Baby Showers??

That is a very good and legitimate question. Initially I would say this is not proper etiquette, and it probably isn't. But what makes it different from a couple holding a house warming party when they move into a new home? Or an engagement party? I suppose in most cases engagement parties are hosted and prepared by friends, or are just family events.

I think the situation would merit considering. There might be circumstances about the mother's life that would cause her to need assistance when it comes to purchasing baby items - a single mother, a mother on welfare, or a woman who lost their husband to death while she was pregnant AND her circle of family members is limited or non-existent. I cannot see why a family cannot hold the party and the guest of honour do all the planning and work. Then it wouldn't look like they are holding the shower for themselves.

I just know it is something I wouldn't do. But then, I would be sad if someone didn't do it for me. When my husband and I were getting married his friends held a bachelor party for him. While I sat at home alone, some of the wives went out to a bar. This was, however, my second marriage, but no party or shower was held for me. Not until after we got married and my husband's family learned that. But then all they did was have a girls night out at a bar.

It is painful when people don't think of you. I mean, I go by "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I send cards when friends lose a family member, for example, yet those same people didn't even acknowledge the death of my father. It hurts but it doesn't stop me from doing what I feel is right.

I know I have gone off the topic but if this mother-to-be has any friends at all, she can certainly ask one of them to have a shower for her. Or maybe they are waiting until after the baby is born and they know whether it is a boy or a girl. That DOES happen sometimes.

At times like this, you really know who your friends are (and aren't).

I say it's okay to throw a baby shower for yourself. Baby showers aren't just about gifts, its a time to celebrate your pregnancy that is near its end. I say its a matter of personal taste, so I don't think there is a "right" answer for it. Normally, family memebers or friends will throw a shower for you, but if they don't, I say go for it. There is nothing wrong in celebrating your baby. If you feel uncomfortable calling it a shower, simply call it a baby celebration party. Or a-thank-god-it's-almost-over-party, make it light hearted and fun. Find invites that are not too baby shower-ish. If you can't find any let me know, I am fairly good at my print shop, I can whip you something up so you can print them out. Good luck to you and congrats on your pregnancy.

When I was in college, my housemates planned the cshower but I ended up paying for the food which is almost the same as the gifts my baby received but I don't mind because at least, I had fine time with my friends.
It doesn't matter if who will hold the party bu it's more practical if your friends will hold it - that is they plan and pay for all the expenses- since you still have your delivery expenses to look forward to.

I think it depends on. When my child was born, I dared not to hold him to have a bath although I learned it when I was pregnant. As my baby was just too tiny at that time. I was so afraid I would hurt him. So his first bath was so impressive. Actually my husband, my mom and mother-in-law did it together:) As to me, I took photo for him at that time:)