Long post but please help me!

Before anyone says… i’m on the waiting list for therapy. But I need some advice before I ruin my babys life too! I have severe health anxiety. I locked myself away during covid and have never been the same since. I have such a huge fear of getting ill, even just a cold. This has now moved onto fear for my baby. I am TERRIFIED of her getting ill. I won’t kiss her or breathe on her. I wash her hands, toys and face multiple times a day (i know this isn’t healthy) i freak out if anyone comes near us thats ill even if we are out. If someone does come near us thats ill, i spend the next week extremely anxious. I’m constantly seeing things on social media about rsv and babies dying.. and thats not helping. I don’t know what to do anymore. Its ruining my time with her and i hate it. Any advice is welcome please.. i’m desperate!

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The safest person to be around your baby is you, so you giving her that love, whether that be through a cuddle or a kiss, is always a good thing!&I completely understand your fear of her getting ill. I, too, have had that fear for my own children. However, her being locked away will be worse in the long run as being isolated, she won't have built up a strong immune system to fight illnesses. I recommend taking baby steps like going for a short walk, whether that be down the street or ariund your garden (if you have one), giving her the chance to get accustomed to the weather change. The likelihood is that she will get a little sniffly nose, but her body will be producing those antibodies to fight it. However, don't be ashamed! The world went to sh** when covid was around, even now. Everyone has some damage from covid, it affected so many people. Chin up, there's no fault in being a concerned&loving parent xx

And always remember that you know your baby better than anyone else. If she does seem ill&your concerned, contact your GP. They prefer you to get them seen&put your mind at ease x

I had my first daughter during Covid times so I totally get your anxiety feelings BUT give your daughter a kiss. You both need it. You are together all the time so it is extremely unlikely you would give her anything. As the previous poster pointed out in the long run isolating your daughter from people will mean her immune system will be weaker and she will get sick more when she finally starts nursery/school ect. If you feel better cleaning her toys ect then that’s fine but kiss and cuddle her and enjoy her. Lastly, STOP doom scrolling social media! Your baby is healthy and happy and is not going to die.

Oh no no no, you must kiss your baby, you're missing out so much by not doing this! I suffer cold sores and I still kiss my baby all the time! Obviously when I had an active one I did my best not to, but I also know she had some immunity passed from me during pregnancy. Have you vaccinated your baby? If so, then that's great, if not then do it!

I'm the exact same! Here for a chat x

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