Did anyone watch EVER watch the old classic movie "Bambi"? Remember when Thumper's mom says, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." 70 years later and Thumper's mom's words hold SO MUCH wisdom.
During my pregnancy, I've had several comments said to me that I was able to brush off. Even laughed at, even. However, there are some comments that I wonder WHAT IN THE WORLD PROVOKES PEOPLE TO SAY SUCH A THING?
I've had people tell me that I would have a 15 pound baby because my belly is enormous. I've also had people tell me that it seems like I've been pregnant for forever. Every person and stranger who walks into my office makes a comment about my belly - "Wow! You are huge!", "You are breathing heavy, are you okay?"...I've had people tell me they couldn't believe I could still be standing without that baby falling out between my legs.
These are discouraging comments.
Pregnancy has made me feel like my body is foreign to me. I've had changes take place with my body that have made me (even more) self-conscious. In addition, being 37 weeks pregnant, I am sleep-deprived. When I stand up at work, I feel my hips readjust as I walk...it's painful. My feet are swollen ALL the time...and I can't even put them up until the end of a long day of work. The last thing I need is someone to make a "funny" comment.
With all that said, I want to include some blogs of things NOT to say to a pregnant woman. I'm sure MY readers are far more thoughtful than some of the bearers of the comments I've received and the comments in these blogs. So why share this at all? Because it takes thoughtful and caring people LIKE YOU to be aware of these comments. And if you are around your preggo friends and hear these comments, be courageous and say something! Encourage your pregnant friend! Your encouraging comments will reach into the heart of your pregnant friend and could transform her day. Literally.
Pregnancy Etiquette
Things A Pregnant Woman Shouldn't Hear
One said "I was ripped open end to end!" OMG, do people really say that? I would cry with every comment; you are amazing for keeping your head up!
ReplyDeleteBethany, I totally agree with you about be carful how you comment ot a pregnant women... I got really big with William and some of the comments I got from people and at church no less left me in tears by the time I got to the car. I think you are doing great with your pregnancy and baby Madden is going to be so blessed to have you for his Mama!
ReplyDeleteLisa