Finding out you’re pregnant is momentous, to say the least, and sharing it is something you’ll want to do sooner or later. When you choose to tell people is a highly personal decision – some share straight away, while others prefer to wait a while – and how to start sending out that news has as many options as there are people deciding how to do so. Make a public announcement? Tell friends and family members one by one? Something in between? It really depends on what you feel comfortable with. Making the announcement memorable, no matter what that means for you, is a nice little bonus in the pregnancy journey.
The Family Dinner
The first option is one that’s a bit more straightforward than others, and that’s by simply having the people you most want to tell first around for a lunch or dinner; no mess, no fuss, and no complications (other than trying to get the timing right!). You can make this as casual as you want, or even go right up to a formal dinner party – whatever it is that suits your style! How you do this might depend on how much of a surprise you want it to be. If you don’t usually host dinner parties, it might lead some guests to suspect something is up, but if you’re happy with that, go for it! Otherwise, you might like a more casual barbecue lunch, or something that is a bit more in your own wheelhouse. As for the how? Again, entirely up to you. If you’ve only got a small number of people coming around to your gathering, you might like to grab a few newborn dummies and use them as place settings! That avoids having to find the right words (which we all know can be a bit difficult, even for exciting things like announcing a much-wanted pregnancy), AND it lets people know exactly what’s going on. And if they’re confused? It’s still a really easy way to explain everything. Another option is to share the ultrasound images, if you’ve decided to wait until after you have them. There’s definitely no confusion with those!
The Baby Shoe Photo
This is a popular and almost timeless choice and for good reason. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it gets the message across very simply – and you get to go baby shoe shopping! Just line up your new baby shoes next to you and your partner’s shoes and snap away. If you like, you might include a calendar page in the background with the due date circled and convey all the essential information in one easy-to-decipher image. Once you’re happy with your photo, send it to all the people you want to know first!
The Calendar
And speaking of calendars, it might be that you just want to stick with that, rather than going and buying tiny shoes your little one might end up outgrowing before they even have a chance to wear them (and wow, is that a common occurrence!). Whether it’s digital or physical, calendars are relatively easy (not to mention cheap) to get hold of, so are a reasonably quick thing to be able to put together as an announcement. You can decorate them however you please, and make sure the due date is clearly visible. If you’re going the physical calendar route, try decorating the surrounding area with baby-related items that are more likely to be used before they’re outgrown – the dummy mentioned above could be a good option, or maybe try a teether. The Haakaa Silicone Teething Ring is a wonderful, traditionally shaped teether that’s immediately recognisable, even to those who might not be quite so caught up on their modern baby products. Finish off the lot with a nice, clear title. Something like “Mark it now – our little one arrives [month, day]!”
Food-themed
For those who might enjoy poking a bit of fun at themselves, an “Eating for Two” photo might be just the laugh they’re after. While we know that eating for two is a bit of a myth, it’s still an eminently recognisable phrase that will let people know you’re expecting – and you can have so much fun with it. Maybe show your plate piled up higher than everyone else’s, or perhaps set up a tray filled with a range of completely mismatched foods (making sure nothing is going to go to waste). Caption it with “Eating for two now!” or whichever similar phrase you like, and fire it off! Another thing you might want to try is an image of your cups or bottles, with the addition of one of the cute Haakaa 120ml Glass Baby Bottles alongside them – milk optional, of course! That’s likely to get the point across in no uncertain terms.
Involve the Pets
If you’re already a pet parent, getting them in on the act can be adorable. A small sign beside them reading “Big sibling in training!” while they check out a new baby hat could be just the cute factor you’re after.
One for the Sports Families
If you’re a family that’s very much into their sports, this one might be a no-brainer – announcing the new member of the team, complete with tiny team kit. If you’re feeling particularly artsy, you can get a plain white onesie and decorate it in your favourite team’s colours, and include the phrase “New Member Due” with the due date. It should match your sporty vibes and easily conveys the important information!
Direct and Excited
For some, though, making a big deal just isn’t their thing, no matter how excited they are. Instead, just firing out messages, emails, making phone calls, or just mentioning it as and when they meet up with people is all they need – and for plenty of people, that’s all that’s needed: joyful messages and conversations, and nothing else. If that sounds like you, don’t feel like you have to go with an announcement that doesn’t suit you – everyone is different, and the important thing is that the people you want to know, do.
Regardless of the method you choose, the importance lies in sharing your happiness. It’s a unique period in your life, so go with the reveal that reflects your personal style and brings you the greatest happiness possible.