This is a time of change, feelings, questions, hopes and dreams. How do you feel? Tired? Moody? Energized? Excited? Scared?
What are you wondering about? Worrying about? “Will my baby be healthy?“ “How will this baby change my life?” “Will I be a good mother? (Father? Grandparent?)” “Will I be able to finish school or get back to work?” “Am I too young?” “Am I too old?”
What are you looking forward to? Holding your baby? Showing your baby to family and friends? Sharing your favorite places with your baby? Seeing your baby first smile at you?
All of these feelings, worries and dreams are normal. They show you already love this baby—even before you get to meet him or her.
As you begin this amazing, challenging journey never be afraid to ask for support.
Sign up for this free text messaging service for pregnant women and new moms by texting BABY to 511411. Sent three times a week, texts include information on having a healthy pregnancy and baby and are timed to a woman’s due date or the baby’s date of birth. Subjects include: prenatal care, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, car seat safety, nutrition, safe sleep, and help to stop smoking. Texts include 1-800 numbers and other resources for more information.
Your relationship with your child actually shapes connections in his or her developing brain. It also helps to determine how your child does in school, his or her mental health, and ability to relate to others in later years.
(NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL ON THE DEVELOPING CHILD, 2004)
