Posts by feralwalker0

It’s not just irritating; it’s actually hard to wrap my head around why people feel this constant need to share horror stories about someone they know—whether it’s a miscarriage at a certain month or a stillbirth. It’s funny how it works: back when I was in my second trimester, the stories were always about losses in the 20-22 week range. Now that I’m in my third trimester, you can bet all the talk is about losses at 31 weeks. Honestly, it's mindless. And it isn't even coming from bitter or jealous people; it’s more like everyone has collectively lost their grip on social awareness. I don't get the impulse. I try to cut them off immediately, but sometimes you hear the topic coming before you can even react, and that fear just sticks in your brain...

On top of that, there are the older women in the family and social circles who seem to use other people's pregnancies to relive their own. Unlike my friends or other pregnant women I know—people I can actually talk to about what I'm going through—these older relatives don't seem interested in listening at all. They’ll ask a perfunctory question, and the moment you start opening up, they pivot to: "Well, when I was pregnant..." and then they just keep going. It’s exhausting. It feels like they're trying to compete with you in the only arena they think they still have control over.

It’s the same thing every single time—everyone is dying to know what we’re naming our little girl. They act totally stunned when I tell them we’re keeping it a secret until she actually arrives. It’ll be the same story next time, too. What if we name her... Amy.

Then there are those moments when women just start unloading incredibly private details without me even asking—things like lactation or postpartum bleeding...

And I have to mention how people feel the need to tell me about some woman who lost her baby during a specific week or something. I usually cut them off right then and politely let them know I’d rather not hear those kinds of stories.

But honestly, the thing that gets under my skin more than anything else is being asked, "So, what are you going to do about the dogs?" We have three little girls who are full-fledged family members—they're sweet, calm, and a huge part of our lives. I don't get what people expect, that we'll just toss them out on the street because a baby is coming? If anything, this baby is going to be the healthiest, happiest kid ever with three little protectors and best friends by her side...

Hi everyone,

My primary care physician just retired. A new doctor has taken her place, and we patients have been given the choice to either stay with the newcomer or select a different provider.

My situation is a bit specific because I struggle with an eating disorder, and I really need support from a modern physician who actually understands this. I’m mentioning this because, unfortunately, I’ve had bad experiences with doctors who dismiss eating disorders as "no big deal," "spoiled behavior," or offer useless advice like "just eat and you'll be fine..." or "just pray to God before you eat..." and other similar platitudes.

I wanted to ask you all for recommendations for good doctors. My neighborhood is near Central Park and the Middle area, so it would be great if they aren't too far away. What I'm looking for is a doctor where you don't have to wait an eternity (especially if you call ahead) and someone who isn't difficult about medical leave.

Thanks so much!

Hum

Dear Sammy,

Just stay brave and get it over with. I went to State University for my degree, and the whole process was actually pretty quick and manageable.

I totally get how you're feeling—I dealt with my own panic attacks right before my surgery. It’s a nightmare when they’re messing around "inside your head." Truly awful.

I was out of it for a few days after my procedure, and the pain afterward can be pretty rough, but it passes, and then you're in the clear! Just stock up on some Advil and tackle this head-on.

And please, let us know how it goes!

feralwalker0