Finding out you’re going to become a mother for the first time can be an extremely joyous if not overwhelming situation to find yourself in.
So many things start to whiz through your mind like OMG is this really happening? What does this mean? What is going to change? What do I need to do? How am I going to do this? Can I do this? These are but a few thoughts that you’ll find yourself stressing over and trying to answer after your life-changing news.
Along with the emotional turmoil that comes with such a life-changing event, there comes a tsunami of new mum and maternity advertising targeted directly at you. And let me tell you, I just wasn’t prepared.
It’s funny, but I feel like the moment I casually looked at some baby items online, my computer became a giant beacon broadcasting to the internet, “Fresh meat – CHARGE!!!”
I was inundated with newsletters, ads and competitions plus Facebook and Instagram ads popping up all over the show advertising everything from baby clothes and furniture to pregnancy yoga classes and antenatal groups.
There is so much to look at and so much to choose from! I’ve dived into a new shopper category and the choice is a little overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong I’m actually enjoying it, especially how much I’m learning about products I’ve never been exposed to.
Who knew a ‘pram’ actually consisted of 3 essential parts? The frame, the bassinet, and the stroller? (you’ll also need a connecting capsule you know!) I love the array of choices that are out there, and I’m being exposed to them all without asking for it or leaving home.
The fact that the maternity marketing machine is always on works for me. I work 5 days a week and have busy lives, so the traditional method of shopping for anything pregnancy or baby-related in a traditional retail store doesn’t really work. There’s not enough time to whip out in my lunch break and I struggle to fit everything I need to do on a weekend as it is. The fact that I am being bombarded with baby and maternity brands on my phone and computer means I can take a quick look and go back to check them out when I have some spare time. I want to be able to look at and research brands and products in my own time, so I can then draw my own conclusions and make the right choice for me.
To date, I’ve probably purchased over 80% of all of my pregnancy purchases online which is amazing.
It’s quick, easy and I get everything delivered to my door. I’ve visited a few shops to look for items, and if I’m honest I have no idea what I’m looking for and I feel overwhelmed walking around looking like someone who has no clue while the shop assistant hovers over my shoulder!
With baby only 8 weeks away, my online shopping time will no doubt start to dwindle, and when the little one arrives will no doubt cease to exist … temporarily.
But it won’t be long before I’ll need the next lot of baby clothes and accessories for my growing bub. It will be interesting to see how and when the advertising machine tunes its cogs to target me and my next phase of shopping. Anyway, I better go, I got a great EDM today on baby furniture so I must go and check it out! LOL.
