I was a nervous wreck during pregnancy. I worried and obsessed over every little detail. I got told one thing over and over by older and wiser Mums;
‘You think you’re worried now – wait til the child arrives, the worry never stops’
I heard this alot. Never really paid it any mind. I was more ‘oh whatever, yippity blah blah – I’m worried now not in 9 months time!’
Wow I’m a knob. Like seriously, a complete schlong!
I am a natural worrier so all my mummy-flapping is coming naturally to me. Let’s start:
Baby Temperature
I own 4 thermometers. 3 digital and 1 standard. High temperatures freak me out, especially as my daughter now convulses, at high temperatures. Low temperatures too. My child registered mild hypothermia last month. NHS 111 took yet another very stressed call from me.
Breathing
I was so afraid of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), that I didn’t sleep at night, for the first 6 months of my daughter’s life. We had monitors in the room. Bought one one for the mattress and even one to attach to her nappy. I was forever checking her, still do now. Slow breathing. Fast breathing. Laboured breathing. I’m like a Navy Seal, sat at my daughter’s bedside, with a stopwatch. I am ready to leap into action with Ninja stealth.
Rash/Skin Complaints
Was that there yesterday? Has it spread? Get the glass! Does it disappear under the glass? Get it checked. Get the thermometer…all of them. Is there a fever?
Sepsis/Meningitis
This one keeps me awake. So much has been done in recent years to raise awareness. The rash, the temperature, the skin coloration, drowsiness. Rapid breathing. Check. Check. Check again
Nappies
Wet nappies and bowel movements. Everything is fine in my life, as long as my little bundle of chub, is filling her nappies. One dry nappy, turns me into a skittish meerkat. Hydration. Must increase fluids. Check hydration levels. Look at the fontenelle spot. Temperature. Is there a rash? Get the thermometer!
Poop
What is normal? Too brown? Too dark? Too green? When did I give my child mustard???? Moving on….
Refusing food
Oh my God! This sends me from chilled to schizo in minutes. Please eat. Just eat. Milk, solids, fruit, veg, have a bloody biscuit! Just eat.
Night Sweats
Get the thermometer!!!!! Strip. Change. Rash patrol. Find the problem….STAT!
Clingy and Quiet
My child wants to run about and get into stuff 24/7. Peaceful would not be a word to describe my house, ever. When my girl is chilled, I’m not. Something is wrong. Do the checks:
Will she eat and drink? Is there wet nappies? Temperature. Rash patrol.
I must admit, I had no idea what worry was until I became a mum. Children can get sick and fast. I have been playing with her one minute and then in the back of an ambulance next. The emotional rollercoaster is intense and zero fun. The worry never stops. Looks like I’m on board this ride til the end. I’m not getting off at:
- I’m sure it will be fine
- That probably won’t happen
- Try not to think about it
- Wait and see
I am riding this stress bucket all the way to Get it checked. That’s where my peace of mind lives.