When you’re in your later stages of pregnancy, everyone automatically knows about something special going on in your life…your pregnancy! It’s pretty obvious. And, I thought that was nice. People commented on it, you got to talk about yourself and your baby, what was going on, what you were looking forward to. It was a great way to get to know all kinds of people better. I now know have a deeper relationship with the server at Panera Bread, with a fellow customer of Peet’s coffee, the teller at the bank, and random people throughout Chicagoland with whom I’ve waited in line!
Then after your baby is born, they don’t necessarily automatically notice you as special anymore. And something special is indeed happening, right? For those of us who are parents, there are all kinds of special things we could tell you about our baby and whatever stage he is in!
I got used to those encouraging smiles from strangers during my pregnancy. I didn’t realize how much I looked forward to them, until they weren’t there anymore. I remember getting on an elevator about a month after Jake was born. I looked at the lady who was already on board. Now she looked at me and acknowledged me, but there was no special “yes, I see you’re pregnant” smile! I felt the pang in that moment. Something – that at times had felt intrusive – was missing. I had to laugh at myself. I missed those smiles of recognition. I missed feeling special in public!
Please join the conversation: What do you miss about being pregnant?
I miss my belly! I didn’t pop until 5 1/2 months. When it finally happened I was finally able to enjoy those special privileges bestowed upon pregnant women – bus seats, more work breaks, excuse to eat more than 1 Whopper, etc. People were generally more accommodating and chivalrous.
My sister-in-law called it the “pregnancy wand”. And in some ways the baby is so much easier controlling the baby when it is in utero than once he/she comes out. I also loved being pregnant. Loved it.
There are people who are SO kind during your pregnancy, aren’t there? And, SO interested in how you’re doing. It makes you feel so good about people.