Am I being too sensitive or does anyone else feel this way?

To tell you the truth people just lie so much!!! I just took baby classes and about 80% of what people had told me was FALSE!!!! In the class they told me to do the exact opposite! When ever someone tells your something just be nice and tell them "thank you for letting me know" or "that's nice to know" and just ignore them! I really recommend you take classes though they are really helpful and you get EXPERT advice which should be the only one that should count! Congrats!

I had some of the same problems. People never quit telling you what you should and shouldn't do. I would just tell them "thank you for the advise but I am pretty sure I know what I should and shouldn't do" or just nod and change the subject. As for some of the things you have been told:

1. Coffee is just fine, in moderation. I had two cups of coffee a day during both of my pregnancies and had healthy babies both times.

2. As you have already mentioned, you know about the cat box. When it comes to actually bringing home your baby, I would slowly introduce the baby to your pets. I would not kennel them or lock them in a room as they may think that they are in trouble, just don't leave your baby alone with them until they are used to them. I am sure you have already thought of this.

3. I lived off of spicy food during my 1st pregnancy (it was about all I could keep down). If it upsets your stomach then of course don't eat it. I wouldn't go overboard and sit and eat hot peppers of course, but I don't see the problem with occasional spicy foods.

4. Prenatal vitamins are always a plus, you take a pill a day and you get all your nutrients. Though as long as you are getting your proper nutrients other ways I don't see why you have to take them.

5. Nod and change the subject. Every baby is different so there is no way anyone can tell you exactly what your baby will do.

I don't think that you are being overly sensitive, I was in the same position. It gets annoying and I believe that most people mean good but it does get annoying.

It sounds as if you have your head on and know what you should and shouldn't do. Congratulations on your pregnancy!! Good luck!!

Being highly sensitive can be a virtue and a curse. It's certainly better than those who are not affected by the pains, sufferings of others, and so on. However, if it is causing you distress, you may be having issues with anxiety and/or depression and insecurity. This can leave you feeling hyper-sensitive. Try to remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt - "No one can make you feel inferior unless you give them permission to do so." You need to work on you self confidence. Once you feel more assured about what you think about yourself, learn how to cope by understanding that other people's comments are a product of their issues and problems and you shouldn't let that affect you, you will start feeling stronger to stand up to things and let them go in one ear and out the other. Talk to a therapist if possible, and if not a friend or school counselors. There is also an old book that is still very valuable - called "How To Be Your Own Best Friend" by Mildred Newman, Bernard Berkowitz. It's worth reading.

I have had people ask what I am going to do with my animals when the baby is born. I have a dog she is a staffy two cats and three parakeets. I am keeping them all. My dog loves children as well and is very protective. One of my cats doesn't really like children but she doesn't attack them or anything. She just doesn't like getting her tail pulled. The other cat loves kids. I will have to keep him out of the babies room for he loves all the blankets. People remind me of things sometimes. I will drink one cup of coffee every now and then my doctor said I could have one cup. Some people disagree with that but that is not up to them. I wouldn't do any thing to harm my baby either. My sisters try to give advice but I don't think they are the best parents and disagree with a lot of what they do. I just tell people we are going to do this our own way and make our own mistakes for no parent is perfect. Neither can you parent every child the same they are all different.

I think it's the worst with your first pregnancy, and folks just do that. They can suck it.

The pets? Jeez, yeah your relationship to them will change - it has to. Baby is number one, then dogs and cats - but you're right, they'll probably do fine and actually they might be very protective of your baby. I know my ancient Shih Tzu would sit next to my baby when he could be on the floor for a bit, I think she was guarding him - and this is from a dog who would be the bit ch iest dog in the world with me, she was tender with that baby. Besides, having cats will help protect your baby from asthma and allergies.

Naw, you're not overly sensitive - you're just a target for a load of unwanted advice, and it's tedious to deal with. Sometimes it seems that becoming a parent is that last step to becoming an adult for some people and until that time you're a child really, so you are almost there and they can't let that go. And what the hell is a man doing reminding you about being pregnant? Is he ever going to have to deal with it (not including the fellow from Bend, OR)? Ugh.

It will keep coming through your babies childhood and through your next pregnancy that you do not know anything and even people who do not have babies know more than you, Just politely tell them you know what your doing you are the parent and they are not and as much as you appreciate their advice they have told you already

(I am not so nice they still do it to me and this is my 4th and I have so far successfully raised my 3 kids)

My favorite for when someone tells you your doing it wrong "They are not dead yet so I am apparently doing something right" the faces they make at you are priceless and makes you forget that you have heard that same advice 20 times in a row.

Good Luck just set your boundaries!!

Oh and for your bro in law up to 2 cups of coffee a day is ok!

EVERYONE becomes an expert on every subject when whatever is going on is not happening to them. My m-i-l is like that and there's no nice way to tell people like that to butt out. I use the line "Well I checked with my doctor about_____ and he/she seems fine with it, so I'm not worried and neither should you." You will still get unwarranted advice and you really have to learn to ignore it to the best of your ability. Choose your battles because when the baby gets here you'll have the same problems but worse because there's even more stuff to advise on when the little one arrives. When the point comes that you can't handle it anymore gently tell the offender thanks for your concern, but I can handle this. I'll call you if I need your help.

Lol. it is sooo frustrating, but as soon as people know that you are pregnant, they become an instant expert on you.

My husband and I just think that it is funny and give each other a "look" when someone offers oh-so-helpful advice. lol.

My Hubby is a Dr (although he is not on obstetrician), and I work in the medico-legal field, so I don't know why everyone thinks that we need so much advice!

Your brother-in-law sounds mean, but I am sure that everyone else's heart is in the right place. People just want to help you out, and are excited for you.

I went through that and i was carrying baby number 3!!

I hate to say it but in some cases it gets worse after you have your little bubs! People think they are being helpfull i guess telling you things that you already know!

I just nodded and agreed with them when it happened to me.

There isnt alot you can do, most of it is just unwanted advice.

Be happy and enjoy your pregnancy the way you want.

Good luck

I know how you feel.... Im pregnant with my first... im 18 weeks and everyone tells me oh you got to eat alot make sure you feed the baby.... and dont do this or that... dont bend over...dong lift heavy stuff.... Its like i dont know already.... Just because its my first child dont mean we are dumb... Just ignore everyone and do whatever you have been doing.... as long as your dr said its ok... then forget everyone else.... and you can have coffee if you like.. but no more then 2 cups.. im a coffee and soda lover but im not drinking any just to be carful..... and some family and friends tell me to go ahead and have it... like they forcing me lol!!! anyways good luck and I wish you the best...