In country that I come from community property is common thing, however everyone pitches in for whole thing with new baby in the family. All of my ants uncles cousins and neighbors had an opinion what should I bee, do, how should I look and all of them ware so much in my business that it grew extra five layers of tick skin. However all those people have pitched in to my mom and dad in this or that way with us growing up.
Once you're pregnant in US your body becomes community property. What do I mean by that is that all of sudden everyone has right to comment on your appearance, body shape, parenting skills and all sorts of things. There is nothing else, just comment without any accountability or actions. Here are some of the examples that I've experienced from absolute strangers in various situations:
Me 36 weeks pregnant standing in line for take out salads and meets, random lady in grocery store approaches me and comments: Oh honey how far along are you? I hope that you're eating well... Insinuating my size is overwhelming. I'm tired swollen +30lb and looking for ready salads for baby shower I'm trowing to myself.
In grocery store again, random strange lady comes over and pulls hair out of her eyes and precedes to explain how her site can be damaged. While little one is chewing on her own hair clip, and refuses to have anything in her hair.
In grocery store, buying pouches and pre-made purees for our upcoming trip - random remark - well I guess it's better then McDonald's
With my newborn paying for the bill in Tea place -Elderly voice: well hurry up now baby needs it's tea.
With newborn after discharge from NICU in hospital during summer with orders to keep extra layer on baby an hat. Lady on the parking lot shouted over you'll overheat it, it's 92 degrees. Like I don't know and I don't realize what's weather like.
Thank you! Thank you all for your concerns. It's great that mentality of "It takes a village" has stick with you. However if you want to help, then by all means come over, watch my kiddos for couple of hours. Bring over a meal. Do my dishes. Do my laundry.
I don't mind any of your comments, if you don't mind pitching in just little bit, over here with the whole thing. It does still take a village and I appreciate all that village that is around me, however if you're not going to hold crying baby while I'm on checkout, or if you're not going to be any of the actual help hold those comments for you. Hold them and have them for all those times when you are able to look over someones kid, and be of any actual help.