In the past year, I’ve observed the various ways people react to pregnancy announcements, including my own, and it dawned on me: Most women will respond in one of five distinct ways. Understanding these reactions is crucial because they often foreshadow how supportive (or not) these individuals will be in the future. Are you about to face an overzealous advice-giver who’ll drive you to the brink of insanity? Or perhaps a mommy-shamer armed with statistics on the dangers of your favorite baby gear? Here’s a sneak peek at what you might experience when sharing your joyful news.
1. The ‘Your Life Has Purpose’ Friend
This friend is quick to inform you that your life lacked significance until the moment you announced your pregnancy. Forget your career achievements or personal milestones; none of that matters now. Before I welcomed my daughter, I had published a few novels and earned degrees, but I was told that these accomplishments paled in comparison to motherhood. Brace yourself for the inevitable eye rolls when you share your struggles—this friend will respond with comments like, “But how can you bear to put that baby down?” It’s hard to resist the urge to roll your eyes back.
2. The ‘Say Goodbye to Your Freedom’ Friend
While the previous friend insists your life now has meaning, this one will happily remind you that it’s all over. “You’ll never sleep again!” she’ll exclaim, likely while juggling her own brood of tiny tornadoes. In your vulnerable state, you might start to believe her, but resist that temptation! Yes, parenting is tough, but it doesn’t mean your life is over—just drastically different. And for the love of sleep, don’t consult her when you’re knee-deep in diaper changes and sleep deprivation; her wisdom is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
3. The ‘Live Your Life’ Friend
This friend believes there’s no reason to change your habits, and she’ll probably say, “Congrats! Have a drink!” when you break the news. She might have some wild stories about her own carefree pregnancy, which may leave you scratching your head. But don’t let her carefree attitude fool you; while it’s fun to hear her tales, it’s probably best to seek motherhood advice elsewhere. When the baby is finally here, this is the friend you’ll want to reach out to for a glass of wine (and some much-needed support).
4. The ‘Enough About You’ Friend
Prepare yourself for an endless monologue when you share your pregnancy news with this friend. “Congratulations! Have you felt sick? Oh, when I was pregnant…” And just like that, the focus shifts from you to her. You’ll realize you haven’t had a chance to speak for five minutes, and the spotlight will never return to your pregnancy. This trend won’t change after the baby arrives, either. Trust me, her child’s milestones will always eclipse your own, so save your breath for someone more appreciative!
5. The ‘Let Me Make Your Life Easier’ Friend
At last, here’s the gem you’ll adore! This friend will genuinely ask how you’re feeling and offer to bring you meals after the baby arrives. She’ll listen to your worries and cheerfully celebrate every cute little milestone you share. This is your rock, the person you’ll cherish throughout your motherhood journey. Treat her well; you’re going to need her in those chaotic early days!
I was fortunate to be surrounded by friends who made my transition into motherhood smoother, and I hope you find your tribe too! Remember, the reactions you receive are just a small part of the wild adventure that is pregnancy. Embrace the journey, and hold tight to the friends that lift you up.
For more on navigating this exciting phase, check out this insightful article and discover amazing resources like this one on fertility and home insemination, or explore this excellent resource for pregnancy-related information.
Summary:
Expect a variety of reactions when announcing your pregnancy, from those who believe your life has newfound meaning to others who may unintentionally dampen your excitement. Understanding these different responses can help you navigate your support system as you embark on the life-changing journey of motherhood.