I soon discovered that my view was not the norm and that the subject of finding out versus not finding out was a hot topic, guaranteed to bring out strong opinions and a whole lot of debate.

For the remainder of the pregnancy, I had so many people tell me I was crazy and that there was no reason to wait. I totally understand the temptation to find out and I definitely don’t judge those who choose to know, but once I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl (surprise!), I felt even more strongly that I had made the right decision.

I know this post won’t change the minds of mamas who are absolutely convinced that finding out their baby’s sex is a must. But if anyone out there is considering keeping it a surprise, here are my 10 reasons why it’s TOTALLY worth it:

1. All your newborn clothes will be gender neutral (so they can be used again, no matter what).

   I think it would be a real bummer to have a girl and then have a boy next and not be able to use 90% of the baby clothes you already own. Every single piece of clothing I bought or was gifted before my daughter was born was gender-neutral, and they were no less cute! There are tons of adorable options outside of the pink and blue realm, but if everyone knows what you’re having, they end up buying you really gender-specific items. Save yourself the expense of having to repurchase newborn clothes! Even if you’re not planning on having another baby, it means you can hand down your items to anyone, no matter their baby’s gender.

2. People actually gift you stuff other than clothes.

   People love gifting cutesy clothing. It gets a big reaction and let’s face it, it’s fun to buy. But if the gender isn’t known, people are way more likely to forgo clothes and instead buy you gear that you ACTUALLY need. When you have your first baby, you’ll be drowning in baby onesies. In fact, you’ll have so many, you’ll likely never get to use them all before your baby grows out of them. Things like swings, carriers, bottles and diaper bags are costly and way more useful to you long term.

3. It makes the birth announcement just that: an announcement.

   

   For me, not knowing what I was having made those first calls to family and friends that much sweeter. I will forever remember the cries of joy from our loved ones with the “It’s a….” phone call. I’ve also been on the receiving end of them and there’s nothing like the anticipation of waiting for the birth and the announcement of what the baby is. It makes that call even more exciting for everyone, the parents and the receivers of the news!

4. It’s an exercise in delayed gratification.

   In today’s world, technology gives us the ability to know everything right here, right now. People aren’t even waiting for the sonogram anymore, now they can pay to have a blood test that confirms gender mere days into their pregnancy! It’s great that we’ve come so far with these technological advances, but it also means we don’t really know how to wait anymore. Finding out the sex of your baby isn’t a need, it’s a want. I loved forcing myself to relax, wait and take a “whatever will be, will be” approach to my pregnancy. Finding out kind of felt like peeking at the gift before opening it on Christmas Day. Sure, there were moments that I felt tempted to know, but I was fairly at ease with not knowing and it just gave me that little bit of extra motivation when I was finally pushing those babies out!

5. It keeps you from buying stuff you don’t need.
   

   It’s hard enough to resist buying every little floral patterned swaddle or truck themed bib once you HAVE a baby. Not knowing makes you wait a little longer on those unnecessary impulse purchases and once you’ve had the baby, your focus isn’t on all the ‘stuff’ anymore.

6. There are no moments of disappointment.

   Of course we’re all happy with whatever baby we’re blessed with and of course, a healthy baby is everyone’s biggest wish, but there’s no denying that we all have a tiny hope one way or the other. Maybe there are lots of boys in your extended family and you’re anticipating having the first girl. Maybe you already have 2 girls and are hoping your third baby will be a boy. Maybe your husband is vocally rooting for one or the other. I’ve heard a few women admit that they had a moment of post-sonogram disappointment. And while I’m sure it didn’t last long, knowing ahead of time does mean you’ll have to process the news.

   I was secretly hoping for a boy with my first, and you know what? When my husband yelled “It’s a girl!” and she was placed on my chest, there was no way I was feeling ANY disappointment. Gender let-down is NO threat to the adrenaline and pure joy you feel after giving birth. You’re instantly in love and it’s guaranteed to be the happiest moment of your life, no matter what.

7. Nobody asks about names.

   I’ve recently heard so many pregnant friends and family members complain that they don’t want to share the baby’s name but everyone asks, so they’re constantly having to fend people off. I didn’t even realize this was a thing! When someone asks you “What are you having?” and you tell them you don’t know, they just don’t bother investigating further!

8. It keeps people guessing (and really ticks them off).

   I was shocked at how annoyed some people got with my decision to not find out the sex! I had family members begging me to have the ultrasound tech write it down so they could know, even if I didn’t. I had friends desperately trying to convince me that I should find out and was absolutely out of my mind for waiting. It’s kind of fun to push the envelope and watch everyone squirm over your decision. Plus, it makes for some entertaining (and sometimes heated) conversations!

9. Knowing the gender isn’t going to change anything.

   It doesn’t make a damn difference. Whether you know or not, the same baby is going to come out. And don’t listen to the cries of “you can’t properly prepare if you don’t know!”. Babies need love, food and sleep. Painting the nursery blue instead of gray isn’t going to make the sleepless nights any easier. Cribs will be bought and car seats will be assembled, regardless of whether the baby’s sex is known or not.

10. The moment you find out will be one you NEVER forget.

    From the dawn of time until a mere 30ish years ago, women had no choice but to learn the sex of their baby at the birth, and I really think it was designed that way for a reason. Obviously giving birth is an unforgettable experience regardless, but there is something transcendental about discovering WHO your baby is in the moment they make that journey out of your body to begin their own life. No preconceived notions, no name preassigned. With the births of both of my children, the moment I met them felt so spiritual that it just seems right to have done it with the anticipation nature intended me to have.

At the birth of my second child, that perfectly round baby was immediately placed on my chest and I looked down to finally discover what I was having. I cried, “It’s a boy!”. My husband began sobbing tears of joy. “We got a boy!” he yelled, over and over. At that very second, my amazing midwife motioned to my mom to pick up our camera and to snap a picture of the moment.

We will cherish it forever.

Having a c-section? Read here about Julie Cole’s experience with having six c-sections! 

The post 10 Reasons Why NOT Finding Out The Gender of Your Baby Is Awesome appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Firstly, make sure you pack your hospital bag ahead of time. It often seems daunting, so we put it off, but believe me… you do not want to get caught off-guard and end up at the hospital without a bag! The hilarious (in hindsight) items your partner will pull together in a panicked whirlwind will not help the stressful situation!

So, pack and be ready to go at 36 weeks!

Install your car seat at the same time as packing your hospital bag!

A task that should go alongside the hospital bag is the car seat! You really shouldn’t have one ready without the other. This is a task that you’ll want to take your time and care with (i.e., read the instructions carefully!), so again, you don’t want to leave this up to your partner to do in a tired fog!

What kind of hospital bag is best?

Firstly, something that is easy to carry! Many new parents are opting for a carry-on-sized wheelie suitcase for mom and baby. The double zip-up sides mean you can fully open it and easily see inside (rather than rooting around a deep bag).

While over the shoulder might seem easiest, it can slide forward when you’re bending over (and bop your baby in the head as you pick them or car seat up, whoops).

Your partner should be responsible for packing their own bag. There is also a likelihood that you may get separated (for example, if mom needs to remain in a hospital bed, and dad and baby head to the NICU). Your partner will want their own items with them, so sharing a bag won’t work.

How to label your items and bag:

Make sure that your bag is well labeled, as well as your items inside. Especially if you don’t have a private room, it’s too easy for things to go missing or get into the wrong hands (especially all that new cute stuff you’ve just purchased for baby!)

We suggest these adorable labels and bag tags! Once done with your hospital bag, these are perfect for your diaper bag!

What to pack in your hospital bag for a 2024 birth:

• Paperwork
  This includes your photo ID, health/ medical card/ insurance card, and plan details.
• Your Birth Plan
  Depending on whether you have a midwife or an ob-gyn, you’ll want a copy of your birth plan so that everyone understands your ideal birth and your priorities.
• An Open Mind
  Okay, you’re only packing this metaphorically. But if you’re packing a birth plan, you also need to pack an open mind. Things change, urgencies change, and you sometimes need to be flexible. Remember, your baby doesn’t know the plan and may have their own ideas, and you may need to adjust accordingly for the health and safety of you and your baby. So, pack that open mind!
• Comfy clothes:
  -A comfortable nightgown
  -A robe
  -Slippers (don’t make these your favorite pair…things after birth can get drippy, and with gravity… you get the idea. Don’t pack your favorite pair because you don’t want them to get ruined.)
  -Sweatpants or pajama pants (be VERY aware of the waistband!) If you need to have a c-section, you’ll want to choose pants that can sit comfortably up high on your waist and not too tight.
  -Big underwear- like, real big again so that the waistband isn’t too tight, and they can sit nice and high around your belly.
  -Socks, the hospital can be cold (see the note about slippers… don’t bring your best pair)
• Personal Items:
  -glasses/ contact lens/ lens solution etc.
  -lip balm (hospitals can be very dry)
  -toothbrush/ toothpaste
  -hair brush and lots of hair ties  (you’ll want your hair out of your face during labor)
  -dry shampoo
  -soap, skincare, moisturizer
  -Maternity pads  (even if you’re having a c-section!)
• Nursing gear if you plan to breastfeed:
  If you plan on breastfeeding, you may want to bring the below items.
  -nursing bra
  -breast pads
  -nipple cream
  -feeding support pillow
• If you plan to formula feed, this article is quite informative. Every hospital is different and will have different supplies on hand for you, so it’s best to contact your midwife or hospital and clarify what you may be required to bring.
• Misc.
  -Ear plugs (hospitals can be loud, and getting sleep will be important!)
  -prescription medicine you may take
  -phone charger
  -Music and headphones
  -Preloaded/downloaded movies or books on your device.
  -Your own pillow or blanket, or other items that may provide you some comfort
• Snacks:
  -Granola/ energy bars/nuts & seeds etc.
  -Water bottle

What to pack in your hospital bag for baby:

• Baby Clothing
  -onesies
  -mittens
  -hats
  -A unique and cozy “going home” outfit
• Receiving Blankets
  -2 or 3.
  -Your hospital may not allow you to take home your traditional blue and pink striped receiving blanket (I sure hope it doesn’t accidentally fall into your bag)
• Diapers and Wipes
  You may want to check and see what your hospital provides. If you stay in the NICU, your diapers are often provided; otherwise, you may have to provide your own.

*Pro tip- get samples of different brands of diapers, wipes, and creams before the baby arrives (baby shows, welcome wagons, etc., will often provide samples, or you can reach out to the company). This way, you can try a few different types and see which works best for your baby before you commit to purchasing large quantities.

• Your Birth Announcement!
  If you intend to announce your birth immediately through your social media, consider using this adorable birth announcement sign. It’s an easy and cute way to announce your baby to the world!

Items for your partner to pack in their hospital bag:

-Snack for themselves (so they don’t dip into yours)
-Change of clothes
-Phone, camera, and chargers
-Book or something for the downtime
-Thank you cards and pen (if you choose to provide them to nurses, midwives, support staff etc.)
-Washbag with toiletries
-Glasses, contact lenses, etc.
-Pillow and blanket if you need to stay overnight.

Let us know if we missed any key items, and happy packing! If you’re looking for how to pack for daycare, click here.  

The post What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Your 2024 Birth appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Parents are planning to make the perfect announcement well ahead of time. But it can be hard to know what to say, when, and how to say it. Especially within a few hours of birth – you’re feeling overwhelmed and probably exhausted, so you’re probably not feeling very creative. With social media, it has never been easier to announce your baby’s arrival – but you still need to make it perfect! 

The etiquette around birth announcements on social media is a little wishy-washy, so we want to ensure you share the news flawlessly. Here is a list of birth announcement ideas, captions and etiquette.

We must keep in mind multi-generations who may not be on social media and respect their role (nobody wants grandma to find out after the neighbours down the street).  

Etiquette Tips for sharing the news
 

1. Always announce to immediate family first, with a phone call. This is respectful to the members of your family who will play a key role in babies’ life. If these members aren’t at the birth, it’s a good rule to make sure they receive a phone call – before ANY other announcements have been made. Some things in life require a call, not a text, and this is one of them.  
2. Dads and partners- never share the news online without talking with your partner and getting their approval.
3. NEVER share a picture of a new mom that she hasn’t approved of!

Etiquette Tip if you’re not the parents:

Never share photos without permission.   With sharing on social media becoming such second nature to everyone, it’s hard to forget that not everyone shares online. Many parents are choosing to keep their kids off social media, which needs to be respected. Parents are being highly cautious about what they share, as well as the privacy settings of their accounts. So, while they may share a photo of their baby online- it isn’t an invitation for you to do the same. Your connections are not their connections, and they don’t know your privacy settings unless you get permission; never share photos online, even if the parents already have.   

What if things don’t go as planned?

This can happen, and it’s never planned and always catches parents off-guard. A NICU stay can occur if the baby arrives early or has some complications. It can be a tricky area to navigate when it comes to announcing. Nobody can tell you the best etiquette here, it’s too personal, and each story is different. Some people post the birth announcement with a note stating they look forward to bringing the baby home. Other families announce the baby’s arrival the day they “graduate” from the NICU. Whatever the situation- only you will know what is best for you and your family.  

What we can stress: If you are not the parents, no matter how excited you are, do not post or share the information. It’s very poor taste. Instead, please speak with the parents, and follow their lead. 

Choosing a photo:  

Another BIG consideration is the photo! It’s the first thing people will see! We LOVE the idea of this Wooden Baby Name Announcement – it’s the perfect and simplistic way to introduce your baby to the world. You can pre-order the plaque and include it into your diaper bag. It’s a super simple way of creating a cute welcome photo!

CAPTION SAMPLES:

Planning for your birth announcement is a good idea after birth- you’re probably exhausted and not thinking straight. You don’t want this announcement not to be as perfect as your new bundle of joy! Here are some cute and clever ways to announce your baby’s name or gender.  

Traditional announcement:

Our little bundle of joy has arrived! Sarah & Tim Parker and big brother Taylor are ecstatic to welcome little Lincoln Ryan into the world!
Born on the 12th of April 2023
8 pounds, 4 ounces
20 inches   

 Social Media Captions: 

•  With so much love and pride, we present our [daughter/son]
• …And Baby Makes Three. Welcoming [name] 
• Over the moon! 
• They’ve arrived! Welcome [baby name]!
• Love at first sight is REAL! Meet baby [name].
• [He/She] was totally worth the wait.
• They were right. There is no feeling in the world like this.  
•  Who will they grow up to be? We’re not sure; we’ll wait and see!
• It is hard to believe our family is complete! Proudly welcoming [Name], a new baby for you all to meet.
• Our family grew by ten little toes.
• Everything in our life got a lot sweeter.  
• Announcing the birth of our baby, [name].
• We’re so proud to introduce [name], born [date]
• We are so happy to announce we are the proud parents of an adorable little girl/boy.
• We’ve officially become a family. Meet baby [name].
• A beauty was born into this world. She’s the sweetest little girl.
• A new adventure has arrived with the birth of our little girl.
• Hip, hip, hooray. Our little girl was born today.  
•  Welcome to the world, baby [name]!
• Meet the new love in our lives, [name].
• The wait is finally over! We’re thrilled to welcome [name].
• Hello, world! Introducing our bundle of joy [baby name].
• On [birth date], we were blessed with the arrival of [name].
• Dreams do come true! 
• On [birth date], we were blessed with the arrival of baby [name].
• It’s official! [name] arrived on [birthdate].
• Hello, my name is [name].
• [Parents’ names] welcome the newest addition to the family, [baby name].
• [He’s/She’s/They’re] are here at last! 
• Beautiful and sweet. Our little girl, soon you will meet.   
•  “Dreams do come true! Meet [name]”
• The cutest little girl stole my heart today.
•  “[Older child’s name] would like to announce [his/he] new little [sister/brother]. Introducing [name]
• The family tree gained another branch.
• Two new feet are making sweet footprints on our hearts.
• Filling our hearts with smiles and giggles. 
•  Can you believe the time has come? Welcome, our sweet little son.
• We no longer must wait. They are here; it’s time to celebrate!
• Help us welcome our sweet new addition. Baby [name] has arrived.
• We’ve finally entered parenthood! [baby name] came into the world today.
• For all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.
  

The post Birth Announcement Ideas, Captions, and Etiquette appeared first on The Mabelhood.