Hi. I feel like I need to confess. I've been reading posts and comments. I will admit that I did not read the 'rules' of this board before posting a few months ago. I do not use the 'search' tool. I probably ask questions that have been asked before. I do apologize to each of you for all of my indiscretions. I really am just here to see what's going on, voice an opinion or two here or there, and see what's up. I don't think I've made comments or posts anything out of the ordinary.
I am the only one of my friends who is pregnant right now. I've have a rough last few years with my own health and this pregnancy was not planned; however, I am deeply in love with my baby already. I do have a 4 year little boy who (as of right now) is my world. I'm sure after his little baby brother gets here, they will both be my world. My first pregnancy was via IVF and was complete opposite of this pregnancy - I have questions, I have concerns/worries. My husband is wonderful. We've been married going on 12 years. We've been through a lot together and we talk about pretty much everything and anything; however, there are questions and comments I would like to ask from other expected moms or other more experienced moms - that I do not have a personal connection too. For an honest answer or view point.
After reading the more recent posts, I'm not going to lie, I'm a little intimidated on asking questions or commenting. I'm a pretty emotional person and feel sorry for all of those ladies who are asking questions and get bashed; however, I understand why some may get annoyed by some not following directions. I do not want to leave the group, but durn...I'm not sure I feel comfortable with asking questions or making comments. Should I leave the group because of this?
After seeing comments about 'do not ask this question again' and so forth....what questions are acceptable to ask? I promise you I am not being smart - I'm honestly asking. What topics are acceptable to discuss? If I did my own research, I wouldn't probably have questions to ask or comments to make - but I thought this was the point of our community? I've read a few times that you wouldn't walk up to a complete stranger and ask them some of the questions people have asked....but complete strangers (which I realize we all still are) are not just walking down the street - we are all here for the common cause. Again, I am far from being smart here...I'm genuinely asking honest questions. Please be honest, but please also know I'm only being honest with you and think they are fair questions.
Please be nice. *Deep breathe* "post discussion"
Re: Very honest question(s)/comments...please do not bash.
Just ask the question you want to ask.
Who cares if some b you don't know gets mad at you!
As for being worried about commenting, don't be. One because at the end of the day we're strangers on the Internet to you, if that's all you want us to be. We have no bearing on your personal life. Also, different viewpoints lead to good discussions!
The bulk of us get grumpy when we are wading through pages of AW posts for which there is already a common thread (ie: having a boy/girl/raccoon/zombie, look at my belly!- HDBD is Wednesday, we announced, etc) because we care and want to address those with real issues and questions that need answering. I would definitely refrain from saying "no bashing" or "nice comments only" because sometimes when we are having a pity party we need to hear things we don't want to hear and frankly it makes some posters mad that you are dictating a response from them. Dear Diary type post go something like this "Today I had a totally great day DH totally spoiled me and I think I felt the baby move" there is no question and no way to start a conversation from that so it clogs the boards and is rude.
Sometimes you are going to get snark no matter what. You just have to let it blow over and ignore, everyone will move on quickly unless you get defensive then the GIFs come out. I hope this helps.
If you have a question skim the first 2 pages first and check to see if there is already a post. If there is. Add to that discussion. If not- ask away.
Questions - as long as they are Not about bumps or something that has been asked 10 times- are always welcome.
Jumping into discussions is the best way to get to get involved.
P.s was that a little creepy mwhahaha lol
Also, we are not a personal google. Research your question first and if you still have no resolution, then ask your question. We are always glad to offer advice. It may not be what you want to hear but it's generally good advice.
Asking a group of strangers to "be nice and supportive" gives the connotation that you think of us in a negative light from the get go. It immediately puts us on the defense.
Removing a negative tone when reading a response will also be helpful. I am sure some women will read a negative tone in what I'm saying in this response but, I'm not being negative.
I hope this helps.
Also it can be worrying what some people ask on here before they've researched or called their doctor. Telling your story and asking if anyone has had a similar experience and looking for support and reassurance that way- is very different to posting something like "I'm really bleeding what shall I do" etc.
I think this is a general fail in society at the moment though?! I had a mum on my Facebook post a photo of her son covered in hives, his tongue swollen and saying he's "finding it hard to breathe what shall I do." Common sense has to come in to play!
I'd even argue that the best thing about TB is that we are all strangers on the Internet so you can get an honesty that you can't find in friends without it being awkward or it digging up issues etc...
Woops! Fixed.
How much protein should I eat while pregnant?
Vs
What are you ladies eating to get more protein? Here are my go-tos, but I'd love some new ideas!
Oh ya i know about the search, thats how id find them from so long ago lol but i just mean that ill look really good first before even thinking of starting a thread. But ya i was just saying that ppl can make u feel like u dont want to even post anything because ur going to get rude comments..just like the original poster was saying, she doesnt feel like making a thread because of the comments. It just kinda sucks that we feel that way ya know..
Many PPs (myself included) have given the simple guide for what brings out the snark and basic questions or need for support aren't on that list. Sometimes if it is a redundant question I link previous discussions and direct the person there because there is a ton of good info and I don't want to type the same auto-response 20 times in 2 days, that is not mean or done in a rude manner, but to show the person the easier way and free myself up for answering someone else's question.
@wallserve I'm gonna be straight with you girl, I like you. Props to you.
I'm gonna serve it up honest & say I'm betting almost every reg or veteran you come across that brings their A game with answers, snark, compassion and sass have at one time or another gotten horribly flamed & snarked at. I have. Oh lord did the ladies on the IF board give me a 4th degree episiotomy years ago. But I deserved it. I licked my wounds, side-eyed them for a bit and then realized I had been an insensitive twatwaffle. I'm still here.
LFAF February Siggy Challenge - "Favorite TV/Movie Couple"
DD: 10/17/13
TTC#2 Actively: 10/14, NTNP: 01/14
Left-Sided Hydrosalpinx (cause: genetic abnormality, TREATED 11/16)
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/396b04
I started off with kind of an AW/redundant post here too and got my ass chewed for it. I defended the hell out of some of the other ladies in almost the exact terms I've seen this week and got my ass chewed for it. I was annoyed and resentful. Then I started hanging out on the boards a little more often, replying to ladies who had questions and giving support when people seemed to need it and it dawned on me why the "mean girls" were acting the way they did. These ladies who were schooling me were always there on every topic giving advice and support. I hadn't previously provided anything meaningful to the community and was asking rather a lot from it. The first time I had a legitimate concern and posted about it, the "mean girls" came out of the woodwork to support and check on me. I still disagree with the tone some people take on occasion and definitely disagree on issues as well, but blind agreement isn't what makes strong friendships and communities.