It’s My Imagination

Birth Announcement Etiquette

March 28, 2008 on 8:17 am | In Some of This Some of That | 6 Comments

I have a question, and perhaps one or more of my readers can weigh in on this with either an answer, or at least their opinion.

When a baby is born, is it no longer the proper thing to do to send out birth announcements?

My daughter is 12 years old and I know one thing we did when getting ready for her arrival was to select birth announcements. Most of these are so easy to send out and can be pretty much made ready to go before the baby is born. The only unknown is the actual date, time, birth weight and length which can all be filled in after the birth. It’s really not difficult and is a tradition that I believe should carry on.

I ask the question because no birth announcements were ever mailed out on the last two babies born into our family. For me personally, the birth announcement serves not only as a way of announcing the birth, but also as a way for me to remember future birthdays. And let’s face it, parents are so excited and proud when that baby arrives, I can’t understand why they wouldn’t want to announce it! For example, my step-daughter had her baby last summer and no birth announcement was ever sent. I realize she is less traditional than I am, but I honestly can’t tell you our grandchild’s birthday!

Even if the parents aren’t traditional, there are so many cute announcements available. If photo birth announcements had been as easily available 12 years ago, I think I would have gone this route. They are so cute, and who doesn’t like a baby picture? I mean, check this out, is this not cute?!

Please let me know what you think. Have you received birth announcements for your friends and relatives who’ve had babies? I’m just curious.

Tags: birth announcements

6 Comments

1. Well, I hadn’t really thought about it, but you’re right. It’s been years since I’ve received a birth announcement. They seem to have gone the way of the “It’s a Boy!” cigars.

   I can see both sides. On one hand, friends and family love receiving those photos, and the vital stats do come in handy. But on the other hand, some new parents may see the announcements as trolling for gifts — and they don’t want anyone to feel pressured. And then, there’s the practical side of not finding the time to put a nice announcement together with the new addition demanding so much. So I’m no help at all here, I guess. It IS something to think about, though.

   Tammie’s last blog post..Insomnia Stinks

   Comment by Tammie — March 28, 2008 #

2. I couldn’t wait to pick out my birth announcements while I was pregnant. I still have ones sent to me twenty years ago. I hate to lose such a nice tradition.

   Karen’s last blog post..A New Watch

   Comment by Karen — March 28, 2008 #

3. I like to receive one, so far i haven’t received any birth announcements yet. It is not traditional here in the Philippines and I wish it is. You’re right, it’s one way of tracking down birthdays of family members and friends.

   the_sphinx’s last blog post..Goin’ Slow

   Comment by the_sphinx — March 29, 2008 #

4. Tammie – I know, it’s sort of a strange thing to think about, but there are just so many cute birth announcements available, and who doesn’t want to see a cute baby photo?!

   Comment by Lynne — March 29, 2008 #

5. Karen – I couldn’t wait to send out birth announcements either! That was and still is the proudest day of my life, why wouldn’t I want everyone to know about it!

   Comment by Lynne — March 29, 2008 #

6. That’s interesting! I never really thought about birth announcements being a U.S. custom!

   Comment by Lynne — March 29, 2008 #

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