My husband and I are expecting our first child next month. I’m waddling. I can no longer see my feet, and wearing shoes with laces is no longer an option. (Chile, bending down to tie shoe strings just requires too much effort!) Aside from all the changes happening with my body, there is so SO much to think about and consider:
- Will our baby be healthy?
- Will I be a good mother?
- Can I even do this?
But what has been super encouraging along this pregnancy path…are the kind words of family, friends and strangers. We know that words have power. The Good Book has been saying this for thousands of years.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21.
But the power of words has taken on a new meaning as I navigate this road to motherhood. So, I wanted to share a few phrases that have helped me feel loved and supported… because we pregnant women need all of that we can get…
1. You’ll be a great mother.
This is a big one. I have an amazing mother and thinking about her example almost sends me into a tizzy. Because there is just no way I will ever measure up. As I’ve talked to other soon-to-be-moms, comparing ourselves to our mothers (good or bad) seems to be a common practice. We just don’t know if we’re enough… So, hearing from people that know and love us that we’ve already got what it take is comforting.
2. May I help you?
There seems to be a bazillion things to do and prepare for the baby. One thing that’s surprised me is how willing people are to help. I was traveling alone a couple months ago and a really nice man helped me stuff my suitcase in the overhead compartment. And one day after school, my little brother and sister came over to help me clear out the soon-to-be nursery. These are small things, but such a weight is lifted when you know you are not alone.
3. You look great. Pregnancy agrees with you. Or you are glowing!
My husband tells me I look pretty every day (maybe he read this story!). But there’s something special about hearing it from women that have experienced the struggle, know the discomfort and just how much effort it takes to look decent. It’s like okay ‘maybe I don’t look as bad as I feel.’
4. How are you feeling?
Women ask this question and then stop to listen. Maybe it’s silly, but I’m grateful every time someone shows this concern for me and my baby. We live in a hustle bustle world and people don’t seem to have much time for anything but themselves. But the sisterhood of birthing babies is strong, and it makes us feel good that people wish us well and/or empathize with our aches and pains.
5. I’ll babysit.
I’m constantly thinking about all the tasks I juggle now and trying to figure out…how am I going to manage all this when Baby comes? Friends and family that have offered to help lighten the load are a gift. Offering to babysit, reminds us that we (again) are not alone.
6. Really?! You’re how far along?
When I look into the mirror or lay on the couch, I see a beached whale. It’s nice to know others don’t see the same thing…
7. I’m so excited for you!
Knowing that others share in our joy and expectancy makes us feel connected and happy.
A Caring Community…
In a world where it seems like everything is going crazy. It’s comforting to know that we are surrounded by a caring community of family, friends and strangers that are willing and excited to support this new life coming into the world.
For me, it’s a sign that joy, happiness and love still exist.
BMWK Women: What phrases did you hear that brought comfort during your pregnancy?
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