Don't Be Scared - You're Not On Your Own!! (Sources of Support)

Member Name: xjemloux

Product:	Sources of Support
Date:	26/07/09 (55 review reads)
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It is strange when becoming pregnant, even if your pregnancy is planned, as your body and head has to go through so much, even your partner has to go through your emotions with you. It is always so daunting when you are not sure what feelings are and if you are meant to be feeling them. The anxiousness, wondering if your baby is safe and sound inside you - it's funny how we seem to feel nervous when going to antenatal classes etc. Most of the time though we are not actually told by our doctors etc what help is readily available to help us through pregnancy, even the little things such as websites can put our mind at ease but at the same time can flare up panics and worries.

Whether you are becoming a parent for the first time or fifth, each time it can be quite daunting and it's always good to find reassurance and answers from different places. There are a few people and places we can go to, and we really shouldn't have to feel stupid about asking any questions and expressing our worries and thoughts, no matter how trivial they may seem I bet there are plenty of other mums and dads thinking exactly the same as you but have been to scared or embarassed to ask.

Here are a few sources of support for both mums and dads..

Family - Family are probably the main port of call if they are there for you to support you. Especially your parents. They've done it all before havn't they? Even they forget things but they can sometimes reassure you and advise you on the basics.

Doctors - Your local doctors clinic, you can either speak to your own GP, a nurse or even go up there on baby clinic days and speak to health visitors seeing as they are the people who deal with pregnancies, babies and children every day.

Pregnancy Forums on websites - I found a brilliant site when I was pregnant, they have a variety of forums for you to speak to other mums and dads in the same boat as you. As I was having twins I felt a bit left out and unsure who to speak to. It was only my mums auntie who had had twins in the family and that was over 30 years ago so times had changed hell of alot within hospitals etc and her feelings she had probably forgot. So to go onto this site and speak to other mums who were carrying more than one child was a godsend. At the same time though people would put their worries on there, their concerns, their feelings, their troubled times and this would flare me up in a panic so much that I'd wish I hadn't logged on to see the goings on that day. Websites can be brilliant - I received so much advise from visiting them and it really did help but with most things there was that downside to reading other peoples problems and worrying myself.

Books - You can buy many books these days whether they be brand new in a shop or secondhand, there are pregnancy books to help you before your pregnancy if you are trying for a baby, during your pregnancy and even afterwards. These books give advice, show picture demonstrations of things which you may find useful and sometimes have questions and answers pages.

Health Visitors - Health Visitors stick with you these days until your child reaches a certain age - well they are supposed to but this does not mean you have to wait until you've had your child if ever you want advice and are not sure who to turn to find out your local health visitors number and speak to one of them.

Midwife - Usually when you find out you are pregnant you meet your midwife and sometimes you get to see her throughout your pregnancy. Your midwife can help during your pregnancy and even whilst giving birth. They are there to support you during your pregnancy, both father and mother, so don't be scared to ask her for help, support or advice - if she can't give either she can more often than not point you in the right direction of who can.

Baby Clubs and Groups - Depending on where you live there are sometimes clubs you join - some for specific people - Mothers and Toddlers, Twins, Babies etc. This is a good way to meet other people in the same boat as you, speak to people who are also in your situation and see how they cope with things and what answers they have to some problems that you may have found you have come up against.

These are just a few things I found extremely helpful when pregnant and I'm sure they could help other people too.

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