“It’s more and more an expectation of moms these days that they deserve something for bearing the burden for nine months, getting sick, ruining their body,” said Linda Murray, executive editor of BabyCenter.com. “The guilt really gets piled on.”
A recent survey of more than 30,000 respondents by BabyCenter.com found that 38 percent of new mothers received a gift from their mate in connection with their child. Among pregnant mothers, 55 percent wanted one. About 40 percent of both groups said the baby was ample reward.
Sandra Miller of Arlington, Mass., is not among the 40 percent.
“Women can and do expect a thoughtful token of appreciation,” she said. “It’s a way to honor a mother giving her emotions, body and hormones over to a baby for nine months, culminating in an experience which, when done naturally, redefines the meaning of pain. And when not done naturally, it’s still an act of sacrifice.”
Push presents seem to have taken off within the last decade, particularly in the last couple of years. In 2005 the Southeast-based jewelry chain Mayors marketed diamond earrings with the tag line, “She delivered your first born; now give her twins.” Fortunoff, the jewelry and gift chain with a Fifth Avenue flagship, established a push present registry six months ago.
But the push present ”” unlike the 15-year anniversary ring ”” is apparently not the invention of the jewelry industry looking for another opportunity to sell goods. No one is quite sure how the trend began; in practice the baubles are presented before or after the big day, or sometimes right in the delivery room.
[blockquote] “It’s more and more an expectation of moms these days that they deserve something for bearing the burden for nine months, getting sick, ruining their body,†[/blockquote]
Hmmm….I’m going to be giving birth sometime in the next 6 weeks or so (due Jan. 22). I expect that I deserve….
A loving husband who will do all in his power to be a good father to his son…and that’s just what I’m going to get. I wouldn’t mind goodies like jewelry or something like that, but I certainly don’t expect it.
I also deserve to gaze upon the face of my baby boy. I have a feeling that the joys of motherhood are going to be the greatest gift I could receive for my (so far) 8 months of fatigue, swollen ankles, stretch marks, round ligament pain, and inability to fit in my maternity clothes any more.
I received a beautiful and costly gift for each of my three pregnancies. Three gorgeous healthy children.
Nothing else could possibly come close.
Congratulations, Courageous Grace. Enjoy every blessed moment!
[blockquote] I do not think that because a woman has had a baby she requires a Tiffany & Company item. She requires help, love and emotional support.†[/blockquote]
Add to that list “prayer,” and I’ll say amen and AMEN.
Lord, help us! It’s sort of like paying kids for their grades.
Isn’t there some point when self-centeredness goes off the charts and such people disappear in a puff of hot air and ashes? When do we get terminally tired of narcissicism? LM
[blockquote] When do we get terminally tired of narcissicism? [/blockquote]
I always thought that one way to get rid of narcissicism was to give birth.
Looks like I’ve been proven wrong.
After my size zero self pushed out a 9 1/2 pound baby med free I deserve a reward. I’m thinking a new wardrobe since I don’t fit into anything anymore. That and a maid since I can’t keep up with the housework and three children so well. If only my husband weren’t a school teacher….