how to track and support June mamas facing extra challenges

virginiaunicorn11

As we are getting closer to June, more and more ladies are experiencing some extra challenges and excitement in their pregnancies.  It is important for us to support those ladies, and also many of us a) care a whole lot, and b) are learning a lot. 

I am trying to track all of these situations, but am having a hard time.  I appreciate the individual threads, so maybe that is the way to do it.  But I also thought maybe a daily or weekly round up for ladies to post their updates could be useful.  Sometimes things are getting buried in Symptoms or Vents, etc. because these strong mamas are not trying to call so much attention to themselves, and sometimes we all get a little picky about what is a Symptom vs. a unique situation (guilty!).

This is not meant to tell anyone how or what to post.  I am just personally disappointed that I haven't always noticed when "friends" on here need some support.  So am seeking ideas, and also just want to say I that I hope everyone is finding the support they want and need here, truly (within the context of a public forum, obvi).  I know I have, and I am very grateful for that.

karaelaine1991

I like this idea! Not sure what the thread would be called but I think it's a good idea.

Westypet

Challenges Check-in?

We have one for gestational diabetes, one for twins... Maybe a challenges check-in every week could be the spot where ladies who have to go to the hospital or have pre-term labor or bed rest post their updates?

I hate to think that we've missed someone who needs extra support bc we missed it in the symptoms or complaints/gripes thread...

karaelaine1991

Westypet said:

Challenges Check-in?

We have one for gestational diabetes, one for twins... Maybe a challenges check-in every week could be the spot where ladies who have to go to the hospital or have pre-term labor or bed rest post their updates?

I hate to think that we've missed someone who needs extra support bc we missed it in the symptoms or complaints/gripes thread...

I like Challenges Check In! The first one I thought of was Complications Check In but that feels too negative to me.

Westypet

We could go all corporate America and call it "opportunities check in"...

There aren't problems, just opportunities.

virginiaunicorn11

lol, @westpet, I know right?!  I originally wrote "complications" but that felt too negative (agreed, @karaelaine1991).  but then I had to giggle at the Challenges label, too.

Am open to whatever.  Maybe our beloved @finchfeeder81 (is that the right tag?) or some of our other loved ladies experiences some challenges and opportunities can weigh in.  And again, I would never tell a new thread poster "this should be in the Opportunities thread" - just trying to think of a way to be more/better supportive.

HoosOnFirst

@amark11 I was just thinking about this last night! I am admittedly bad at remembering which ladies are facing which challenges. I love this idea!

finchfeeder80

amark11 said:

lol, @westpet, I know right?!  I originally wrote "complications" but that felt too negative (agreed, @karaelaine1991).  but then I had to giggle at the Challenges label, too.

Am open to whatever.  Maybe our beloved @finchfeeder81 (is that the right tag?) or some of our other loved ladies experiences some challenges and opportunities can weigh in.  And again, I would never tell a new thread poster "this should be in the Opportunities thread" - just trying to think of a way to be more/better supportive.

Awww.... just when I think I've taken grumpy to new heights and alienated myself, someone throws a "beloved" in conjunction with my name.....  ">

I know I've missed even individual threads, especially on nights and weekends when I'm not on as much. I'm also very guilty at not keeping who's got what going on straight. A check in thread could be useful for updates and support. It'd be a good way to see if there's someone else going through what you are, as well. Which might help people stay more calm and less alone. 

KaLikeAWind

I'm behind this plan. I want to be able to check in / support the ladies who are having more than average issues and this is a good idea for it.

karaelaine1991

What about calling it a "good vibes check in" or "happy thoughts check in"? Since these moms are in need of a little extra support/positivity? That would take the focus away from the negative connotation. What do you all think?

knwilliams01

I think this is a great idea! I'd love to be able to more consistently follow my fellow "challenges" moms. I like @karaelaine1991 's idea of a Good Vibes Check In

lovethatcolosun

I love this idea! My favorite thread name is Good Vibes, because that's what we want to send to all our ladies facing a tough situation. Thanks for getting this organized. It will help a lot.

Mommaswizz

I love this idea! I was definitely guilty of missing a few situations from mommas who are always so sweet to me. Definitely wanna show some love!

mommydlc

As someone on bedrest and dealing with a lot right now myself, I love this idea. No idea what to call it but I love the idea.