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Didn't get to use birth announcement plaque

9 replies

Mumtobe202310 · 04/06/2024 18:07

Dear Mumsnetters,

I have an 8 month old baby Alhamdulillah (thank God). First time mum aswell.

Had a physically perfect but mentally anxiety ridden pregnancy and then a fast labour which to me personally was traumatic since I can't remember hardly anything from it and plus I believe I had what could only be likened to a manual removal of placenta without any epidural (they shut me up using gas and air).

Anyways, for the first time in my life had I packed anything immaculately which was my hospital bag. Had everything. The part I packed so lovingly was the going home outfit and wooden hello world plaque with a marker aswell. The sleepsuit also was ready which read (a dua come true) dua meaning wish in arabic. I was so excited.

Due to that birth and feeling out of it until next morning, I didn't get to have that hallmark movie feeling where you hold your baby and it's all magical and also we had problems breastfeeding. I syringes colustrum and gave that only to find out next morning he was dehydrated and without any hesitation gave the bottle milk which nurse gave.

Now I cannot see that wooden plaque without feeling guilty and sad that I didn't use it for my son. But now, I was to use it in a different way for him even if it's the back of the plaque. But I need some ideas please as to how I can use or for my son in a beautiful and special way.

I know this is going to seem like such a pointless or silly post even but it really was something special to me.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
nobeans · 04/06/2024 18:09

Not silly at all. It's important.

Could you make it into a photo frame?

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 04/06/2024 18:23

Do you have a picture of it? Maybe we can come up with something together.

You're not silly at all. I think most people don't have the 'hallmark' moment, I'm not sure it even exists. I certainly didn't have one, please don't beat yourself up about it - I know it's hard when you've got all that emotion invested and you think you know what it's going to be like and it doesn't go that way (I was going to labour at home in the bath before going to hospital, I lay down in the water, and immediately discovered what I wanted to do was walk - I was thrashing around like a bloody swordfish on a line! The bathroom was flooded! 😂)

GailTheFish · 04/06/2024 18:37

I don’t think it’s silly at all, so please don’t worry about that. Could you maybe frame the plaque in a large box frame with a newborn photo, or alternatively have a teddy made from some favourite baby clothes, and display that with the plaque in your baby’s room?

Cheepcheepcheep · 04/06/2024 18:39

Great ideas from other PPs. Just posting to say I get it - I don’t have any photos of me with newborn DD due to the way her birth went and it really upset me. I’m just about over it 4 years later but I think it was a factor in choosing an ELCS with DS 2 years later so I could have the ‘moments’ I didn’t get first time around.

StripedTomatoes · 04/06/2024 18:40

You've had 8 months to use it in a photo somehow, it didn't need to be on the first day! But anyway, save it until he can talk, i.e. literally say hello and then film a cute little video or something.

thesandwich · 04/06/2024 19:03

As pp have said, very few if any of us have that movie moment. As you now know, childbirth can be fraught, hectic, messy and everything else. I suspect people think you can plan the perfect birth like the perfect wedding.
make now special, look after yourself and your new baby.

butwhatabouttheroses · 04/06/2024 19:11

I think the "movie moment" is just that ... something that only happens in the movies. I think for most people giving birth is quite traumatic (it was for me both times) and we are just relieved to have got through it in one piece (stitches allowing!) with a healthy baby.

Historically a baby's first birthday was a huge milestone as one in four babies wouldn't make it that far. Maybe save it till then to use for a photo?

MrsBobtonTrent · 04/06/2024 19:21

How about using the plaque for a first trip away from home or abroad? With passport and a little suitcase?

I think a lot of us feel a bit like that about baby beginnings. We are encouraged to make plans and feel under pressure for perfect social media moments. But really most babies are born into a degree of chaos that we have no control over. I had many fixed ideas about DS1's babyhood and I was privileged to have the majority of those thrown out the window very quickly. I wish you and your precious child all the best.

Mumtobe202310 · 05/06/2024 02:27

Oh my days, I'm so so happy to read all of these, they are such great ideas and still uphold the special plaque sentiment that I would have wanted! I'm going to try and see which one I can do. Thank you all so much for the ideas and also the kindness towards understanding how I feel. You mums are amazing and your LOs are lucky to have you as their mums. xxx

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