Strangest Baby/Pregnancy Advice You've Gotten

ellajune2012 · November 2013

Soooo... the painful nipples discussion below reminded me of something I was told last week.

The woman I go to for waxing told me I needed to started using a loofah on my nipples in order to "rough them up" for baby. She was like, "NO lotion on the nipples! You need to get them all rough and hard for breastfeeding!" and then proceeded to tell me how I needed to start doing this, like, yesterday and also how impressed with her nipples the nurses were when she was in the hospital with her newborn. I'm like, uh... ok... thanks?

So let's hear it, what's the oddest advice you gotten re: pregnancy and/or babies so far?

dannie2011 · November 2013

Don't take a bath. If the water goes over your belly button the baby will drown.

I still shake my head at this one.

ellajune2012 · November 2013

dannie2011 said:

Don't take a bath. If the water goes over your belly button the baby will drown.

I still shake my head at this one.

Someone actually said that!?

lazyreader · November 2013

don't stand within 10 feet of a microwave... even if it's off. lol poor hubs meant well.

legallyginger · November 2013

ellajune2012 said:

also how impressed with her nipples the nurses were when she was in the hospital with her newborn. I'm like, uh... ok... thanks?

Bahahaha. Damn, I better get on that. I want the nurses to be impressed with my nipples!!

The other day FIL tried telling me that if my baby has his days/nights mixed up, all I have to do is turn him around once lengthwise and that will fix it.

dannie2011 · November 2013

ellajune2012 said:

dannie2011 said:

Don't take a bath. If the water goes over your belly button the baby will drown.

I still shake my head at this one.

Someone actually said that!?

Yes she actually did. I felt so bad to burst her bubble telling her that the baby lived in a bag of water.

PinupMomma08 · November 2013

My neighbor saw me painting my door and was concerned my arms were over my head.

Strangling the baby. Somehow...

dannie2011 · November 2013

legallyginger said:

The other day FIL tried telling me that if my baby has his days/nights mixed up, all I have to do is turn him around once lengthwise and that will fix it.

My mom believes that one too. She even flipped my uncle when he was like 19-20ish as he was a night owl.

dannie2011 · November 2013

PinupMomma08 said:

My neighbor saw me painting my door and was concerned my arms were over my head. Strangling the baby. Somehow...

Ya my mom again with this one must be that age group. 60ish I heard it a lot. They even told my Aunt who's short, they didn't even want her to sweep because the broom was taller then her.

kimberpoo · November 2013

hahaha you girls have some good ones! I don't have much, just DH's grandmother insisting that I have my feet covered at all times or I will get sick. Mind you, before pg I was barefoot all the time and she was fine with it. ha!

ellajune2012 · November 2013

Littlejohn115 said:

My MIL told me it was impossible to have a baby and a cat in the same house, because a cat will "take a baby's breath away."

I know she hates my cats, and that just sounded like a good reason to her for me to have to get rid of them.

No one has said that to me, but I've heard that one before. It's so strange that people actually believe this! No way I'm giving up my cat who's been with me for 13 years.

legallyginger · November 2013

Littlejohn115 said:

My MIL told me it was impossible to have a baby and a cat in the same house, because a cat will "take a baby's breath away."

I know she hates my cats, and that just sounded like a good reason to her for me to have to get rid of them.

What does that even mean?? I'm so lost. Do they think there actually isn't enough oxygen for a baby and a cat, or that the cat does some voodoo magic so the baby can't breathe?

I would have a hard time not laughing hysterically at someone who told me that.

amdecker1016 · November 2013

its not pregnancy related, but i do have a coworker who told me not to let anyone in my house after the baby is born if they are on their period, because it will bring bad juju in...

what am i supposed to do just straight up ask them, "hey you on the rag?" hahaha

PinupMomma08 · November 2013

^^^ hahahaha!!!

dannie2011 · November 2013

legallyginger said:

Littlejohn115 said:

My MIL told me it was impossible to have a baby and a cat in the same house, because a cat will "take a baby's breath away."

I know she hates my cats, and that just sounded like a good reason to her for me to have to get rid of them.

What does that even mean?? I'm so lost. Do they think there actually isn't enough oxygen for a baby and a cat, or that the cat does some voodoo magic so the baby can't breathe?

I would have a hard time not laughing hysterically at someone who told me that.

It's no that they actually steal the babies breath but I think it comes from the worry that cats would sit on babies to get to the milk smell from their mouth. So they smother babies. I'm sure since the days of times someone probably lost a baby this way. But I highly doubt a well fed cat is going to go after milk smells from a baby.

dannie2011 · November 2013

amymheidecker said:

its not pregnancy related, but i do have a coworker who told me not to let anyone in my house after the baby is born if they are on their period, because it will bring bad juju in...

what am i supposed to do just straight up ask them, "hey you on the rag?" hahaha

Now that is funny. Good way to start a conversation :P

SVas1020 · November 2013

These all made me laugh! Hysterical! I feel like im missing out since I haven't had anyone say something like this to me- there's still time! Thanks for sharing!

legallyginger · November 2013

Littlejohn115 said:

legallyginger said:

Littlejohn115 said:

My MIL told me it was impossible to have a baby and a cat in the same house, because a cat will "take a baby's breath away."

I know she hates my cats, and that just sounded like a good reason to her for me to have to get rid of them.

What does that even mean?? I'm so lost. Do they think there actually isn't enough oxygen for a baby and a cat, or that the cat does some voodoo magic so the baby can't breathe?

I would have a hard time not laughing hysterically at someone who told me that.

Ditto @dannie2011 I think it's a worry that the cat would smother the baby, which I get because my cat likes to climb on my chest.

However, this was coming from my MIL who also told me that I should sprinkle cinnamon all over my kitchen table so they won't jump up there, because "cats hate cinnamon." She didn't get it when my husband died laughing and asked her if she'd been watching the Hangover.

Aaaah ok, I get it. I didn't even think of it that way. The way it was worded confused me- I was thinking "how on earth can a cat steal someone's breath?"

And I'm dying at the cinnamon thing. Tigers love pepper, they hate cinnamon.

ellajune2012 · November 2013

legallyginger said:

Littlejohn115 said:

legallyginger said:

Littlejohn115 said:

My MIL told me it was impossible to have a baby and a cat in the same house, because a cat will "take a baby's breath away."

I know she hates my cats, and that just sounded like a good reason to her for me to have to get rid of them.

What does that even mean?? I'm so lost. Do they think there actually isn't enough oxygen for a baby and a cat, or that the cat does some voodoo magic so the baby can't breathe?

I would have a hard time not laughing hysterically at someone who told me that.

Ditto @dannie2011 I think it's a worry that the cat would smother the baby, which I get because my cat likes to climb on my chest.

However, this was coming from my MIL who also told me that I should sprinkle cinnamon all over my kitchen table so they won't jump up there, because "cats hate cinnamon." She didn't get it when my husband died laughing and asked her if she'd been watching the Hangover.

Aaaah ok, I get it. I didn't even think of it that way. The way it was worded confused me- I was thinking "how on earth can a cat steal someone's breath?"

And I'm dying at the cinnamon thing. Tigers love pepper, they hate cinnamon.

Aw, that's kind of disappointing. I always thought it was because cats were all magical like that. You know, witches' familiars and all. But then I have a black cat so maybe it's just mine.

ellajune2012 · November 2013

@legallyginger I am totally all about impressing the nurses with my nipples!

ALHolli · November 2013

I was asked several times with DD if I was going to get rid of all my animals (2 dogs and a cat at the time). I was like "Wtf is this a thing??"

We've since acquired another dog, so :P

[Deleted User] · November 2013

The user and all related content has been deleted.

rockopera · November 2013

"This is what you should look like at 24 weeks."

inlovewithrugby · November 2013

My Italian MIL told me that she remembers that I love garlic and onions and Italians don't eat garlic or onions while pregnant... Even if this is true, I still don't quite understand the point of her statement.

PerkyErky · November 2013

My MIL also told me I needed to "toughen up my nipples" for breastfeeding. She said I should get a dry washcloth and start regularly rubbing them to get them ready for baby...um thanks, but no thanks.

ceciljbrown · November 2013

ALHolli said:

I was asked several times with DD if I was going to get rid of all my animals (2 dogs and a cat at the time). I was like "Wtf is this a thing??"

We've since acquired another dog, so :P

My MIL, first thing she really said to me after she learned I was pregnant was, "So you're looking for homes for your animals, right?"

Um, right. Guess what, I've already found one...right here.

And every conversation we have, which thankfully are few and far between, she inserts some more advice about how her daughter absolutely had to give up their dog because dogs and babies (and dogs and toddlers) just don't get along, "as you soon will find out". Their dog was a crotchety old thing who pretty much hates everybody, unless you're feeding him, then you're in good graces for about a minute. Our dog is pretty much the opposite. And our 2 cats? Yeah, they're not going anywhere either, I don't care if your daughter freaked out and got rid of her cats as soon as she found out she was pregnant, mine are part of the family and that's how they shall remain.

I'll love it when she comes to visit and our dog is happily protecting the baby (from her...that would be awesome) and later, happily playing with the toddler.

jwls84 · November 2013

amymheidecker said:
its not pregnancy related, but i do have a coworker who told me not to let anyone in my house after the baby is born if they are on their period, because it will bring bad juju in...

what am i supposed to do just straight up ask them, "hey you on the rag?" hahaha

Considering you have the longest period of your life right after having your baby, I just don't get it! But it made me laugh when I read it!

ellajune2012 · November 2013

ceciljbrown said:

ALHolli said:

I was asked several times with DD if I was going to get rid of all my animals (2 dogs and a cat at the time). I was like "Wtf is this a thing??"

We've since acquired another dog, so :P

My MIL, first thing she really said to me after she learned I was pregnant was, "So you're looking for homes for your animals, right?"

Um, right. Guess what, I've already found one...right here.

And every conversation we have, which thankfully are few and far between, she inserts some more advice about how her daughter absolutely had to give up their dog because dogs and babies (and dogs and toddlers) just don't get along, "as you soon will find out". Their dog was a crotchety old thing who pretty much hates everybody, unless you're feeding him, then you're in good graces for about a minute. Our dog is pretty much the opposite. And our 2 cats? Yeah, they're not going anywhere either, I don't care if your daughter freaked out and got rid of her cats as soon as she found out she was pregnant, mine are part of the family and that's how they shall remain.

I'll love it when she comes to visit and our dog is happily protecting the baby (from her...that would be awesome) and later, happily playing with the toddler.

I almost got into an argument with my SIL last weekend because she was saying she wanted to get a dog to play with her 2-year-old but she was all "I would NEVER get a pitbull with a child in the house because they are dangerous." and wouldn't listen to reason when I tried to explain it's the dumb idiots training them to be fighting dogs that are making them dangerous, not the breed itself. Then I remembered she got rid of their sweet cat a couple of months ago because "he was too much work" and then cried about feeling guilty seeing him in the cage in the shelter.... oh but it was ok because it was a no-kill shelter. Um... so a cat is too much work but you're going to get a puppy?!?! I almost lost it.

Maddeegal · November 2013

ceciljbrown said:

ALHolli said:

I was asked several times with DD if I was going to get rid of all my animals (2 dogs and a cat at the time). I was like "Wtf is this a thing??"

We've since acquired another dog, so :P

My MIL, first thing she really said to me after she learned I was pregnant was, "So you're looking for homes for your animals, right?"

Um, right. Guess what, I've already found one...right here.

And every conversation we have, which thankfully are few and far between, she inserts some more advice about how her daughter absolutely had to give up their dog because dogs and babies (and dogs and toddlers) just don't get along, "as you soon will find out". Their dog was a crotchety old thing who pretty much hates everybody, unless you're feeding him, then you're in good graces for about a minute. Our dog is pretty much the opposite. And our 2 cats? Yeah, they're not going anywhere either, I don't care if your daughter freaked out and got rid of her cats as soon as she found out she was pregnant, mine are part of the family and that's how they shall remain.

I'll love it when she comes to visit and our dog is happily protecting the baby (from her...that would be awesome) and later, happily playing with the toddler.

Sooo funny that people think you MUST get rid of pets! I have a boxer and I was worried about him with DD#1; however, there was absolutely no need to worry. In fact the 2nd day home from the hospital my "second mother," growing up came to visit and my dog starting freaking out when she got close to the baby. He would sit between DD and people and growl at them if they got close to her. I was in shock because he never had acted so protective before, but boxers are known for their protective instincts. Needless to say 3 1/2 years later they are still great friends, Rio (my dog) loves DD even when she pulls his collar and grabs his ears, he only ever licks her!

ceciljbrown · November 2013

Maddeegal said:

ALHolli said:

I was asked several times with DD if I was going to get rid of all my animals (2 dogs and a cat at the time). I was like "Wtf is this a thing??"

We've since acquired another dog, so :P

My MIL, first thing she really said to me after she learned I was pregnant was, "So you're looking for homes for your animals, right?"

Um, right. Guess what, I've already found one...right here.

And every conversation we have, which thankfully are few and far between, she inserts some more advice about how her daughter absolutely had to give up their dog because dogs and babies (and dogs and toddlers) just don't get along, "as you soon will find out". Their dog was a crotchety old thing who pretty much hates everybody, unless you're feeding him, then you're in good graces for about a minute. Our dog is pretty much the opposite. And our 2 cats? Yeah, they're not going anywhere either, I don't care if your daughter freaked out and got rid of her cats as soon as she found out she was pregnant, mine are part of the family and that's how they shall remain.

I'll love it when she comes to visit and our dog is happily protecting the baby (from her...that would be awesome) and later, happily playing with the toddler.
Sooo funny that people think you MUST get rid of pets! I have a boxer and I was worried about him with DD#1; however, there was absolutely no need to worry. In fact the 2nd day home from the hospital my "second mother," growing up came to visit and my dog starting freaking out when she got close to the baby. He would sit between DD and people and growl at them if they got close to her. I was in shock because he never had acted so protective before, but boxers are known for their protective instincts. Needless to say 3 1/2 years later they are still great friends, Rio (my dog) loves DD even when she pulls his collar and grabs his ears, he only ever licks her!

It's sad and funny at the same time. I'm a little worried about my pooch just because she's sort of a jealous B in terms of wondering why we're paying attention to the cats instead of her (which is silly when she's already draped over MH's lap...), but, we're working on more training exercises, etc. and will be very patient with her if jealousy issues arise. She's a Shiba Inu, which are supposedly very protective, too. She's sort of opposite of what Shibas are supposed to be for most of her traits, so we shall we!

lobsterwife09 · November 2013

I was told to put my belly against the refrigerator for 15 minutes at least twice away to keep the baby cool. I live in southern Az where it's still 90 degrees outside!

lobsterwife09 · November 2013

A day*

peachy0709 · November 2013

I've been told the "getting rid of [your] pet" thing, too. The first came from a co-worker who got rid of her own small dog when her son was born who happens to be the same breed as mine. The second came from my sister, but that was really just a ploy for her to get my dog for herself. I'm sorry, we've done a lot to train our dog, especially with small children, and I am not worried about her FOR ONE SECOND with our baby.

Renik20 · November 2013

These are making me giggle, but honestly, roughing up the nips is actually good advice that works. It can help desensitize them a bit so that if you choose the breast feed, you'll be ready for the sensory overload if having lo on your boob. And after baby, keep doing it to keep them clean to avoid infections...worked for me, at least...

laurendom · November 2013

legallyginger said:

ellajune2012 said:

also how impressed with her nipples the nurses were when she was in the hospital with her newborn. I'm like, uh... ok... thanks?

Bahahaha. Damn, I better get on that. I want the nurses to be impressed with my nipples!!

The other day FIL tried telling me that if my baby has his days/nights mixed up, all I have to do is turn him around once lengthwise and that will fix it.

LOL! I never thought to impress the nurses with my nipples! Though I was told at a Le Leche meeting that 'roughing" them up is not recommended anymore. I forget why. I know you aren't supposed to use soap on them.

BethSt · November 2013

My step mom told my husband that it's perfectly natural for him to want to try my breast milk. She said that in front of everyone, including my Dad. Good times!

totalbabydoll4ever · November 2013

My Mil told me I have to go get a note from my doctor to give me permission so I don't have to wear my seat belt anymore because baby doesn't like it. LOL Baby is going to have to suck it up because I'd rather not be thrown through my windshield if I get in a car accident! LOL. I also cannot have a window on one side of the house open and a window or door on the other, crosses breezes kill you know lol.

Brich3321 · November 2013

My mom has asked me twice what we are going to do with the dog when the baby is born. The second time I had to yell at her. Our dog was our life for the last 6 years, not a chance he still isn't part of our family. My parents had pets growing up but they were farm pets only, they don't get it.

Pinecone21 · November 2013

I work at a college, and one of the single male adjuncts who is a few years younger than me told me to make sure I'm doing my stretches so I don't go into convulsions during labor. His mom used to work in a maternity ward. Ok...

Want a personalized experience?

Strangest Baby/Pregnancy Advice You've Gotten

Re: Strangest Baby/Pregnancy Advice You've Gotten

Choose Another Board

Search Boards