Too many commitments, feeling stressed out.

[greengirl_]

Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed with social and family obligations right now? I'm feeling like my firends and family think that just because I haven't actually had the baby yet that I've got all the time and energy in the world to go places and do stuff, when all I really want to do is stay home and calmly prepare my home for our HB and our new baby.

Any tips on how to say NO?

[Eben'sMama]

I think you did a great of job of explaining it right here. If you explain to friends and family that you are so very appreciative of all of their attention and kindness, and you don't want to reject them, but you just really feel like you need to nest right now, I would think they would understand. Anyone who has had a baby knows that it's going to take you 5X longer to get anything done once the baby arrives, and you need to be centered, peaceful and most definitely NOT overwhelmed to have the birth experience you want. Also, you could explain that you can't wait for them to meet the baby and look forward to having them shower you with attention (and help!) after the birth! :wink

[greengirl_]

Thanks Eben'sMama. I'm finally starting to actually (politely) say no to some of the obligations that I would have taken on in the past. Your suggestion of saying exactly what I wrote before was a good one. It seems to work and everyone has been much more understanding than I thought they would be. So now I'm stressing less, and able to focus more on my home and my upcoming HB.
Thanks!