Separation anxiety

[nanila]

I saw the midwife today and she praised me for getting Humuhumu into just the right position to be born (head down and engaged; back to front). I guess all the gardening and rolling around on the exercise ball actually has helped. She also expressed doubt that I'd need my 40 week appointment, which she can't do until I'm almost in my 41st week, since Humuhumu is slightly ahead of the growth curve and apparently almost fully cooked. I suspect that's tempting fate so I'm trying not to think about it.

I know childbirth is going to hurt physically, but weirdly, the closer The Event gets, the more my anxiety has become focused on the potential emotional pain. A part of me is very reluctant to be separated from Humuhumu. I've spent months growing this child. I feel rather possessive about it. (Witness the fire dragon in me rearing its head and being Bad At Sharing.) My hackles go up at the thought of someone else carrying Humuhumu. That's my job. I don't want people touching the little one without my permission, just as I was with the bump. This is definitely something I was not expecting to feel quite so strongly.

I imagine once I'm faced with 8-12 nappy changes a day, I won't have any problem with sharing Humuhumu with anyone who is willing to help, but at the moment it's a bit of a worry.

Comments

[miss_s_b]

Wilkinet or other slings so you can childwear and breastfeeding are your friends here.

[castiron]

It's sort of parenthood in a nutshell: your job is to make yourself obsolete, whether you like it or not.

If you're breastfeeding, that'll probably help you feel better about it; the kid's still spending a big chunk of time literally attached to you, and now you can actually *interact* with him!

Otherwise, just make sure you're giving partner enough one-on-one time with the kid that he can learn to be a dad while you're learning to be a mom. And yes, you will absolutely reach a point where you're more than happy for someone else to take kid for a bit. (For me it wasn't the diaper changes; it was the desire to get a shower and be alone in the bathroom while I did so.)

[nanila]

I have a Baby Bjorn sling inherited from sister-out-law but haven't been able to try it on yet due to Giant Belly. I assume this will be fine?

One of my friends has said breastfeeding is a fab excuse for escaping visitors when you get tired. Nobody argues with mum when she says, "Time for a feed" and whisk the baby upstairs to collapse in a chair for half an hour, even if said baby is not actually feeding.

[nanila]

I was planning to try breastfeeding so I guess I'll be attached for a while longer, assuming that goes well. I'm told the first few weeks can be pretty dull because you give an awful lot of attention and don't get much back, so I'm bracing myself for the lack of gratitude. I'm assuming this serves well for the later years too. ;)

I do like a good bathtub soak - will have to be sure to make time for this.

[lark_ascends]

*hugs* It's understandable.

[nanila]

*hugs back* Thank you.
As I continue to get larger and less comfortable, the separation anxiety lessens...!