I am noticing a growing trend of expectant mothers who are expecting more than just a baby at the hospital, some are actually picking out labor gifts.

Yes that’s what I said, a gift for doing something that has been done for thousands of years. I personally couldn’t imagine picking out a coach bag or some Manolo Blahniks in payment for bringing life into the world. When did some of us as woman decide that we are owed payment for such things? Have we really become that materialistic? I’d much rather take that money and put it in a savings account for my children. I have seen post after post from pregnant women asking each other what they think they are going to get and even asking for ideas. Heres a clue, if you don’t know what you want then maybe you shouldn’t be asking? When I gave birth the only thing on my mind was the health of my baby and the undying love and affection I felt immediately.  Perhaps if your one of those women who expect a gift maybe you should consider yourself lucky to be able to carry a life full term and experience labor in all it’s pain and sacrifice. You might be reading this and think, “Well we can afford it financially…” What about giving that money as a gift to a charity helping women grieving the loss of a stillborn or a child killed by a drunk driver. Life is a gift and labor is an act of love.