Susanne Remic is a primary school teacher, freelance writer and parenting blogger. She writes at Ghostwritermummy and Maternity Matters and in between all of that she regularly wins mummy of the year awards for running around after her two children, aged six and 19 months. This is her pregnancy blog: an online diary of her third pregnancy as she strives to overcome two difficult births, one angel child and one awkward toddler. Join Susanne as she shares every step of her journey from bump to baby!
Baby shower anyone?
By Susanne Remic on 18 Oct 2011
I don’t think I really understand what a baby shower is. It seems a little American to me. Do I really want to throw a party during which I can’t drink champagne (or anything else exciting for that matter) and I certainly can’t fit into a little black dress. Also, isn’t it a bit presumptuous, asking people to cough up for presents and pampering treats just before the baby is born and they are obliged to bestow us with gifts once more?
Have you ever had a baby shower? What happened? Did you get presents? Did you play games? Did you have fun? Did you stay up past eight o’clock?
It seems that baby showers are becoming more popular over here in the UK, probably since Posh spice held her swanky do in the run up to her daughter’s birth. Maybe it is quite a nice idea, to get all of your friends together before the big day and to generate a little excitement about it all. Maybe it’s just a lot of hard work, without access to the party planners that the celebs hire all the time.
There are companies that organise baby showers for you, I suppose. Maybe I am just feeling a little too tired, frumpy and grumpy right now to really appreciate the sentiment. Yes, I am excited about the new baby, but I also have a million and one things to get sorted before the big day arrives. I also have a loft full of baby-gros and the like, so what exactly will you bring me? Unless...
Bring me nappies. About thirty economy boxes, please, and don’t forget the wipes. Also, bring me lots of infant paracetamol and colic remedies, because I know I will be using them. Better bring me breast pads, nipple cream and bottles and teats too, since I haven’t yet made up my mind about feeding. Talking of which, throw in plenty of muslin squares and spare clothes for me. Oh, and a peg for my nose - baby sick is quite a pungent smell. While you’re at it, ear plugs would be great for those occasions and why not indulge me in some really comfy, baggy pants to knock about the house in for the first couple of weeks?
This is what new mums really want, I’m afraid. Yes, pampering sessions are lovely, pretty dresses or suits look so cute, and baskets of fresh fruit and juices seem like a good idea. But all new mums will agree with me here- we need the essentials. Bring these to my baby shower and I’m in!
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