Pre-Pregnancy advice.

[Chrissysu]

Hello!

What a great and huge decision! I had a lot of the same questions (and I'm a Christian too) so a lot of it was a leap of Faith! I think that if you and your husband have seriously talked about having a baby, and you've discussed some of these questions you're asking you are probably pretty close to trying to conceive. Some of these questions may not have answers right now, but they may work themselves out later. For example, DH and I did not know about child care when I return to work either because our parents also live far away, but God took care of us, and out of the blue, one of my friends at work recommended a day care provider located right next to our work.

Yes, you're life will change drastically, but it's so amazing when you bring your little baby home! I can't believe how much I love this little one. Hubby is so amazed that this little girl was in me just a few days ago.

Keep praying. Your answers will be given to you!

Chrissy

 

[star_dust]

hi - I just saw this and thought I would chime in. I had my first baby recently at 32. DH and I have been married for 6 yrs now. We enjoyed the first few married years together as a couple, but wanted a baby after about 3 yrs of marriage. I thought about all those questions as well and then some!

After trying to conceive for awhile, we got some tests done and there was a problem with my fertility. So, we took some time out to think about the situation and then chose to seek some advice from a clinic. We preppared for a really tough road ahead and it was a tough time for us as a couple. So, after 4.5 yrs of marriage, I was about to start medication the following month, when - voila! i was pregnant! it came out of nowhere. i was shocked for a couple of months (and maybe the whole pregnancy!)...afraid that the baby would be taken from me.

I will say this:
you will find a way to take care of the baby. you may not take care of yourselves or each other (which isn't good either), but you will always take care of the baby...

you will find a way to afford it...ppl always do...(try to save some money ahead of time)

life will change drastically - the change is indescribable...your identity will change as a woman and now mother - your husband will view you differently too. but it will be ok...you just have to learn to be as flexible as you can.

you will probably continue to work - but it will be a difficult struggle...talk to you dh about what you expect from each other ahead of time in terms of family chores and helping out with the baby...it's good to have some idea of where you stand, but also keep it realistic b/c you're gonna need each other's help tremendously! i have had to take a longe rperiod of time away from work than i was expecting b/c my dd was born with some eye problems...it has been hard for us as well b/c my parents live in the US and I live in Europe...but you get by - not perfectly, but well enough.

funny - there are no websites with this sort of info...having a baby is a HUGE leap of faith. trust yourselves. trust your instincts. trust your faith. love your child and each other and you'll get through it. i did read a good book called "why love matters" by sara gerhardt which goes into the psychology of the parent-child relationship. well worth a look.

hth and good luck!

 

[Shopahollic]

My husband and I were married for 6 years before we had our first child. I was 34, he was 38. It took us 8 months of trying but when it finally happened we were in a panic. I wondered , how would I get time for myself? Would I stop exercising? Could I handle it? Can we afford it? Yes, I now have less time for me but I still exercise, money is tighter but we manage. I woek part time which works for us. I now have 2 kids ages 4 and 16 months and can't imagine life without them.

 

[Mikkia]

I just want you to know that the decision you face is a big one, when I had my daughter at 28 I was in the same boat as you, with the same questions. They will be answered. When you bring that baby home nothing else matters. You and you DH will make it work. That is why life is so complicated after children. You are responsible for that little life that you love more that you thought possible to love anything. It will take awhile to get it right but you will find time to exercise, and clean and spend time with your husband. and you will find the right babysitter, or change jobs, schedules etc. I hate to tell you how much upheaval is involved, but you will make it work. God be with you on this journey (he is its the only way any of us survive it!)

 

[Jennifit]

I just had twins 10 months ago and let me say...YES!!!! Your life completely changes!! I mean every single facet of your life will change. But, it is wonderful. Overwhelming at times, but wonderful.

There is really never a "good time" to have a baby (or two . We can always think of reasons why or why-not that he time is right or wrong. You both will know it is the right time by how you are feeling. Trust yourself the most. Anyway, this is an exciting part of your journey! Enjoy every moment...especially being free to do Cathe anytime you want because that will change!!