fiona: I as well as a million other mothers totally understand your feelings/anxieties. No one will ever be 100% ready for a new baby. Having one really is a test of faith in Heavenly Father...that He will bless you with the best child for your life and provide for you. Don't let Satan discourage you. I have many friends who had a child(ren) in undergrad, they still graduate/make it through. As if that's challenging enough, we have many medical school friends who have 2, 3, even 4 children during that rigorous phase of life. Who would be so nuts to do that, especially when living off student loans? Heavenly Father always provides. Some people need government assistance (WIC, foodstamps, health insurance), and that's a blessing (if not abused). As "poor" as we were/are, we were blessed with free deliveries, baby showers to provide necessities, the list honestly goes on and on. Pay tithing, the Lord knows your heart. Pain: I (in some miraculous way) was able to endure two natural childbirths. Our bodies are made to be able to endure. We're the toughest of the sexes! But thank goodness we're in the age of advanced technology/medicine. You will be taken care of. I know there's great pain meds, etc. for you. Hey, I say if your motherly instincts are prompting you, move forward with faith! You will be blessed and have added joy. Think of it this way - if you prolong having a child for 5 years, that's 5 years missed with your lovely child...and life is dang short. Best of luck.
