Emetophobic first time mum

Can I ask you how it affects you? Is it just when you are sick? When others are sick? Feel free to pm me if you prefer 😊

I get the worst panic attack that will last for hours if I feel like I’m going to be sick, and as well if someone around me looks like they’re going to be as well it’s just the worst thing for me, I’m terrified for when it’s sickness bug season, I’d rather just keep my kid off school 😭

I’m sorry to hear that, it sounds really difficult 😥 it might be different having your own child though? In a sense of duty to them It might not affect you as strongly? Could you try some exposure therapy before bubs arrives?

Have you done therapy recently? This sounds like a good time to try and work on this phobia as you have extra motivation of wanting to be able to comfort your child. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service you can easily sign up online here.

Hypnotherapy? Regular therapy.

Sounds tough but you also can't just neglect your child when they are sick. I really hope you are able to find some way that helps you cope better. Maybe ask GP for anti-anxiety meds, they might treat it like a form of panic attack and you can dose yourself as an when needed (i.e. when baby is unwell).

Personally, I suffered with emetophobia for many many years from a child until 2022 when I had my daughter. I tried hypnotherapy, counselling online therapy and more when I had this. But since the birth of my Daughter and the amount of times a newborn is sick when burping and bringing up milk, then picking up lots of different illnesses and being on my own whilst my husband worked I had no other choice but to face it head on and get through it. Honestly now, it does still effect me, but no where near as much as it’s used to years ago! Feel free to message me if needed! Xx

thank you for understanding 😔 I feel like in the moment I’d push my own feelings aside and activate mum mode! But you never know, my other half is so good with just dealing with vomit and has said he’ll deal with it, my mum has said she’ll come over to look after bubs if it ever happens so I have amazing support around me. Even talking about it makes my heart pound!!!

thank you, think I’ll look into this now, time to address it after 25 years of this awful phobia !

sounds like you have a great support network which will be amazing for helping navigate those first few weeks. You are strong and you’re going to do awesomely! Congratulations on your beautiful bundle, I hope everything goes smoothly and it won’t be long until bubs is in your arms ❤️ you’re welcome to message me (I have 2u2 😂)