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How to handle bad pregnancy advice...any tips?

Discussion in 'Community Off Topic' started by MindBodyPT, Jul 21, 2017.

  1. MindBodyPT

    MindBodyPT Beloved Grand Eagle

    Hi all,


    So I am relatively recently pregnant (still in first trimester!) and have come to realize how toxic it is for me to listen to people’s weird advice. I think it stems from my TMS experiences with doctors giving me bad advice about back pain and the culture of fear around it…don’t lift anything heavy, don’t carry a heavy purse, don’t twist your back, etc. Obviously this was all totally wrong and I lift weights and do whatever I want now with no back pain!


    I’ve had some experiences with people becoming upset when I tell them i’m doing pilates, weight lifting, drinking a little coffee, or something else they feel is “bad” for me and the baby, and this is a big anxiety trigger for me. I am thorough with my research on this stuff, have read up on it and have a good handle on what is ok for me to do! There is such a culture of fear around pregnancy, as there is with TMS related issues…i’m already getting tired of it and I still have a while to go.


    Has anyone else dealt with this? I think i’ve offended some people by just saying “thanks for the advice but i’m not going to do things that way.” I can’t be around people who constantly feel the need to do this and have probably upset them (one person in particular this happened with). People can be really aggressive with telling you what they think is right for your body and I find this so tough to handle!
     
    Lily Rose likes this.
  2. Ewok

    Ewok Peer Supporter

    Smile and nod. Thank them for the advice. Don't even tell them you're going to disregard it, then you don't have to debate. Then go ahead and do what you know is right for you. :)
     
    Lily Rose, MindBodyPT and Ellen like this.
  3. Ellen

    Ellen Beloved Grand Eagle

    Yes, what @Ewok said.
     
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  4. MindBodyPT

    MindBodyPT Beloved Grand Eagle

    Yeah. Mostly been doing just that with people ( haven't told most folks yet) but I'm having a harder time with people I'm close to insisting on things I don't agree with.

    I guess this comes up in lots of ways with medical advice...this came up with a close friend who I disagree with and keeps pushing her point and got me upset, it was just to hard to hold in getting angry with her, politeness only goes so far with those you're close to. I know I offended her but feel I have to take care of myself...I guess just feeling guilty for pushing her away.
     
    Lily Rose likes this.
  5. Ellen

    Ellen Beloved Grand Eagle

    I understand how irritating this can be. What about some statements like "I'll consider it." "I'll look into it." or this should stop most people--"Email me the scientific research that supports it and I'll look at it. As a PT, you know I really like to see the research before I start anything." Most people won't have any to send since it's usually myths.

    Oh, and Congratulations on your pregnancy! Don't let anything take away your joy.
     
    Lily Rose, MindBodyPT and Lizzy like this.
  6. MindBodyPT

    MindBodyPT Beloved Grand Eagle

    Thanks Ellen! That helps :) I like those responses if i come across this again.
     
  7. AC45

    AC45 Well known member

    Hi @MindBodyPT,

    Oh I remember that ... my favorite was a family member who insisted that I should not go out on a boat while pregnant. I wasn't planning to waterski but seated when boating is fine.

    It made me really upset too but I did it anyway. It is the people pleasing part of us TMSers that makes it hard to take the criticism. What I want I say is that this is really common and good practice for you.

    When the baby comes, you'll get even more advice. Think of it as a good way to practice your TMS skills. "I am not going to people please. I am going to do what is right for me".

    Brene Brown says we need to stand in our own truth. This is a perfect example. Follow your research, follow your doctor and, to the rest, smile and nod as @Ewok said.

    ❤️ AC45
     
    MindBodyPT likes this.
  8. scorewrist

    scorewrist New Member

    That's it! I agree with Ewok.
     
    Ewok likes this.

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