Seperation Anxiety or - because I'm pregnant?

ilovemybaby wrote: Abby has gotten terrible over the last few months. She won't go to daddy. She only wants me. He can't put her in her highchair. She just kicks and screams and won't go in it. She won't let him hug her. She just wants me all the time!
I'm worried about what she is going to be like when baby arrives.

Anyone else have this problem?

holley79 replied: I'm not really sure sweetie. I know a friend of mine's DS did the same thing the last couple months of her pregnancy. Right after DS#2 was born and they gave him his own little "Big brother" helpers thingys (I'm a dork) then it seemed to make a big difference. (I don't make sense.)

ilovemybaby replied: Thanks. The thing is she doesn't seem to hate the baby. She points to/pokes my tummy and says "bubba!" and gives her a kiss She loves her baby doll that I got her (to help her get used to babies) and goes to it straight away when it cries and feeds it it's bottle etc... She even brings it to me to stop it crying HAHA

I don't understand this. She used to love daddy (I know she still does) and spending time with him. She used to run to the door and say Daddy when he came home from work each day. Now it's like he doesn't exist. And it's getting really hard for me physically to be there for her whenever she wants me because carrying her and holding her gives me backache and sharp tummy pains and I can't stand up holding her for more than a few minutes. And she wants to be on my lap or hugging me whenever I sit down to relax. I lie down and she is all over me! It's pretty impossible to explain to a 23 month old that mummy needs to rest and have alone time.
When I leave the room to have a shower she cries until I get out and come back. And daddy is right there. UGH

MamaJAM replied: I'm sure its a little of both -- she can sense things changing as the baby's arrival gets closer....and she's probably going through a separation-stage.
I'm a SAHM and have had a few of the kids go through stages when they only wanted DH.....I wasn't good enough for anything (certainly made for some REALLY rough days).

I'd say give it a little time and indulge her as much as possible. If she really doesn't want Daddy hugging/cuddling her or helping her with things.....just have him tell her how much he loves her extra for a while. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon.

ilovemybaby replied: Thanks I will talk to him when he comes home about spending more time playing with her when he gets home from work. And maybe taking her out by himself in the weekend to the park or something so I can relax.

~~*Missi*~~ replied: Sabrina is always a mama's girl no matter what. She prefers me but then again I am the one home 24/7 doing everything. Chris is out making the money. She will go to him in her time when she wants to.
I am sure its a phase. Just keep trying
Good luck sweetie......

ashtonsmama replied:

It will pass, I bet. Good luck, hun...keep us posted.

C&K*s Mommie replied: I am sure it is a phase, all children go through them from time to time and have their preferences for one parent or the other. Even to this day, if Chris is around the girls want him to do everything, the same with Nana, Meme & Papa, and Mr. Jesse -- children have their preferences and it is not meant as a sleight against your DH at all. She will eventually leave that phase behind, and another will takes its place.

ilovemybaby replied: Thanks. I think he's taking it to heart. He keeps saying "do I have a daughter?" or "am I really her father?" HAHA She won't even give him a kiss or hug 99 percent of the time. I feel bad for him because I know he is taking it so personally. I guess I'd probably feel the same if it was me.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Wil's been a total mama's boy lately too, but not sure if it's because I'm pregnant. Could be other things...is she cutting any teeth? I'm sure Abby will be all over your DH in a few weeks. They change their minds so often.

ilovemybaby replied: She has been putting her hands right to the back of her mouth sometimes... and drooling a bit more than normal. But she hasn't been in pain (like screaming or anything) and she seems fine. She's eating as normal and no fever or anything.
Maybe her two year molars are starting to push through... she won't let me see in her mouth... it's hard enough cleaning her teeth properly

I don't know... I think it's because I'm pregnant but who knows. I'm sure it's just a phase that will pass soon enough.

Brias3 replied: I think all three of mine, at varying points, went through favoring one parent over the other. I made no huge deal of it and it eventually passed on. She might be clingier than usual but hopefully it won't be a continued thing once the baby arrives! Best wishes