Alas, unlike our friends in the rest of the maternal animal kingdom, the how-to's of baby care don't exactly come naturally to us humans. A first-time mother dog knows precisely how to lick her pups clean, while we first-time human moms struggle with those early baths (and we get to use a washcloth!).
But while we need a little help (and a lot of baby books) to help us figure out how to care for our young, what does come naturally to us human moms is the instinct to care about them (and just the fact that you're already worrying is a sign that this important instinct has already kicked in).
So even if you were never the type to fawn over friends' newborns, or melt at the sight of miniature T-shirts in the layette department, or coo at every passing stroller — even if you were voted least likely to strap on a baby sling (ever) — once you give birth to that precious little bundle you'll soon call Baby, you'll be surprised how quickly you start feeling like a parent. And how quickly you start fawning, melting and cooing with the best of them.
That said, the trepidation you're feeling now — especially when your baby is still doing somersaults in your womb instead of being cradled in your arms — is completely normal. So normal, in fact, it's shared by just about every mom (even those veteran ones) at some point in pregnancy.
Will you be able to handle it all? Realistically, it may take a while to get those how-to's honed (wash eyes from center to side, wipe bottoms from front to back, save shampoo for last…and repeat). And freaking out? It's not totally out of the question in those first few weeks (when the stove's boiling over, the phone's ringing, there's a delivery at the door, and you just realized that (a) your baby just had a major diaper blowout and (b) you're out of diapers). But before you know it, mothering will indeed become second nature.
Read This Next
Meanwhile, get as far ahead of the game as you can — before the game has even begun. Read up on baby care (I know a book you might like: It's called What to Expect the First Year!), spend time with friends who have babies (and ask for some practice sessions) or take a class, if you can. The more you know, the less you'll have to learn on the job!
Wishing you a lifetime of happy mothering!
Yes 
No 
Trending On What to Expect
