As you move past your estimated due date, it is very common for well-meaning friends and family to begin "checking in" frequently. While these messages usually come from a place of love, they can feel like a "deadline" and create unnecessary stress. You have the right to protect your peace during these final days of pregnancy.
Consider being proactive with boundaries before the due date. Here’s an example of something you can post to social media and communicate to your friends and family.
"As we get closer to our baby’s arrival, we’re going into a 'quiet zone' to focus on rest and preparation. If you don't hear from us for a bit, please know that 'no news is good news!' We can't wait to introduce you to our newest family member when the time is right."
Here are several “gentle scripts” you can use to answer questions when getting inquiries.
1. The "Supportive & Understanding" Response:
Use this for friends who are genuinely excited but over-communicating.
"Thank you so much for your excitement! We are doing well and enjoying these final quiet days. We’ve decided to stop giving daily updates to keep things calm, but don't worry—we’ll share the news once our little one has made their debut!"
2. The "Knowledgeable & Competent" Response:
Use this for family members who are expressing concern about the baby being 'late'.
"Actually, the research shows it’s very normal to go past the 'due date.' We are working closely with our midwife, monitoring the baby’s movements and health regularly. We’re trusting the baby’s timeline and my body’s wisdom!"
3. The "Direct & Clinical" Response:
Use this for those who are pushing for a hospital induction.
"We appreciate your concern, but we are following a clear, evidence-based safety protocol. As long as our clinical screenings remain healthy, we are choosing to wait for labor to start naturally to avoid unnecessary interventions."
4. The "Humorous & Light" Response:
Use this for casual acquaintances or on social media.
"Still pregnant! The baby has decided they aren't quite done yet. We’ve stopped checking the calendar and started checking our favorite snack supplies instead. We'll let everyone know when the 'eviction notice' is finally served!
Midwife Tips:
If receiving "check in" messages become stressful, consider designating a Gatekeeper—a partner, trusted family member, or friend—to be the point of contact for all family inquiries. Consider changing your Voicemail Greeting or WhatsApp/iMessage Status to something like: "We are still waiting for baby! We aren't answering texts or calls right now to focus on rest, but we will update you when there is news!" This stops the notifications before they even hit your phone, keeping you in a peaceful mindset during late pregnancy without the constant interruption of the "clinical" calendar.
Consider being proactive with boundaries before the due date. Here’s an example of something you can post to social media and communicate to your friends and family.
"As we get closer to our baby’s arrival, we’re going into a 'quiet zone' to focus on rest and preparation. If you don't hear from us for a bit, please know that 'no news is good news!' We can't wait to introduce you to our newest family member when the time is right."
Here are several “gentle scripts” you can use to answer questions when getting inquiries.
1. The "Supportive & Understanding" Response:
Use this for friends who are genuinely excited but over-communicating.
"Thank you so much for your excitement! We are doing well and enjoying these final quiet days. We’ve decided to stop giving daily updates to keep things calm, but don't worry—we’ll share the news once our little one has made their debut!"
2. The "Knowledgeable & Competent" Response:
Use this for family members who are expressing concern about the baby being 'late'.
"Actually, the research shows it’s very normal to go past the 'due date.' We are working closely with our midwife, monitoring the baby’s movements and health regularly. We’re trusting the baby’s timeline and my body’s wisdom!"
3. The "Direct & Clinical" Response:
Use this for those who are pushing for a hospital induction.
"We appreciate your concern, but we are following a clear, evidence-based safety protocol. As long as our clinical screenings remain healthy, we are choosing to wait for labor to start naturally to avoid unnecessary interventions."
4. The "Humorous & Light" Response:
Use this for casual acquaintances or on social media.
"Still pregnant! The baby has decided they aren't quite done yet. We’ve stopped checking the calendar and started checking our favorite snack supplies instead. We'll let everyone know when the 'eviction notice' is finally served!
Midwife Tips:
If receiving "check in" messages become stressful, consider designating a Gatekeeper—a partner, trusted family member, or friend—to be the point of contact for all family inquiries. Consider changing your Voicemail Greeting or WhatsApp/iMessage Status to something like: "We are still waiting for baby! We aren't answering texts or calls right now to focus on rest, but we will update you when there is news!" This stops the notifications before they even hit your phone, keeping you in a peaceful mindset during late pregnancy without the constant interruption of the "clinical" calendar.
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