of how far you both have come and take comfort in that.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I could have written this myself

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

Thank you to everyone who replied. I appreciate it the advice and support!

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I have some of these fears too, I'm glad you posted this. I also have a good baby and don't know what in the world I would do if she wasn't! I think this is Mommyhood.

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

ds is almost 9 months and while I'll say that it has gotten lightyears better, I obsess, worry, freak out about EVERYTHING you mentioned and then some. I'm at the point where I realize that I need to do something about it because I am making myself crazy -- literally! I feel like all the worry makes me not fully enjoy it!

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I was SO overwhelmed until he was 3 mts old. Now I am absolutely go with the flow. Nothing fazes me anymore!!!!

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

I feel like i have the same feelings as you but my DD is only 3 months right now...we had a few rough days/nights last week and i told DH i was all done having kids and i was on the verge of a breakdown...i didnt think i could handle another one ever...

i pray it gets better, but i may very well feel the same when DD is same age as yours...

for you!

Re: Moms who are past the newborn stage - Are you still overwhelmed?

my ds is almost 11 months & i feel the same way. i'm also a slave to ds's daily nap and feeding schedule and it makes it so hard to get out o the house. i worry how i'll be when i have to juggle 2 babies!