\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d\u009d said Linda Murray, executive editor of BabyCenter.com. \u201cThe guilt really gets piled on.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sandra Miller of Arlington, Mass., is not among the 40 percent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen can and do expect a thoughtful token of appreciation,\u201d\u009d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019s still an act of sacrifice.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
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, \u201cShe delivered your first born; now give her twins.\u201d\u009d Fortunoff, the jewelry and gift chain with a Fifth Avenue flagship, established a push present registry six months ago.<\/p>\n
But the push present \u201d\u201d unlike the 15-year anniversary ring \u201d\u201d 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.<\/p>\n