Pregnancy Etiquette- 1966

* One should tell others they are pregnant only when it becomes obvious. Not meaning when you are showing but when you need to decline "a ten mile hike, or get caught in a spell of upchucking on the job, it's better to be frank than to evade the issue and leave people wondering."

*If you are working, you must tell you boss, especially if your job requires someone to be trained. And be sure to tell your family and friends and not let them hear it through the grape vine. Casual aquantances can just find out when you dawn the first maternity outfit and "you wont have to say a word."

*You should start wearing maternity clothes when all your other clothes are uncomfortable. Wearning them too early is unflattering.

*If someone asks you for a list of people to invite to your shower, give them the names of your family and close friends.

"A baby shower is should be casual and informal- not an occasion for inviting a lot of people of mere acquaintances."

And remember you shoudl never do anything at your shower. You are the guest of honor.

*Your doctor should be very close since they will be your support for nine months.

"He will be a teacher, councelor, and general wailing wall".

You should interview doctors and if in te first few months you dont think they are right for you, tell them frankly and choose another one. Do not switch in the final months.

*"Make yourself pretty and your condition as inconspicuous as possible." You may continue to do all the things you enjoy just to a lesser degree.

* Dont talk about "your condition". People dont want to hear about it. Sometimes a neighbour will listen happily but be careful because they might be using you so they can talk about their own stories.

* Dont talk of "your condition" in fron of children. You might like to teach your children about what is real but you cannot teach that to others children.

*When your due date is close, stay home. No one wants to worry about you going into labour and having to rush you to the hospital.

*Send out birth announcement as soon as you can after the birth and thank you letters for gifts.

"a few extra touches, such as a box of chocolates for the girls on the maternity ward, notes or thank you's for special courtesies, mark you as a thoughtful person."

*Finally, empahsize the good and play down the bad.

"At this time when you are so very much a woman, you will want to be every inch a lady."