Being called Mum/Mummy by health professionals

[NicciLovesSundays]

Just wondering if you have experienced being called Mum/Mummy by anyone during your pregnancy (eg at scans, antenatal appointments etc) and how you feel about it?

They can't possibly remember everyone's name. It's a handy nickname that works for everyone they see. I'd do the same in their position.

No, always used my name unless talking to my kids later eg telling dd that she must tell mummy if her tummy hurts straight away etc

Get used to it. HCPs won't always remember your name and you will be referred to like this for a long time. It's really not a big issue.

It didn’t happen to me while pregnant luckily as it would have been upsetting given that my baby had only a 5% chance of surviving (he made it in the end).
I understand why they do it but I always feel like they are talking to someone else so have to continuously remind myself to respond.
I wish they would just say ‘you’.

Really couldn't get upset by it. DDs nursery staff now call me Mum, as do dentists, the lady who measures her feet in Clarks, etc.

Personally I always loved it.

Better than people asking how baby is! Baby is internal so I'm fine thanks!

Oh I never really liked it but I know why they do it.

Nursery always did the same and that bothered me more because there was more chance for them to learn my name.

I’m not expecting my name unless they have my notes right in front of them, just nothing would be my preference .. but that’s because I find it a bit twee.. I’m sure some love it.

My doctor doesn't do this and I'd hate it if she did. I'd understand it if they were talking to my child about me but when they're talking to me then no way, it's just weird. I feel like "mums" lose their identity in lots of little ways and this is just another one of them.

For those saying "of course HCPs can't remember everyone's names" - what do they do when patients aren't "mum"? Surely they must have some way of dealing with that. Can you imagine a guy getting a vasectomy and being told "ok, ejaculator..."

I don’t understand why they would need to use your name. If they say ‘could you undress the baby please’ you are going to know that they mean you.

Hasn’t happened to me but it would annoy me. I don’t expect them to remember my name at all, but so far everyone I’ve dealt with has managed just fine with “how are you?” so I don’t see the need for “how’s mum?” As PP said, it wouldn’t happen if you were at an appointment or in hospital for other reasons.
I think it makes more sense once the child is born and is a bit older and they’re being included in a conversation that is really meant for you (eg someone saying “I need to talk to mummy now” to a child is really telling you, “we need to speak” but they’re just including the child and therefore referring to you how the child would). When the baby isn’t born I think it’s annoying.

ok, ejaculator

Mum, but not Mummy.

My midwife also calls DH 'Dad' when directing a question to him.

I find it a bit funny but not offensive.

I don't like it when HCPs call me Mum, when they're speaking directly to me. It feels dismissive, patronising and rude.

As far as I'm concerned there is one person in this world qualified to call me Mummy (actually he pronounces it Ninny, but that's a big step forward and actually I quite like it), and there's a whole raft of alternatives for everyone else. I mind less in places where people have no way of knowing (shoe shops, for example, shen ds is having his feet measured), but it annoys me greatly when it happens at the doctors. I have a name, and if someone doesn't want to be on first name terms, Mrs Spudlet will do fine, thank you.

I have never thought to be offended by it, we all have words that we don't like but if I was worried/irritated to extreme levels about people using them I think I'd have to have a word with myself 😂

It's in case they get name wrong. People can go ape shit if that happens so easier to call people mum or mummy.

Not yet, but I will say something if it happens. As PPs have said, no issues if talking to the child in reference to me, but not to me directly.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 @Kinsters

I always loved this. Especially the first pregnancy, it felt wonderful to be called mummy.

There is a shop assistant in our local ASDA who does this. Now that is weird!

I haven't come across this yet but I would not be happy at all, especially in an antenatal setting. Until I have a healthy baby in my arms, I wouldn't want to be called 'mum'. And, frankly, it's just rude.

When the baby is born you will all get referred to as mum, baby, dad etc. I guarantee it. Do you want them to come along and check your notes to call you the right name every time they speak to you? How would they know your partner's name? It's safe shorthand.

Who gives a shit.

Ds2 spent a year and a half in and out of hospital. The nurses always remembered his name as soon as we walked in, and I was always ‘mum’. Never occurred to me to think twice about it

Who gives a Shit. I'd love to have your problems.

I do think it's different once the baby is born - annoying but more acceptable then. Before baby is born (which is what the OP was asking about), I really don't like it especially as I'm the patient.

Yes, I remember that, found it rather amusing, nicely old fashioned