Very worried

[Tams]

Hi,
This is my first posting. I am a 35 yr old T1 diabetic. I am in good control and we have finally made the decision that we want to have a child. The only issue is, I am terrified!
Lucky that's the only issue eh!
Not only am I worried about Down Syndrome because I am older, but I am worried about caring for a child. What will happen when I am low and need to treat my low and can't handle a crying child? I realize that may sound odd, but when I am low I need to be in a quiet place. I want to be the best mom I can be but I am so worried I won't be a good parent.
I am also so worried about my child developing diabetes. I realize there are worse things but somehow I would know that I caused this.

[KimberSue]

Just like everything else in life I'm sure you will adjust. Once I had my children they are my primary concern. Do you have anyone near by you? Like family or a close friend that you maybe can call if your feeling like your low?

[sarahspins]

Not a popular view at all in many parnenting communities, but you have to stop and take care of yourself first.. and it's HARD sometimes. Trust me, I know, I have 3 :)

Probably the best advice I ever got as a new mom (just after my first was born) was that it's okay to walk away for a few minutes if you really HAVE to... even if they're crying, as long as they are safe, they can wait.. but you really can't. When they're older dealing with your own needs get easier... I can tell my 4yo to wait for example, and she's generally okay for a while.. but my 2yo doesn't quite "get it" yet.. in his world, if it's not happening now, it's not going to happen, and he must throw a fit over it... so I still deal with a bit of the "I have to take care of me first" even though all of mine aren't really babies any more.

Something else to think about... most of my lows (past the first week or so post-partum) happened while nursing (and most T1's find that nursing can lower your BG by a LOT)... have snacks/fast acting carbs near anywhere you nurse at home so you can handle lows without having to get up or move... makes things a TON easier. I found that I needed 8-10g of uncovered carbs every time I saw down to nurse or I would go low. That easily made up for the extra calories I needed while nursing.. apart from those snacks I just ate normally. My basal needs were also lower while I was nursing (about 25% less than pre-pregnancy).

I do worry about my kids developing T1, but I don't stress out about it every day. If it happens, it happens.. I can't let myself worry about what ifs. Having T1 hasn't exactly ruined my life.. I woudln't think they are doomed or anything. Yes, it's hard, but it's not impossible... we know that :)

[Katrina Stovold]

I am a worrier too and just found out I am preg but I am doing my best to think on the bright side of life and do my best! You can do anything! xx

[Dis-N-Dat]

Welcome to you Tams:

You'll find lots of support here.

[Mich]

Hi Tams and welcome.

Keep looking up. Attitude is important when you're pregnant.

Your kids will adjust. Saraspins gave you good advice, as long as a child is safe, it worn't hurt them to cry a little, or have to wait their turn in the order of things. Later, they will understand that sometimes even mom needs a few minutes to herself. That's not a bad thing.

Your worrying tells me you'll be just fine as a mom. Congratulations and enjoy being pregnant, and later...your little one.

Mich