Hellobee Boards

I was really stressed out in the beginning but I don't equate that with not being a "natural". I still felt like somewhat of a natural even though I am a worry wart. I was just in tune with what my daughter needed and my DH would always be amazed that I just *knew* what was wrong and what needed to be done for her. And it is hard to know about other people, they might just pretend to be stress-free and in actuality they are stress balls so I don't worry about what other moms are doing.

I think it's something I struggle with. Being a new, first time mom, I feel like that's normal though. I don't have any prior baby experience, so I had no clue what I was doing. I had only held one newborn before! But I feel like it's something you pick up quickly, especially since you're constantly doing it. The only problem is, once you think you have something figured out she gets bigger and something new happens and you have to learn everything new all over again.

Categorically speaking, I do not like children (of any age), so I wasn't sure how all this would work out, and it turns out that I'm not a huge fan of newborns even when they're my own. (Possibly especially when they are my own, since other people generally don't expect me to breastfeed their babies)
Now that LO is older, though, I totally feel like a natural. It's awesome.

@Rubies: What's making it better for you? Is your LO less fussy now a days, or are you learning not to stress as much?

@artbee: It's getting better because she's getting bigger. Also, I'm not afraid to let her cry. I used to be so scared of letting her cry that I'd end up holding her for hours and hours on end. But now I realize that babies cry - that's just what they do! And her fussing is just that - FUSS. I still have my low days and I'm still exhausted and frustrated but little by little, I have to just remind myself that I'm human.

I feel like it's come pretty natural, but I've worked around a LOT of children of all ages. I got an idea of what to do/what not to do. I guess in the end, I just don't stress too much about it.

The only problem I'm having is the guilt about leaving her with a sitter/nanny/daycare to go out or to work.