How did you feel when you first started talking about having kids with your partner? Did you suddenly find yourself overwhelmed by a million questions, doubts, and anxiety?

Hi all,

My partner (M35) and I (F33) have been having conversations about having kids, and I think we’re ready. To be honest, everyone grows up thinking they’ll eventually have a husband or wife, a dog, a cat, a house, a job, and then kids — but when it starts actually happening, you think, “Oh shit, it’s really happening.”

I’m not pregnant yet, but although we’ve been talking about it for the past two years, we now feel ready for the next level.

Do you think it’s normal to feel a bit anxious? I’m not worried about having a baby itself; what I’m worried about is losing my freedom. I know things will inevitably change, and that what we can do spontaneously now will need more planning ahead. But I keep thinking that, for the next 16+ years, I’ll have someone constantly relying on me.

For those of you who have children: have you managed to keep your routines and adventures with your partner going after having a child? What advice would you give me? Is there anything you wish you had known before bringing a human being into the world?