Oooh...thanks for the great replies everyone. I love BB to you all!

Yes, it is overwhelming a positive experience, but I suppose I don't like saying "oh, yes everything is great" when I am obviously tired and I have told her to 'shut up' that morning and hated myself ever since etc

You're all right though - its about assessing the situation as I go and not trying to control the outcome of the conversation too much. I think I am scared I come across too much one way or the other (depending on the day) and might be doing a disservice to the other party or myself with too much honesty!

Aurora I LOVE that quote. I gotta get that book!

As for the idea of knowing what to expect when pregnant - it is ridiculous we live in a society where most people haven't even held a baby until they hold their own. We should be able to watch other mum's breastfeed and mind children etc before we have our own, and then have that wealth of knowledge from generations of other mummies when its our own turn (that's another rant though).

I think I was so deliriously happy when pregnant and I had such a dream birth, that the reality of life with a baby was a seismic shift in another direction...and not necessarily down...just into unchartered territory.

Interesting to think about anyway. Thanks everyone for the input!