Oh the things people say.....
Peyton Lambton
I know I am guilty of giving unsolicited advice and offering my opinion when it probably isn't appropriate. This is something I am now going to be much more aware of after experiencing the things people say to women who are expecting. It's actually pretty comical and I don't take any of it personally, but I feel that we all need to take a step back and think before we speak.....especially to hormonally charged women who are creating a life inside of them.
1. Commenting on a pregnant woman's size.
Whether you think a woman is too small or too large doesn't matter. All pregnant women are seeing a doctor and that's for them to determine. I have heard both comments so I'm not sure whether people think I need to gain weight or put the brakes on the amount of food I am consuming. Honestly I don't care, but really why would you tell a pregnant woman, who is probably already self conscious about their appearance, anything other than 'You look beautiful.' A woman told me the other day that I must have a very large baby because I am big and I still have a ways to go. Really? Did you really just tell me I'm huge and to be prepared to get bigger?? Who says that? I'm fully aware that I am creating a human inside of me and if I get big and have a big healthy baby then that is the least of my worries. I also had a lady at the nail salon tell me I'm too small to be carrying a baby. So whatever!! Side note.....I'm drinking a giant milkshake as I am writing this and it's delicious.
2. Opinions on finding out the gender.
Chris and I have chosen not to find out the gender of our baby. After going through IVF we figured that having a surprise at the end of the long road would be something fun to add to the excitement. This is a personal decision and everyone is entitled to make this decision for themselves. Telling me 'I don't know how you do that' or 'I don't know why anyone would find out' is simply your opinion, but at the end of the day it's really up to the parents to be to determine what they want. So when you are expecting you can make that decision for yourself. Maybe just say 'Oh that's great' or 'I can't wait to see your beautiful baby.' That would be nice.
3. Selecting a name for the baby.
I now understand why expecting parents do not share their name list. This is a very personal decision. It would break my heart to share a name I chose just to have someone tell me something negative about it. But if you wait until after the child is born to announce the name, then most people are going to be excited for whatever you have chosen. Again, saying anything other than 'That's beautiful' is really unnecessary. There will always be someone out there who won't like the name you chose, but that's life. Just keep this opinion to yourself.
I guess to sum it up just offer a smile and if you need to comment, try to keep it short, sweet and positive. Hormones are no joke so stay on the safe side. :)