Nausea, exhaustion
all from a little round grape
I want my caffeine!
If the general first trimester yuckiness wasn't enough, this is the advice I got from my weekly pregnancy newsletter this morning:
Start a daily ritual to connect with your baby. Diane Sanford, a clinical psychologist who focuses on pregnancy and postpartum adjustment, encourages women to set aside two five- to ten-minute periods a day to think about their baby. Just after waking up and before going to sleep works well for many expectant moms. During these times, sit quietly and gently rest your hands on your belly. Focus on your breathing and then start thinking about your baby (your hopes and dreams, your intentions as a parent, etc.). It's a great way to initiate the bonding process and to help you plan for the kind of parent you want to be.
I hate advice like this. And had I read this crap when I was pregnant with Ironflower, I would have felt so guilty. At that time, I was working. I fell asleep as soon as I got into bed and rolled out when the alarm went off for the third time in the morning. Sure, I chatted with her when I drove to work and at other points in the day, but I never sat quietly and focused on my breathing while thinking about her. It's just not my way. I chat with the Grape (that's this week's fetus size) often, too. But when I have a chance to sit quietly, I'll be sleeping, thanks.
But what about "initiating the bonding process"? Give me a break. This makes the bonding process sound all complicated, like it's something you have to work at. Granted, there are people who take longer to bond with their babies than "normal", but it's still something that just happens - it's not rocket science. And it happens even when a woman doesn't carry her child, so why stress out a woman in the first trimester with advice like this? (Though if you choose to do this, I'm not judging. Go right ahead, as long as it actually makes you happy.)
11 comments:
I re-signed up for the baby newsletter the second time around, thinking it would be cool to read week-by-week all of the things that excited me so much last pregnancy. He's a poppy seed! He's a cantelope! He can hear! But I find myself more annoyed this time by the newsletter, which are clearly geared towards mothers without other children: "take lots of naps." "let the housework pile up." "go out with your spouse." "talk to your baby and write him letters."
How bout YOU go out with my spouse, nap, and write my unborn fetus letters, Mr. babycenter.com, because I am too busy chasing a toddler around and WORKING! Nap, schmap!
ahh I remember those days :) have a wonderful weekend bonding in your own way with your little grape!
Yah. These people have no clue what it's like to gestate. None at all. As if with two little ones you can pull these things off.
I hope the "grape" gives you some relief soon.
Okay, I've never been pregnant, but if anyone were to ask me I'd say "HA to in-utero bonding". And then I'd stick out my tongue and say, "I can drink a latte, nanny-nanny-nanny!"
We are so on the same wavelength today. The only difference - you're at the beginning of your pregnancy and I'm at the end. I get so annoyed with stuff that's written to make you feel inadequate.
Ah, yes. I remember. Nice post!
what a load of crap. I say take that extra 5 to 10 minutes to eat or sleep. That'll start the bonding process....and I so hope that the nausea subsides. I hated that feeling.
A grape? I love it!
Though I have not yet been blessed with children (or a husband, for that matter...), I am totally with you. Mothers and babies have been bonding just fine for millenia. They didn't need special focusing sessions - though that sounds like a nice way to stay calm, no matter what.
Can't wait to hear more along the way!
what a load of crap. I say take that extra 5 to 10 minutes to eat or sleep. That'll start the bonding process....and I so hope that the nausea subsides. I hated that feeling.
ahh I remember those days :) have a wonderful weekend bonding in your own way with your little grape!
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