what are the different experiences and expectations of every pregnant woman out there?
Obviously, their nationality and family type all affects this. The type of personality a woman usually is, along with how that changes when you are pregnant, probably due to hormones, also affects this.
Aaah, those lovely hormones. Only those hormones can make me cry at every freaking commercial, for no obscene reason. Only those hormones make me get teary-eyed when I see a sink full of dishes waiting for me. Only those hormones make me go to sleep cranky and wake up angry. Alas, I digress.
-"I feel like being Indian and prego as tiny people, we get so big and expand out. People ask if I'm due tomorrow since I have been 6 months pregnant."
-"Possible negatives about being an Indian prego- almost everything indian moms tell u is opposite what the doctor says..i.e., don't eat too much fish, limit sugars from fruits, etc. It was hard to think of things specific to being Indian. Also I don't think Indian people get the concept of "working mom". No one understood why I went back to work when -- was 6 weeks. They also don't appreciate daycare. They are all about the grandparents babysitting."
-"Good thing about being an Indian prego: The whole family cares for you or pampers you. Can't think of anything bad."
Even when asking those that are marrying into an Indian family, but not born Indian....
-"Bad things: Not fitting in Indian clothes! And the random food that only your mom can make. Or just wanting spicy pickle on everything. Good things: Everyone gets so excited when they find out you're pregnant. Everyone wants to feed you and you don't want to cook so it all works out so the hubby is fed too."
My opinion? Well, I agree with most of these positive things about being an Indian prego. Everyone really is happy for you and want to make food for you. They all want to give their advice and help as much as possible. Negatives? Well, from my experience, the older generation of moms have this idea that all babies are supposed to be ridiculously chubby and always sleeping or happy. I was breastfeeding all my babies, without any issues, but always being told that I didn't feed the baby enough, because the baby cried after being held. My babies were not always born chubby, but they were perfect weight and height for their percentiles. There are other things, but in general, it makes you feel self-doubting as a mom. The good thing is that it is a learning experience, and only you are your baby's mother. You know what is really best for your baby. I have just nodded my head, smiled, and still did what I wanted to do in the end:)
And then, there is my husband's opinion. This huge, extended family with all its quirks, can only bring even more well-roundedness to our babies. Things like second languages, traditions, customs, and cultural manners all get brought to our house.
Well, look at that. Time to pee. Again.
Thoughts on your nationalities and customs with being a pregnant woman? Please feel free to share!
