Ladies,

Apologies for not being back yesterday...you're gonna laugh, but my boobs were too hot and sweaty to be bothered sitting at the computer (37 degrees in Melbourne)

Thank you so much for your support, kind words and advice. It has reminded me about a lot of the work that I did in the counseling, about remembering to do some positive activities, take some time out to allow the feelings be "felt," remind myself that I'm not alone, and that everything I feel is likely to be normal. In all honesty, the emotions and mood have felt a bit like PMS, so I'm putting at least some of it down to hormones, notwithstanding that I need to acknowledge them and sit with them for awhile.

I have a standing Medicare referral for a psychologist which I think I'm going to take up - I haven't used it because the ANDA counseling was covered. I've also decided that I'm going to take Maternity Leave at 34 weeks, rather than trying to stick it out until 36 or 37 weeks - because part of feeling overwhelmed has been anxiety about not being prepared or emotionally ready for baby. I realised that if it was money I was worried about, it wasn't worth it and now I have an end-date in my mind, I'm looking forward to it and able to relax a bit.

Your stories have brought me relief and reassurance, thank you. Hopefully I can provide the same support to others one day as well.

thank you again.