I think baby showers can be lovely, but I’m not a fan of gender reveals. Over recent years, both events have gone far too trendy and revealing, and while there’s nothing wrong with throwing celebrations in honor of new life coming into this world, the way gender reveals have taken off seems troubling. Does everyone really need to know the sex of your new baby, or is it better to keep that kind of news to yourself and between family and close friends until your baby arrives? If gender reveals are your thing, have at it. If not? Don’t feel obligated to have them. Either way, almost every bachelorette, myself included, gets invites for them. And if one plans to attend baby showers or gender reveals, there are some things to know so that you’re on your best behavior and the new moms-to-be can enjoy your company. Here’s my bachelorette guide to attending these events…
Fake It 'Til You Make It. Your presence will be desired for these kinds of events sometimes. Deal with it. And if you attend, make it a priority to fake it 'til you make it if you have to. It’s just an event welcoming a new life into this world and new life, especially babies, are blessings 👶. If I become a mom someday, I don’t plan on making a fuss about having a baby shower and I will do everything I can to avoid having a gender reveal, but when attending these events, it’s important to be supportive. No one wants a Negative Nancy hanging around, so do what you have to do to have a good time. Chat up other guests, enjoy yourself, and be present.
Get A Quality Gift. I once waited until the last minute to pick up a baby shower gift for a friend’s shower. I was warned by a seasoned mother, my own mother to be specific, to add more to the gift I picked up. She said, “When a woman opens gifts at baby showers everyone circles around and watches her open every gift, one gift at a time.” She was trying to warn me. When my gift and card was next to open, a very awkward silence hit the room and I was so embarrassed. My gift kind of sucked and was super basic. I learned my lesson that day and don’t plan on waiting until the last minute again. Pick up a quality gift, know where the mom-to-be is registered (so you can get things she’s actually requested and needs for the baby), and include a little something extra for the mom-to-be too.
Watch Yourself, Your Mouth & Your Touching. Sometimes people say thoughtless things to new moms, about new moms, and do offensive things to new moms without realizing it. When you’re attending a baby shower or gender reveal or even crossing paths with a new mom for the first time: watch yourself, watch your mouth, and watch your touching. Don’t tell a new mom or any mother how to raise her child – even if you disagree with how something’s being done. It’s best to keep your opinions to yourself. Don’t offer unsolicited advice about parenting, especially if you’re not a parent. Don’t comment on how much weight a new mom may have gained (it’s not nice) and don’t touch her belly or ask if you can touch her belly unless she’s given consent and doesn’t mind you doing so. And if the new mom-to-be has already given birth? Don’t touch the baby without the mom’s consent or snap a photo of the baby without permission, or you might see a mama bear come out you never imagine existed. Some moms are touchy and particular about anyone handling their babies and that’s something that should be respected. Honor their requests and be a great guest.