To share or not to share?

When you tell people that you're expecting, they may ask about the baby's sex and potential names. You can decide what - if any - of this information you want to share.

You may feel like keeping this information private until the birth adds extra excitement and anticipation, or you may be wary of having to hear unsolicited opinions.

Alternatively, you may feel like sharing this information will help your loved ones feel more connected to your little one. 

Your comfort

Take some time to think about how you both feel about sharing this information. Discuss whether you're excited to tell others.

If one of you wants to keep things private while the other is eager to share, try to understand each other's perspectives.

‍Family & cultural traditions

Consider the traditions important to you and your families and how they might impact your decision. Some families keep the baby's name a secret until the birth, while others encourage sharing the name and sex as part of the excitement leading up to the baby’s birth. 

If the name has special significance, sharing it beforehand allows your loved ones to be part of that meaningful choice. When people know these details, they may become more excited about the new addition to your family and more involved in celebrating with you. It can also make it easier for them to choose gender-specific gifts or plan a baby shower.

If your family has strong opinions about whether you should share the name and sex, talk with them about your preferences. It's lovely to have your family's support and excitement, but ultimately, the decision is yours to make as a couple.

Unsolicited opinions

While sharing your baby's name and sex before birth has its benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks. One concern is getting unsolicited opinions or pressure to change your chosen name. Once you share the name, everyone from family to colleagues might weigh in, which can be stressful and make you second-guess a name you love.

Another issue is the possibility of gender disappointment from others. Even if you are thrilled with your baby's sex, some family members might have hoped for the opposite, which can create tension and dampen your excitement. 

A gender-neutral approach

If you plan to raise your child in a gender-neutral environment, you may want to consider keeping the sex and name of your baby private until after the birth. By not revealing this information, you can avoid receiving gender-specific gifts, clothes, or decorations that may not align with how you want to parent. 

‍Social media & privacy concerns

Anything you share online can spread quickly and become permanent, even if you delete it later. Before announcing your baby's details, take a moment to discuss how comfortable you are with sharing personal information. Consider possible consequences, like unwanted attention, unsolicited advice, or even identity theft.

Communicating your preferences to family and friends is important so they respect your decisions. Remember, your child's online presence and privacy start with you, so think carefully about what you share and who you share it with.