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[–]kindergartenteacherNew Mom 46 points47 points ago

I think you really need to know you have nothing to feel guilty about. Loving your husband and reaching out to him physically during a tragic time is a healthy coping mechanism. You know your son would not feel upset about this pregnancy, and anyone who respects and loves you should feel happy and hopeful for your future. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. Your only job is to love and nurture this new baby, and someday you can tell him all about his fabulous big brother who would have loved him so very much.

[–]butwithawinner[S] 9 points10 points ago

Thank you for this. He would often ask "When are you and Daddy going to get married again and have another baby?" So I think, he would be very excited at the idea of a new sibling. :) I have a feeling I may need to re-read your comment throughout the rest of the pregnancy. <3

[–]kindergartenteacherNew Mom 2 points3 points ago

Life doesn't stop when someone dies, and it shouldn't. Shutting down and retreating from life would in no way better honour the memory of your son. If anything, I hope you live joyfully and meaningfully with him in your heart and mind. Choosing to move forward with your life doesn't mean he won't always be missed and his memories aren't treasured. You can tell any naysayers that you have chosen to be a better, happier person for having known and loved your son.

[–]hgielrehtaeh34 Wks 11 points12 points ago

It could be just me, because I'm weird. But if my friend was in this situation, I'd be so happy for them, because it gives them hope for their future.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. The pain must be unimaginable. I have no idea what it's like, as I have never lost a child. But in mourning the people close to me that I have lost, it has always helped to hang on to something that keeps me going, something that keeps me thinking about the future.

I would think it would be natural (and a sign of a really strong marriage) that you guys find comfort in physical contact with each other. I don't think you guys have anything to be ashamed of.

If you want to take some extra time for yourselves to prepare for how others may react, and build up some confidence in this announcement, do it! Only tell people when you're ready.

I sincerely hope that people react with joy and love for you.

[–]butwithawinner[S] 2 points3 points ago

Thank you so much for your words of kindness.

[–]Wesa33 Wks ~Girl! 20 points21 points ago

How tasteless of your sister in law for her comment. After the tragedy you just suffered, this should be a point of light in an otherwise dark night.

[–]loves_dogsDue Aug 30th/#1/Mia Marie. :) 6 points7 points ago

I am so very sorry for your loss. NOBODY gets to judge how you grieve! Unless someone has personal experience with this, then they cannot even begin to imagine what you have been going through. I know I can't. If they are real 'friends', they will support you and be happy for you. Best of luck to you and your family. It seems like you've had more than your share of tragedy and deserve this blessing even more than most.

[–]anaelle1327 Wks #3 6 points7 points ago

Wow, I'm so sorry for your loss.

You don't have to tell anyone right away, especially your friends. You have the support of your family and that's really all that matters right about now. Tell anyone else when it feels right.

Hugs

[–]butwithawinner[S] 1 point2 points ago

Thank you. I think you're right. For now, all those that matter know and are on boat with us. It's good to have a net like that.

[–]DerpityDog23 Wks, girl #1 4 points5 points ago

I'm so sorry you are still reeling from the tragedy. Sometimes well-meaning friends and family ask questions that are uncomfortable simply because they don't understand. Despite the grief you are still suffering, this is (hopefully) a blessing for you and true friends and family will support you and be happy for you. Just answer questions honestly, and remember that they are probably as anxious about asking them as you may be about answering them. Talking about your feelings with loved ones can help you process it all.

[–]butwithawinner[S] 6 points7 points ago

This is definitely a good thing. It took me a bit to come to terms and realize it was real, but I've been growing increasingly excited about this pregnancy.

[–]realshygirlNew Mom 3 points4 points ago

I'm so sorry for your loss, but happy for your Christmas miracle! Don't worry about what people say; it's great that you and your husband were able to remain so intimate despite the terrible times you were going through. Trying to freeze time when you're grieving won't help anyone, especially when you have to be there for your other child!

My best friend was conceived about 7 years after her oldest sister died from cancer at age 3 (her parents were absolutely devastated and it took a huge toll on their relationship and did permanent damage to other aspects of their lives), and her parents found it incredibly therapeutic to have another baby - not like they were replacing a child, and not like they were distracting themselves or trying to forget their loss, but like their little angel had sent them a gift from Heaven. My friend could be pretty bratty as a kid and would claim that her parents weren't giving her everything she wanted because she was "just a replacement," but now that she's an adult she feels absolutely terrible for accusing her parents of something like that.

[–]Geno42 2 points3 points ago

I can't begin to know how it feels to loose your own child but I do have some understanding of how you feel. I was a step-mom to 4 kids and when my late husband passed away, I never got to see them again. No goodbye or anything. So I know how it feels to loose a child in the being cut off from them completely. I'm so sorry that happened to you but your new little one is a blessing and you should not feel guilty at for being happy. Of course you would go to your man for love and comfort in that time of loss. It's your life and your choice who you tell. Take strength from those who love you. And know that you have support on here. God Bless You.

[–]anniemg0118 Wks 2 points3 points ago

I wish I had some good advice. I can't imagine losing a child. I had a miscarriage last year and that was heart breaking enough. This pregnancy sounds like it is a good thing. It sounds like you have a good relationship and great bond. How you grieve and how long is no one's business to judge. We all get over things different ways and no one should make you feel guilty for having sex with your husband. You two obviously love each other. I hope that everyone is supportive of your pregnancy. Good luck. You are in my thoughts.

[–]NervousPreggo36 Wks #1 Boy! 2 points3 points ago

I don't really have anything unique to add but I just wanted to say how very very sorry I am for your loss. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I have absolutely no doubt that you are hurting enormously, in ways that your other friends and family probably don't understand. You don't have to (and shouldn't) let your life fall apart to prove this to other people.

The fact that you and your husband have a strong relationship and something positive has come out of it says nothing but good things about the two of you, it doesn't negate the love you both have for your son. I'm sure almost everyone in your life will be able to understand that.

Grief is sometimes hard for other people to deal with, they don't know what to say and come out with the strangest things. My advice would be to seek as much comfort and support as you can from the people in your life who are able to give it and don't worry about the ones that can't. I wish you so much luck and love for the future.

[–]JWTTampa28 Wks 1 point2 points ago

My heart is aching for you. But the way life works is that good things are happening at the same time as tragedy is. Not always so close to the heart as in your case, but my point is, that in life one of the most difficult but most important things to learn is how to embrace the joys in our life while at the same time grieving the losses. You and your husband keep on holding on to each other and loving each other- out of that love you will find your way through this.

[–]Shinyteeth 1 point2 points ago

Hugs for you! Best of luck with everything!!

[–]Nyssa_Hotaru28 Wks #3 - Eryka 1 point2 points ago

don't worry about the scrutiny of your friends, they don't understand your situation. As the common syaing goes on Reddit, haters gonna hate. As for your son, I am so sorry to hear (read) about your loss, and some of the people in your life don't understand fully the greiving process, and how people grieve in many different ways. your son and your family will be in my thoughts for my healing meditations.

[–]padfootsmyhero 1 point2 points ago

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can't even comprehend how difficult that must have been. However, I agree with Kindergartenteacher in that, connecting with your husband physically after such a horrible tragedy is really quite admirable and healthy. You two sound like you have a deep bond to each other that is invaluable. Congratulations on this new baby, and I wish you all the happiness in the world for your future together as a family.

[–]paparatti31 Wks #1 Boy 1 point2 points ago

Congratulations to you both - you deserve all the love in the world.

[–]BouncingBall31 Wks 1 point2 points ago

Hey. People can be stupid. We can forgive them. But you haven't been stupid, here. You go ahead and be happy for the baby inside you and feel sad when you need to in mourning. Neither is wrong. You are a beautiful human being... live your life.

[–]queentilli21 Wks #3 1 point2 points ago

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. That sucks. You're in no way replacing your child- there's no way you could do that, even if you wanted to! I think it's a surprise, but that's the nature of babies- always managing to show up when they're least expected. You can't plan life- it just happens. Good or bad- and it will only help to surround yourself with love and support- doubly so right now. It'll be a sort of litmous test for you. Put up your mental shield when you first tell folks- and go from there. hugs I wish I could say or do something more.

[–]higginsnburke 0 points1 point ago

This is amazing news!!!!! let everyone in on the good times, given what a horrific experience you've all had, it might help them as well as you two to have something particularly fantastic to talk about.