“Are you hoping to do it properly this time?”

I kid you not. This is what I was asked recentlyby another Soon-to-be Mum with whom I was having the “When are you due?”conversation.

She’d asked if this was my first. I’d answered that it was number two.

“Me too” she smiled. Then she asked if I’d had a tough time last time. I replied that I’d had to have a planned section. Her next line floored me.

“Aw, so are you planning to do it properly this time?”

Now in her defense, she was anabsolute stranger, who probably didn’t intend any harm whatsoever. I don’t think she even realised that she’d said it…but she had.

I smiled politely and said Goodbye. As I walked away, my smile remained on my face, somewhat forced… I wasn’t quite sure whether I wanted to laugh or to cry.

Smug I-push-mine-out-Mum carried on, oblivious…