I would like to ask the mommies....

Did you ever think or worry when you first got preg that you wouldn't be able to live up to the 'job'? Or does parenting come naturally?

No I am not preg
But I was holding FH cousin's baby today and I was thinking about it.....does it kinda just fall into place? I mean I have babysat a million times but it is not the same. And I am planning on reading all the books etc.

But what really happens?

I think it just 'comes' naturally'. Like they say about men that are afraid to hold newborns. When its their own, they will hold that baby, feed it and clothe it like EXPERTS, from day ONE!

Although I've had LOTS of experience with children and babies of all ages. I grew up with my mom babysitting kids in the area, so since at least 15 I've changed diapers, given bottles and put babies to sleep. I even remember one kid, was like a little brother, I would put a Mariah Carey CD on and lay next to him on the bed till he fell asleep . Once he was over with his parents, and he was fussing and not sleeping, and I went in and put the cd on, rubbed his little head, and he was ZZZZZZZ.

WITH all the experience Ive had, I still felt a little nervous about being FULLY responsible for my VERY own newborn! No giving him back to his mommy, no one to give me instructions or feeding tips...
As a matter of fact when I was prego with JA, a friend told me that her close friend needed a babysitter ASAP. I declined because I was late in my pregnancy, and I had never been through having my OWN newborn and didnt want someone else's newborn to be my first test !

Anyway, as nervous as I was, and I wasnt TOO nervous, everything really came naturally. The early days are mostly tough because of your sleep schedule being WAY off, and the constant attention the baby needs to eat, be changed, cuddled, etc.

As far as it being challenging, the challenges are NOTHING in comparison to the rewards. A smile, hug, belly-laugh or ANY new accomplishment makes it more FUN and AMAZING than anything in the world...

Sorry I Babbled !

I feel that way from time to time. I wish babies came with instruction manuals.

Anna, I hope you're right, and that everything will come naturally!

I agree I have worked in Day Care for 17 years and I still have fears about this little guy who is coming into our lives in 4 weeks I think it is normal to have fears like this

thanks girls

I'm not a mommy or PG...but I never held a baby until last year...I kid you not...when I was a kid there were tons of babies in the family...but I was such a klutz that no one ever trusted me...


but last year DH's cousin just handed her daughter over to me and it was great...(i think thats when I started to get the bug)

but I definitely have worries...especially when I watch the OC (anyone see last week) how the mother just can't do it anymore...although I'm not in her situation it makes me nervous...


but then I see the great mommies on here and separate reall mommies from tv mommies!!

I love that new series Erica.

I think you're feelings are normal ... I watch my Mom babysit and she is such a natural ... I just hope that when it comes to my kids, I'll be as good as she was with us.

I'm sure you'll be a wonderful Mom!

Sorry, but I guess I am the 1% of Mommies who it didn't come 'naturally' to. I had plenty of nerves and fears about my 'Mommy' abilities before Paul was born - and I had tons of experience as a very astute babysitter and toddler camp counsler for many years prior to and during high school AND college.

My Mom stayed w/us for 2 weeks after Paul was born, and the idea of her leaving and DH going back to work was completely traumatic for me. I kept saying over and over, 'How am I going to do this by myself?'

The good news is - I did it! And I learned that even when Motherhood doesn't come 'naturally', it can be learned and your instincts do develop. But, it does not happen overnight in all cases. You just have to give yourself a chance....and just love your baby. As you get to know your child, you will learn what works for him/her to keep them happy and content.

I have to agree with Claudine. The first day I was left completely alone with Ryan (my mom went home, DH went back to work), I was in tears right along with the baby by the end of the day!

But just like she said, I did it, and am doing it! Every day is a different adventure it seems. At 3 1/2 months, Ryan and I are still learning all about each other, but I am a zillion times more confident in myself. Each 'hurdle' and each milestone is a notch on your belt so to speak on the road of mommyhood! I have learned to be patient with myself, ignore a lot of the naysayer advice and trust my mommy instincts..fortunately lots of love (in both directions) gets you through!! And as Anna says, the rewards make all the trials more than worth it!

Ditto to everything Claud said!!

The rest you make up as you and your child get to now eachother.