I‘m autistic, my NT husband really wants to have kids and I’m scared to death

Pregnancy and recovery from childbirth can be extremely exhausting. Tell him you need to see beforehand that he is able to give you the amount of help you need. This "once we have a baby" stuff is a red flag, means he doesn't recognize the seriousness of the responsibility, or he'd have no problem establishing a better pattern now. My partner did everything the first few weeks except feeding our daughter (all housework, cooking, diapers too).

As far as sleeping, I had her sleeping within arms' reach of me and that worked fine, but I tend to fall back asleep quickly after being woken up (it's weird, I have a hard time falling asleep the first time, but once I have, falling back asleep is easier). If you struggle with falling back to sleep you might need your husband giving night feedings. The first couple months are the hardest, but don't underestimate just how hard they are. I'd compare it to taking care of a sick person while being sick yourself.

I also noticed (in my kids) a shorter phase - a week or two - of more night waking around six months, so if that happens, don't panic.

/r/AutisticParents Thread