This will be a long post so bare with me. I would
Usually post something like this incognito but I don’t wanna hide or feel embarrassed of how im feeling but I just need to rant, not even rant but to make sure what im feeling is normal! Im 35 weeks pregnant and have a 15 month old daughter who isn’t your average 15 month old, she has arthrogryposis, scoliosis and some kind of neuromuscular condition which has yet to be diagnosed due to genetic testing! Which means she’s like a 6 month old really, she’s unable to sit unaided, crawl, weight bare, self feed, hold her bottle herself so in other peoples eyes she “stays were you put her” the constant battle of watching babies her age continue with some kind of normal development really hits me hard! She’s also showing lots of traits of autism which is the absolute least of worries at the moment it’s more her medical diagnosis’s that concerns me for her future, the specialist have said they can’t be 100% she will even walk. She’s always had feeding issues from 3 months old refusing bottles FTT she’s only very dinky at 8.8kg and she’s 15 months old! But she’s absolutely beautiful and I love her so so so much! But with everything with her I’m shattered on a daily basis! I’m tired with worry! With being pregnant! I’m a few weeks from having my son and I’m just so worried everyday! How’s we will cope not only having 2 under 2 but having a newborn and a little girl who still needs a lot more help than your average 15 month old. I feel like some days I don’t want to be a parent, I wanna stay in bed and lie in and not be needed for a day! Don’t get me wrong my partner works full time and when he’s not in work he does help and my MIL is brilliant too most of the time but this week I’ve just felt like a failure! Especially to my little girl who still needs to be held to feed, sometimes picked up and my bump is in the way, I have slipped discs and already heavy as it is! I just struggle, people comment that she’s such an “easy baby” and honestly she is a dream can take her anywhere and she’s as good as gold! She does eat well now despite her issues! I feel like some people sit and think what does she have to moan at 😔 I’m just so scared, scared of having to share my heart with two very different babies, scared of how I’m gonna cope with both when my partner goes back to work, scared of my daughters future, scared how she’s gonna cope growing up being different while my son doesn’t seem to have any issues so far (he’s still inside) I’ve got 5 weeks left and I just don’t know what im feeling or how to make myself feel better! Feel like im failing everyone 😢
If your still reading thank you so much I didn’t want this to be a sob kind of story but things weren’t suppose to be this way.
Here is my little girl! Although she has all this she is the most beautiful little girl 💗
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She’s beautiful and you are a great mom. And you are going to get through this and everything will be okay. I’m praying for you and your beautiful baby girl 🙏🏾🩷

Aw as a mom to a child without any extra needs I also have times where I wish I could just take a day off.
The mental weight of her diagnosis is probably exhausting, even if you’re not having to do a ton extra physically. Maybe consider seeing a therapist that specializes in chronic illness, they might be able to help you manage these feelings. No parent wants life to be harder for their children.
Try to be kind to yourself, being pregnant your emotions and hormones are probably going crazy, you won’t always feel like this ❤️ if you want to chat or vent feel free to DM.

You're an amazing mum and both your children are so lucky you're their mum ❤️

thank you for your kind words ❤️

it can be quite exhausting but I guess either way being a mum
Is exhausting in all ways 🥰 yes I will consider that thank you for your advice ❤️ in other ways I’m very very lucky as there are babies out there going through so much more than she is and parents too so I know I’m
Lucky in that sense just sometimes
It hits me like a brick wall! ❤️

thank you so much! ❤️

This sounds really tough!! The fact you’re worrying about it shows what an amazing mum you are!! I would definitely be organising some regular support from family or friends just to give you a hand throughout the week if at all possible!!

I’m literally crying now! I’m so sorry and I wish your beautiful family the luck and happiness! Your girl is so so lucky to have you as a mum! And I really hope that’s she’ll go well in the future! I’ll pray for that! Xxxxxx

aww thank you so much that means a lot! Yes I will try, I do have my family and his family but they do have lives too and although they say they will be there they are often busy which is completely understandable too 🥰 I got in the bath before let it all out wrote this but now I feel ready to go again 💪🏻❤️

You are one strong mama! I can’t say that I understand what you are going through right now, but I can tell you that you are doing such an amazing job for your babies! Worrying about all of this and sharing your story, and opening up about how you feel only shows how strong you really are! Sending you and your little family lots of love ❤️

awww I’m sorry for that my intention of this post wasn’t to upset anyone or for any kind of sympathy 🥰❤️ it was to normalise that mums do struggle! It’s not easy being a mum but we all do it 🥰 thank you so much for your kind words xxxx

thank you so much chick 🥰 your kind words mean a lot! I just think it’s not bad or embarrassing and it should be normalised ❤️ being a mum or dad is hard work and the worry just never ends does it! I’m just hoping that she will surprise us all ☺️ xxx

My little pumpkin after her surgery 🥰🥰

you’re welcome ❤️ it should be normalised! It isn’t bad at all and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Agreed! It never ends which is a good sign as it shows compassion and care ☺️ I’m sure she will! I will keep you and your beautiful girl in my thoughts xxx

My heart goes out to you, mama. You’re doing so well. It sounds incredibly challenging. I understand your heart ridden with worry. My boy has nothing compared to what your girl is experiencing, but his ongoing health issues related with digestion have had us worry for his life and live in fear several months in his early months - we’re still not past all the issues, but the fear has subsided. We, like you, always get comments on how healthy and happy our boy looks, almost as a dismissal of all the difficulty and fear and hardship we’ve been carrying around his issues. So, I say, don’t listen and let these seemingly positive comments get to you or invalidate your struggle. People just don’t get it. My heart goes out to you. And what you’re feeling is completely understandable and normal given the circumstances. Have you considered searching for groups of women who have ongoing health concerns with little ones for emotional support? Try to build a tribe that can be there for you. 💛

She is beautiful! Its normal to stress and worry, they are our worlds. Just don’t let it debilitate you. At the end of the day you do matter as a mom, your mental health does matter but you are the mom, the care giver, and expected to be there for her 100%. I’ve struggled with depression but found outlets such as fitness to make me a better mom.
Good luck!

You’re feelings are absolutely valid honey. i am sending you tons of love, hugs and prayers. May your beautiful family be blessed with all the happiness in the world. You’re such a strong mama and your babies are so incredibly lucky to have you. Make sure you schedule some much needed “me time” to do something once a week that brings you some joy. I pray that things get better for you and your family. x

Your daughter is so precious 💕 life won't be easy, but all her accomplishments will be such a joy, all the things she will learn to do thanks to your help and love and her hard work will feel like winning a lottery and it will make all the hard times worth it. It will be hard, but mother is the strongest person there is, your heart will just get bigger with love, patience and strength for two amazing babies. It will get easier and your babies will go on to make you proud and one day you will look back and say it was all worth it
You are incredible and rant all you need! It's so important to let it out, cry it out, scream it out. Do whatever you need to feel sane.

P.S. I’m sure you’re doing everything your girl needs that you can - hoping that occupational therapy is something that could be of help to her? 🙏🏼

I don’t know too much about them, but there’s a charity called SWAN UK (Syndromes Without a Name) and they support families of children with undiagnosed disorders. Maybe it might be something to look into? I don’t know exactly what they can offer but they may be able to give advice/support or connect you with others who understand ❤️
I have so much admiration for your strength in such a challenging situation. Congratulations on your pregnancy and please remember you’re absolutely not a failure. I think all Mums feel that way sometimes, but the fact that you care so much already means you’re doing something right ❤️

Thank you for your candour, and for posting this openly. It’s hard to acknowledge feeling that way, but it’s so important that we do. I have a 14mo and an 8week old and it is difficult at times; but I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Please be gentle with yourself! Sending lots of love.
Your wee girl is just gorgeous, and your wee boy incoming is so lucky to have you ❤️

I don't have any words of wisdom, but want to send lots of love your way. 💛

God Bless you. You’ve got this mama, just the fact you’re worrying shows what a brilliant mum you are. You can do this. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ xxxx

Ps your daughter is absolutely beautiful xxx

Your feelings are valid! And I’m sure she’ll be the best big sister to your little one on the way 🥰 it’s hard not to worry with so many challenges ahead, but try to take one day at the time… reach out for help if needed and talk to everyone let it all out ❤️ only great parents worry and doubt themselves! Wishing you all the best xxx

Oh man this breaks my heart. But Momma, don’t be haRd on yourself. I know it’s easier said then done but you have a beautiful baby girl who loves you and she knows you’re being the best mommy! SHE CHOSE YOU for a reason! Believe that! You’re strong, you’re beautiful, YOU ARE A POWERHOUSE! God knows what he’s doing. I believe these littles choose their parents for whatever lessons we need to learn or share! Be kind to yourself. Especially being pregnant! Energy is powerful. Baby boy will sense your energy, anxiety, fears etc. he will be the BEST baby brother!
You got this momma! 💋🙏🏻🤗

she is absolutely beautiful! And you are doing a fantastic job.
I know how you are feeling as i have an 8 month old who is all hands on and I’ve just found out that i am pregnant. I have been thinking the same etc but i promise it will get easier. People will never understand your struggles just ignore them and you do whats best for you and your little babas! I wish you all the best your love for both of your children will be equal dont worry its crazy how motherhood work’s everything will fall in to place

Firstly i just want to say what’s a wonderful mum you are secondly she’s absolutely beautiful and thirdly, you do not need to be embarrassed to express how your feeling. This is so normal how your feeling your heavily pregnancy Hormonal to hell, your so strong and amazing I totally get why your feeling so much mum guilt , mum guilt gets me when I say no to my toddler for wanting a chocolate bar at 630am. I am so sorry your daughter is poorly, but momma your doing fantastic? Sharing your heart with 2 small babies will come so naturally and everything will work out so smooth, being different is beautiful your definitely not failing absolutely nobody babe your partner helps out when he can, your MIL helps you, my heart goes to you babe. You’ll smash this 💗 please do not feel a failure your definitely no a failure more than anything you are super mum. you take care of yourself to tho honey because your mental health also matters. xxx

Hello Natasha, just stay strong mama you got this honestly you will be fine..
Just take life as it comes and be strong I know it’s easy to say but we all go through a phrases and pray your little girl will recover soon and you have a healthy little boy ❤️ I’m here if you need someone to talk to x

Thank you so much for everyone’s messages and kindness of all you lovely mums out there, not even a hint of judgements from anyone! You are all so so kind 💗💗 in my darkest hours I panic and watch my baby sleep in her warm peaceful bed and realise that I am actually so so lucky because some parents no longer have their babies and others are going through so much worse! My baby is happy, she’s loved and we can handle what is coming our way! We never get more than we can handle and I’m sure she will make the best big sister to my little boy! Once I had finished crying I went back downstairs to my baby and finished off our day watching her favourite toy story and I felt so much better! Just that hour to myself made me feel human again! Just to put it out there if any of you lovely mummy’s out there are dealing with any muscle conditions with their little ones I would love to share some tips and tricks on how to get them moving ❤️
Lots of love to you all. You have all been amazing ❤️❤️

She is beautiful . Don’t feel bad your feelings are valid. Your doing your best and that is all you can do . Take each day one at a time . Focus on the fact that you are so far along in this journey with your new baby you need to be happy and healthy for. And in return you will have a happy and healthy new baby! Also if you’re daughter is not developing as well as she needs to be due to her condition have you considered home health care maybe just for specific parts of your day or times that f the week insurance may cover some type of medical assistance. Maybe a doula of some sort to get through the early stages of birth once baby comes home. Sounds like you have a good support system with your mother in law and spouse. I’m sure things will work out for you. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Your daughter loves you and all that you do for her. Stay strong momma💆♀️♥️

You're not alone. Having a medically complex baby is extremely hard! Your feelings are valid. If you ever need someone who understands being a medical mama shoot me a message

It’s ok to feel like this ! I’m praying for you. Read or listen to M is for moma

She is gorgeous ❤️ sending you love xo

Sending you a warm hug mom you will be fine you got this ❤️

Sending love x

We as humans worry , it’s a natural thing don’t be so hard on yourself your doing the best you can do 💖 leave it in gods hands he truly is the only way. My only answer is god 🙏 wishing you well ..

I just wanted to pop on here and say, I really feel for you. Whilst not my child, but my nephew, was born with cystic fibrosis, has severe anaphylaxis, ADHD and autism and his younger brother has none of this. It’s really hard and health issues are really scary, but honestly every child brings their own love, you don’t have to sacrifice yours towards each of them. I will also say that I read once somewhere, that “you were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” and that is so true - no one can do or give your child what you do, only you. If you can give happiness and love that’s enough 🩷

Hi, I can just repeat what others are saying: you are doing amazing, hormones, pregnancy , mom of a medical cooler child.
What does nuture you? Given your support system....can you take some walks, listen to some relaxing music, meditate? Focusing on the here and now is hard but also the best way to get out of anxiety and worry. What is happening in this moment? The future is in the future and you can't do anything about it. Maybe you find an app or a person to guide you. Take good care! I hope that helps!