Hi everyone,

I have a 4 month old son. He is a good baby -- the joy of my life -- and up until now things have gone on quite well. He is still fine, but I feel like I may be developing a later case of PPD or something.

While I fall in love with him more everyday, I also find myself worrying to the point of exhaustion over him, too. This increases daily. I should probably stay away from the local news and so forth because after I watch each night I find a new thing to be worried about. Everytime I see a story where a small child or baby dies, I am up for hours worrying about my own.

It was so bad the other day that when I watched Oprah, and one of the guests was a mom who had lost her two children, I cried so hard my baby started to cry too because he felt my tension and sadness and was probably just generally confused about why Mom was breaking down!!

Who has some advice on how to keep these emotions in check so I dont become too neurotic and can enjoy my son more?

Thanks,
Joanie

All your feelings are normal. If we worry about every little thing, we miss the time that we have to enjoy our children..........worry is for the teenage years...and believe me, they will be here sooner than you think. Just relax and enjoy your gift from God. pray for your child daily and let the Lord take care of him/her..............Moms have these instincts and you will be fine.

I too feel the same way. My DS is 21 months and the worrying has not stopped. I just make sure I do not watch the news. I will be freaked out for days over a sad story about a baby dying. I also cannot watch movies where kids or moms die. I know how you feel and it's really hard to push the thoughts out of your mind. Just keep trying to push them out. :angel:

joanie, welcome to motherhood! my son is six now and i still worry constantly over him, and i've adopted my 6yo niece as well, so it's double the trouble. sounds like you need to work on your confidence.

just keep a good eye on him, let him make a mistake now and then, and relax. you'll be a great mom, just make sure you know where he is at all times, keep that baby monitor on when he goes to sleep, and keep the windows locked at night. i've even spent the night on the floor by my son's crib, just to make sure he continued to breathe thru the night! silly.

turn off the tv, esp those daytime talk shows! avoid lifetime network too. *lol* read some books about parenting. that way, if some situation arises, you'll at least feel better prepared. i got "what to expect: the first year" and "wte: the toddler years" and a few others as well. the what to expect books are great b/c they not only have a reference in the back of childhood illnesses, what they are, what causes them, what the symptoms are, and when to call the doctor, but a monthly guide of developmental milestones and such. i'd recommend those books all day long to everyone, they are great.

your son isn't going to be little forever, so quit worrying, GET SOME REST, and enjoy him while he's still relatively easy. good luck to you joanie, parenting is the most exciting adventure ever! ali

Joaniegirl,
All of your feelings are normal. Refreshing to me, that there are still a few Moms that realize the responsibility of Motherhood. It is a big responsibility and you are doing the right thing to worry about doing what you need to do as a parent. Just don't forget to enjoy being a Mother and find some time for YOU. There are a lot of things you can't change or anticipate happening. What I think is key here, is how you react to the bad things that can happen. But don't worry about that, you are a Mom now. Moms always know what to do.
Good Luck,
Laner

Hi New Mom! Welcome to motherhood. My kids are 30 and 24, but I remember the days when I worried just as you are.

The thing to do is what a previous poster said - take all the usual precautions for your son's safety that will make you feel you have done all you can, and then relax knowing that you have done your best.

For one hour a day, resolve to not worry - hand your son over to his dad, get into a hot relaxing bath with a good magazine or just lie back and close your eyes and clear your mind. I started doing this very early on - it was a good bonding time for Dad and kids, and 30 years later I still take long baths to relax.

You'll do just fine. Sounds like you have the normal mothering instinct and love your son as you should.