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"test tube baby" comment rubbed me the wrong way

AvaLikeLavaAvaLikeLava member
in Success after IF

I was talking to my sister earlier, who has been nothing but supportive about our IF, treatment, pregnancy, etc. She's young (early 20s), but understands and sympathizes with everything we've gone through.

However, she threw out the term "test tube baby" and that really rubbed me the wrong way. She didn't say it in an offensive manner in any way, but that's how I took it.

Ugh. Why does this bug me so much?

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Re: "test tube baby" comment rubbed me the wrong way

  • jodynjames2005jodynjames2005

    I actually refer to my babies as test tube babies sometimes. I mean, it's freaking amazing that they were conceived in a lab, through some sort of magical medical voodoo!

    Try not to take it personally. It just makes your little one even more special :)

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  • Rose.9.6.03Rose.9.6.03 member

    I'm not a fan of the term either.  It sort of reduces your child down to the method in which he or she was conceived.  Also, it's just incorrect as no test tubes are used.  Petri-dish baby might be better.   Wink

     Anyway, I'd just nicely let your sister know about your sensitivity to the term.  It sounds like she's very supportive of you, so I'm sure she discontinue usuage of the term.

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  • EastCoastBrideEastCoastBride member

    Eh, that's what the term was back when IVF first came on the scene back in the 70's.  I just see it as an old, throw back term. I actually see it as a good thing.  If it weren't for "test tube babies" and the science behind it,  I wouldn't be PG right now.

    But if you don't like it, just let her know.  I really doubt she said it to be unsupportive.

     

    "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
    ~Benjamin Franklin

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  • LucyPevensieLucyPevensie member
    I was a little kid in the 70's when the first "test tube baby" was conceived - that term has always conjured up a squished baby in a test tube for me - LOL how awful!!  I'd just let your sister know you don't like that term - she sounds cool - I'm sure she'll never use it again once she knows it bugs you.
    Wheee!
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    "When it comes to sleeping, whatever your baby does is normal. If one thing has damaged parents enjoyment of their babies, it's rigid expectations about how and when the baby should sleep." ~ James McKenna, Ph.D., Mother Baby Behavioral Sleep Center, University of Notre Dame

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  • AvaLikeLavaAvaLikeLava member

    Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't hide how G was conceived, but just that term sounds so... cold.

    If I was still in the first trimester maybe it wouldn't bug me as much, but he's kicking and crying, and smiling and for some odd reason it bugs me now.

    "IVF baby" is just fine by me :)

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  • RoxBrideRoxBride member

    To me it is no different that using the clinical terms like IVF or in vitro.

    Just always try and remember the spirit in which the person used the term.

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