Will you find out the sex of your baby? Why or why not?
Finding Out Your Baby's Sex Is a Must
I know that there are some who are categorically against finding out the sex of their baby
-- be it because of their religion, their superstitions, or the fact
that they just like a good surprise. I am not one of those people. In
fact, I am the opposite of one of those people. From the moment I found
out I was pregnant, all I could think about was: When can I find out the sex?
I don't claim to be a patient person, or a woman who likes surprises. I'm not and I don't. But that's not the (main) reason I wanted to find out the sex so badly. I wanted to find out because, without that knowledge, I'm not sure how much I would have been able to connect with my unborn child.
Before I found out I was having a girl, I was positive I was having a boy. But, I couldn't be totally sure, of course. So, instead of referring to the little growing being inside of me as a "he," we referred to her as an "it." It felt odd and, to be honest, a little rude. You know, like how you're never supposed to refer to your mother as "she" or "her"?
Then there was the envisioning aspect of it all. Each day, when I rode the train to and from work, I would stare at mothers and daughters and mothers and sons, and wonder, "Which one will I be?" Will I be riding the train in a year's time with a little boy or a little girl? Like, I said, I was fairly sure it was a boy, but still. There was no way of knowing. No way of preparing. No fantasies to latch onto.
After the shock of learning we were having a girl wore off, I felt more, well, whole. Being able to say things like "my daughter" made me feel like a real mom-to-be, as opposed to a fraud, which, in a weird way, was kind of what I felt like. It may sound weird to some, and I know plenty will disagree, but for me, finding out the sex of my baby was one of, if not the most important part of my pregnancy. Actually, it was almost as exciting as finding out I was pregnant.
Did you find out the sex of your baby? Why or why not?
Yes I plan on finding out the sex. My reasons are basically so I know what to buy.
Yes I couldnt stand not knowing. I understand why some people like surprises, but I could just never do it. I found out with this one as soon as I could. We even paid $100 extra to find out 2 weeks earlier.
No we don't find out. We did find out with our 1st and decided with our 2nd that we would be surprised and I like the surprise so much it was so emotional that with my 3rd and now 4th we didn't and aren't finding out. I don't feel like I can't bond with my baby b/c I can't call them by a name. This baby has a nickname already and will probably stick after birth. We call baby M&M. I just like the anticipation of going into labor knowing in the end I will know what i am having. It makes labor worth it b/c of the wonderful surprise at the end!
Also I coulnd't handle not knowing lol. It would drive me crazy. I can't wait to find out.
I understand that feeling. We are debating even get an ultrasound... We'll see. If we do, then we will go ahead and find out the sex (if he or she will cooperate!). We are set up with all gender neutral gear from DS, who is one, so we are set. I would need to buy a girl clothes, but it isn't that tough to do.... It would be fun to go yard selling as our first mother/daughter shopping trip! :)
Oh good lord I'm so glad I'm not the only person that felt this way. As soon as I found out (four weeks into the pregnancy thanks to a doctor visit...) I was in shock but I wanted to know the sex right off. Not only because I wanted to know for my OCD planning and buying but also the sheer fact I didn't want to call Him an "It". Calling my soon to be child "It" felt morally wrong and down right rude not only to my baby but also to myself. So when people would ask about it I would sometimes get a little over upset and correct them with "the baby" or "our soon to be child" or along the lines of "fetus" at times. My husband is in the Marines and even tho I promised to wait until he was home I was eager to rush to that second Ultra-sound to see what our little one would show. but I struggled and waited an extra two weeks until we could go see what it was that's been bouncing away down in my tummy. Ass I watched the big screen a wave of relief washed over me once the tiny Flanery spread HIS legs to show all just what he had lol. Knowing for shore that we were having a boy was by far the best feeling, but even threw my excitement I couldn't tell you who shined more me or my husband. I truly wish I had a camera because he had the glow then :D
Plus, ultrasounds CAN be wrong...
With DS and DD we found out the sex and were happy that we did but this time, because we already have one of each, I think we'd like to have it be a surprise. The things we want for baby gear is all neutral anyways. And we have nicknames for the baby that keep us from calling baby an "it". Cletus the Fetus (inside joke), little lumper, baby love, ect. I don't feel like the lack of knowing the sex keeps me from bonding at all. It's exciting to be surprised =)
Trying to find a replacement for my old caffeine habit?
- Cafe Amber
on Feb. 15, 2012 at 4:30 AM