New baby agoraphobia

[subelite]

My son is 10 wks old. I dealt with ppd soon after birth and I feel pretty good overall with the exception of my " new baby agoraphobia ". I feel so much anxiety when it comes to going shopping and dining out. I'm ok with a visit to a friends house or a drs office. I find myself altering a lot of plans simply because I'm scared to be in public with baby. It's not healthy.
Now that the weather is cold , trips to the park are out but the idea of strolling around a shopping mall makes me so nervous.
I did manage to put baby in a sling and walk briefly into a store but he slept the whole time. My fears are also of germs ( people touching my baby ) and if he throws a fit and I have to leave...

Does anyone else relate to this? Babies and children naturally cry and get upset so I know it is inevitable but it makes me so nervous!

[annekevdbroek]

Do you notice a lot of babies crying in public? Nope. Or Rarely. It happens but it is a rare occurance and people are understanding. (Those that aren't have some serious growing up to do). What is it that you think will happen if babe cries? Can you survive the worst-case senario? Keep some hand sanitizer handy and don't let people touch (that is a reasonable fear, but people aren't going to tackle you to get their germy hands on the baby).

Avoidance strenthens anxiety. I'd encourage you to get out and try some outings, in small doses. You will find that it is ok. Maybe an outting to a child-friendly place, like a children's clothing store or a toy store would be a good place to start.

Best wishes to you Mama and congrats on your new little one!