*Trigger Warning: This article mentions baby loss*
Pregnancy announcements over social media can bring up a range of feelings for people.
Of course, learning that an old friend from school or your college classmate is welcoming a baby will make us happy and excited for them.
But, for some, it can be a painful reminder that they haven’t yet fallen pregnant, or it can bring up feelings of sadness for those who have lost a child.
Linda Kondilis, PhD, a reproductive health psychologist and founder of Orama Wellness, explains to POPSUGAR why this very personal choice may be declining in popularity.
Many expectant parents have opted to do away with online pregnancy announcements altogether, especially if the expecting parents struggled with conceiving.
“Many of my patients who have struggled with getting pregnant hesitate or refuse to post their pregnancy announcement online because they know how emotionally triggering it can be to their community who is still trying to conceive.
“Many people who have not had any challenges trying to conceive know someone who has,” Dr Kondilis continues.
“Whether there is a medical challenge or not, people are more aware that their community is going through financial, emotional, and physical stressors to have children.”
The psychologist also explains that swerving the online announcement usually stems from the fear of triggering emotions in others, as well as protecting their own emotions.
This has prompted many parents to instead wait until their baby has arrived before posting the news. “So many people feel more comfortable sharing [their baby news] once they’ve given birth,” she adds.
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