I understand that it isn't exactly the same. But I am so done hearing that I can't understand or know what I'm talking…

I was the same as you, lots of experience with babies and children but for me personally it’s been totally different since having my own. Not that people who don’t have kids can’t have a valid opinion or feelings but I can definitely say for me nothing really prepared me for having my own.

@mariapb I just don't think that people understand I raised the youngest two, the older two never went to my mother for anything in life ever. It was always me. My middle brother was kind of iffy I was more just his best friend but it's just insane that it doesn't seem to count for anything.

I don’t think anyone is ever really prepared for motherhood until they have their own. Your experiences will mean you may have more knowledge than someone else who hasn’t helped raise kids, but having your own is a completely different ball game.

@gorgeousmay42217, oh your experience should definitely count, you’ll have learned and done things that people who haven’t been around children won’t know. I think when it’s not your own children things are done on a more black and white basis eg this is correct and this is wrong, but when you have your own instinct kicks in and you see more grey areas. Throw in the hormones, and emotions and the love that you will only feel for your children and things are completely different.

Definitely helps to have experience. But I agree, your own are totally different. Especially the newborn stage. Nobody knows what the fuck they're doing.

I agree with the above comments. I was a full time nanny. Around babies my whole life. I’m a nurse. And yet the second my daughter was born everything was different. When it’s your own child that you literally grew and birthed, that past experience means a lot less than you think it will now. It certainly does count for something... and it will help lead you in the right direction, but a new mom is a new mom no matter how many babies she helped raise. Trust me, you’ll look back and be like wow I didn’t even know how much I didn’t know.

@mariapb That is the part thst I know will be different. There is a difference in the type of love, I feel that with my baby girl, even nkw and hormones added. It is different, I just can't stand the undermining. And like I said, I know it can't just be me in that situation, yet it's not just helpful or positive opinions like I am receiving here. It's rude, judgemental people.

@mommytok my main point is that I wasn't just around babies my whole life. I was around them constantly but with my 5 it wasn't just around them. My mom didn't do anything, she made me do it. Everything, she breastfed so she fed as babies but other than that it was all me. That's why I really believe it's absurd when people rudely tell me I don't know what I'm doing etc. I fully support and accept everything when it is coming from a place of help and care not inconsiderate, know it alls.

@gorgeousmay42217, I’m not agreeing with talking down to someone or sounding like a know it all, but I am agreeing with the fact that no amount of baby experience will 100% prepare anyone for motherhood, and the way you think about a lot of things will likely change when it comes to this child you are pregnant with verses your siblings.

@mommytok I know I can't be 100% prepared. I was just ranting because I've heard so much of the talking down, especially lately. I know it's different. I'm just done hearing from everyone around me and people who don't know me about not being able to do this. The laughing when I say I'm excited and get the response of, "That's what you say now. You have no idea what to do." "You aren't ready" "Well, we will see." Etc.