I've never had social anxiety before and been able to just go with the flow, host parties, etc. I actually enjoy socializing greatly.
But since having LO I haven't enjoyed it nearly as much. Balancing LOs needs and spending time with family and friends is challenging and I spend half the time stressing and over analysing instead o enjoying myself. I hope as I adjust into motherhood longer this will get better. LO is almost 8 weeks and I'm already taking anti depressants.
hostess / wonderful honeydew / 32460 posts
I think all moms go through social anxiety..
It's tough enough having to take care of a newborn/infant.. Throw in socializing and it's game over.
It'll get better eventually and it gets easier when you have #2!
Hang in there!
pineapple / 12234 posts
I actually posted about this on a thread yesterday (weird ways your body changes after having a baby). It does get easier but I felt it until DS was a year old and it happened again after baby #2, I'm still having a hard time conversing with people and feeling normal. Sometimes, I really dislike having to socialize with certain people and I avoid it more than I did before having babies (before, it was no big deal). My mom went through this too after all of her pregnancies and she described it as having to learn to ride a bike again. The anxiety does go away over time, like I said but it takes some getting use to.
GOLD / wonderful grape / 20289 posts
I've always had social anxiety so I LOVE having lo at parties. She's my excuse not to socialize and I'm never that girl sitting by herself anymore, I always have lo to tend to.
I have a shower coming up during los nap time so it'll be baby free. Other than the mommy to be ill only know my mil, and I'm dreading it. I love my,mil, but she's way more social than I am so I'm scared ill be left in the dust.
nectarine / 2797 posts
I definitely get some anxiety whenever I take LO into a social situation now. I try and tell myself the worst thing that can happen is she will really act up and we will have to leave, but I still have that initial wave of anxiety leading up to and when we first get to a social situation.
grapefruit / 4066 posts
I have the worst social anxiety now that I am a mom, I used to be outgoing and fun lol, and now the whole time I am out somewhere with my baby I worry about everything! Is shegoing to get fussy and cry, is she going to get overwhelmed by everyone, is everyone going to want to hold her, what if someone accidentally hurts her, what if someone is sick, what if she freaks out, etc....then you have people trying to talk to you and give you advice about something and I'm only half listening because I'm tending to Lo....ugh hope it gets better soon and I can act like a normal human being again!!
squash / 13764 posts
I think it just takes time! I definitely agree that being in social situations with Lo can be stressful...I always worry about whether he'll need to nurse and if so will it go ok, will he be fussy, will he nap when he needs to, etc. I find its worse when I'm around a lot if people--smaller groups or just another couple is much less stressful, and it's also gotten better as I get to know Lo better.
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22646 posts
You just described the last 24hours+ for me. We had LO's big meet and greet with DH's extended family up north.
LO had a hard time napping/sleeping... I had to go nurse him in another room, etc. I barely felt like I saw any family and I got really annoyed with lil things because I knew how tired and exhausted LO was. 
I'm just glad to be home, and for the most part, I was able to talk to and joke around with my favorite relatives; but overall def not the same as before. Practice needed?
persimmon / 1081 posts
For me, socializing got easier after LO. You can use LO as an excuse for so many things now. You're boring me? Sorry, got to check on my baby. Invited to something you don't want to go to? Sorry, doesn't work with baby's schedule.
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22646 posts
@mrsmate: i def used the "gotta go nurse or pump" line this wknd...
clementine / 826 posts
@highwire: There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking anti depressants. Our hormones are out of whack, and we need the drugs to make us feel like ourselves again.
I am on anti depressants right now and they are helping me immensely with my social anxiety and worries.
persimmon / 1147 posts
For 8 weeks I think you are doing great! Thinking back to I would say maybe before three months I think I always came across as a crazy person. The very first time I left my LO with my mom to attend a party for my SIL I was a nervous wreck and checked my phone every few minutes. I had a hard time focusing on conversations. Each instance has gotten better although through out the crazy busy holiday season at people's houses I found myself lingering when I fed or changed her upstairs. Sometimes all the hustle, bustle, and conversations felt a bit much and I would have liked to just being alone.
pomelo / 5331 posts
I'm actually really worried about this. I have really bad social anxiety and have been avoiding any and all social situations in these last few weeks of pregnancy because I can't stand having conversations with people and when you're 38 weeks pregnant all people want to do is talk to you and ask you questions. I was on medication before getting pregnant and it wouldn't surprise me if I need to start taking it after LO is here as well. Thankfully I still have regular appointments with my psychiatrist to assess my mental health so I have something already set up for 6 weeks post partum.
squash / 13199 posts
It gets easier as the baby gets older. I felt the same way in the beginning and just wanted to avoid going out and dealing the baby crying and being unsure of myself and hearing negative comments about my decisions but now at 9 months its all better and yes I can use my baby as an excuse for things now
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 0 | 0 |
| Posts | 1 | 0 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
13 comments