1. “It only gets worse.”
Seriously, who would even want to hear that? New mamas are still getting used to having baby at home, so explaining that things are only bound to get worse is just plain ridiculous. As baby grows older, so does your love for them, along with your ability to handle anything that comes your way.
2. “Sleep when the baby sleeps.”
Oh, that sounds very easy, doesn’t it? Truth is, a sleeping baby means more time to get things done. Did you forget the pile of laundry?
3. “Are you going back to work?”
Not in a place to assume here, but you’re probably not her boss. You may mean well, but this is a loaded question which is full of hidden assumptions. If there’s one thing a new mum hates, it’s assumptions. Well, that and the next question.
4. “Is he/she a good baby?”
There are no good or bad babies. Babies are babies, they don’t turn into werewolves at night.
5. “He’s so cute!”
So “he” is wearing a dress and sitting in a pink car seat. Just because they don’t have a bow on their head doesn’t mean baby is a boy. Stick to more general statements: “What a gorgeous child!”
6. “Are you ready for another one?”
Not only do you run the risk of asking such a question to a mum who’s having trouble getting pregnant, but you also put additional pressure on the new mum that way. Let’s get both kids into the car first and then start planning, shall we?
7. “He/she doesn’t look like you at all!”
Um, I’m pretty sure the hospital didn’t make any mistake here, this is my baby. New mum wants to hear that her baby is the cutest things you’ve ever seen, so stick with that. Can New Mama get any credit around here?
8. “You have to breastfeed.”
Whether mum chooses to breastfeed, supplement with formula or even entirely bottle feed is her own business. Many mums struggle with breastfeeding, or nurse for a bit less than six months. It’s her call after all…
9. “When are you due?”
Due? I’m carrying my two-month-old! Anything and everything about a new mum’s weight is considered dangerous territory. Even if you make it sound overly positive, it may seem like you’re just trying to be nice.
10. “You look so tired.”
Do I? I mean, do I? Pointing out the obvious, even out of sympathy, isn’t welcome. Mum looks gorgeous, and look at that new mama glow!
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Tips & Toes’ Signature Massage is a combination of acupressure point stimulation and stroking techniques accompanied by a light bending procedure, trigger stones which trace the meridians and hot compresses reducing tension and muscle pain to enhance the body’s system.
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MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | AUGUST 2017 | 65