Sometimes You Shouldn't Share...

I have worked at some pretty interesting places over the years, and have learned much from each experience.  One of the places I really enjoyed working for was a small non-profit called Salem Childbirth Education Association.  It was a small organization that offered childbirth preparation classes, that were supposed to feel less biased than what you would get through the hospital.  It was a good group of people, but sadly demand dwindled and the organization had to close its doors.  I learned a lot about what to expect when you are expecting, and how to talk to pregnant women (and partners) in various stages and emotional ranges of pregnancy.  I also leaned what not to say.

I recently overheard a conversation today that has me wondering if there is going to be contact from an angry husband.  A man was talking to a woman that just recently (not even a week ago) had her first child.  The conversation started out innocent enough, talking about gender and baby's name.  Then it went into sleeping (and lack there of) and how she was feeling.  Then, this man tells her that he hopes she doesn't have any lingering changes like his spouse did.  Danger. Danger.  Then he goes on to say how after the first child she was unable to consume milk, she had developed a milk allergy.  The woman got quiet and sounded concerned while asking if she could drink any milk at all.  No, he tells her.  And then he tells her how after the second child she developed new food allergies, along with the milk allergy.  She timidly says she hasn't noticed any changes like that yet.  He then goes on to tell her other things like sleep issues and on and on.  This poor woman with the new baby was dead quiet.  She is either freaking out inside, because that is what new mothers do.  Their bodies are different now, for better or for worse, and it's terrifying for some women to experience these changes.  It's best not to scare the new mother, any more than she already is, I would have thought that would be common sense.

**the situation above is modified and generalized to protect the parties.  You get the idea.