My grandmother had a wonderful way of subtly teaching me poise and elegance.
As a girl with numerous male cousins and predominantly male classmates, it was difficult for me to remember the subtle nudges she gave me. However, I eventually managed to learn..
One thing I quickly realized when new cousins arrived was that expectant mothers are beautiful but also tired. Their round bellies and loose, flowing clothes made them look so lovely.
I was delighted to welcome a new cousin into our family. We made it a point to visit the new little ones shortly after their birth on most occasions.
My grandma instructed me to keep my hands to myself and to talk quietly around the baby and the tired mom.
As a new mom 25 years ago, I expected others to have the same respect. Nope! Everyone wanted to touch my belly while I was pregnant or cuddle with my son shortly after coming home from the hospital. I cringed inside.
Luckily my grandmother was around shorly after my son was born. She scolded people who tried to take my son out of his carrier or insist it was their turn to hold him. She strongly enocoursgee them to wash their hands and not stand so close.
While I was pregnant, a lady came up to me and immediately started to reach out for my very large belly. I swung out of her reach and promptly and said I would prefer her not touch my growing belly. She was insulted.
Our first time in church after our son was born, everyone wanted to hold our son. We inisisted that that they just look but not touch. Some people were respectful and others were hurt.
We chose an old fashioned name for our son. Quite a few people said they didn't like his name and wanted to know if they could call him something different. We refused most suggestions for nicknames.
- Respect a mothers growing belly. The belly is hers. Give her lots of room to move around and get comfortable.
- Respect the baby. Immune systems will incresse slowly, just not all on the first outing. Let Mom and Dad handle the carrier or stroller. If you have had a cold or a flu, keep your distance.
- If you don't like the name... keep it to yourself.
- If they let you hold the new baby, treasure the moment.
- The greeting should be "Congratulations," no matter how many children they already have at home. Babies are a blessing.
- Finally, please keep yourself from suggesting sleep or feeding schedules. I guarantee you the mom and the dad are tired from getting so much advice.
A cassserole dish of food, a cozy sleeper for the baby, or a gift card for take-out, are welcome gifts. And keep visits short.
A little bit of kindness and grace goes a long way with a pregnant woman or a new mom/dad.
Are they any ways you have found that show love and kindness to new moms/dads and new babies? Please share it in the comment section.
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