Mommy Advice - When is it too much?

Being a pregnant has been the best thing that ever happened to me. Granted, there has been some discomfort along the way, but despite it all, each day is still the best day of my life. I love finally getting to chat about my body changing and having people talk to me about my boys and share their tales of motherhood. But, sometimes, when I am listening to a monologue about their horrible pregnancy, awful birth, what didn't work for them and all their woes, I start to feel rather ill. Why would anyone want to share their negative stories with a newly pregnant mom? I can understand wanting to share your story and having a common bond with someone, but at the same time, you do realize that you are making me very uncomfortable right?
Just recently I was practically crawling through the airport experiencing a great deal of back pain, but I was trying to refocus on my two boys, breathe and smile. When the security attendant asked if I was ok, I smiled and said I was just carrying twins and they were making me a bit uncomfortable at the moment. With a large exhale, she too said that she had twins. I quickly perked up and asked her how pregnancy was, hoping she would offer some support. However, she exhaled again and said, "It was awful". The hope and joy I had momentarily felt left my body and I started to tear up. Thankfully, my girl Beks jumped to my defense saying, "Couldn't you have lied to her?!...geez!!!". That made me think, couldn't she have fibbed, just for a second, to give me a bit of hope/strength? I think I would have assured the new mom that she would get through it and it would get better, even if it didn't for me.

As mothers (old and new alike), maybe we should offer only the positive support/advise that we did when we were brides. I don't think I have told any of my engaged friends all the horror stories of my wedding, because when looking back, everything that seemed so "horrific" turned out to be nothing at all. The main advice I offer to my soon be MRS. girls, is to slow down, enjoy every second of wedding planning because it is over before you know it. All the tears you cry now and the stress that arises over invitations, flowers and guest lists is HIGHLY laughable after the fact. The only thing that you will remember is the absolutely magical day you experience. Isn't motherhood the same? All the pregnancy woes and birth stories end in a perfect lump of human flesh that you and the person you love created together?
Positive advice and experiences were never needed more now that my TH and I have started taking Nic's amazing HypnoBirthing classes. As I practice visualizing my calm and natural birth daily, it is rather frustrating when women only want to talk about how painful, horrible and traumatizing their birth was. I understand you want to share and are not trying to scare me, but sadly, the vivid images you share sear into my brain and knock my confidence a bit. Maybe share your favorite part of childbirth. Or a great memory you took from that day (even if it is just meeting your sweet baby). I promise you, it means the world to us new/Hypno moms!

While your motherhood story may not be the best, maybe think twice before sharing it with first time mom. Try and find the silver lining in your story and alleviate her fears and inexperience with wisdom and strength. Choose to share your positive memories or how you conquered the negative ones. I assure you, we appreciate the mom's who give us strength and look forward to doing the same in our future.
Who will you comfort today?