https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:36:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593324 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:36:52 +0000 mediagirl 593324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@owlmom: this is nice to hear, thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593149 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:33:39 +0000 owlmom 593149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: we were in the same situation and ended up not going to church for months after her baptism. If we skipped her nap, she was a mess - wouldn't sleep during service, was super active to the point that I missed most of the service caring for her or cried for the entire hour in the nursery. LO finally dropped her morning nap, and we just started attending again. You'll make it back eventually :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593147 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:33:09 +0000 runsyellowlites 593147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: @sloaneandpuffy: @Mrs. Sketchbook: *raises hand* this is so us too! Every. Single. Sunday. And it doesn't matter how early or how on time we seem to be while getting ready, we're always walking out the door late! To make matter worse G just joined the student leadership team for his age group so he now needs to be there atleast 15 minutes (more like 30) before service!!!!</p> <p>And yes I'm always stewing the first half of worship wanting to blame DH for us being late &amp; me being mad all while knowing that's totally false &amp; I need to give it up so I can get my heart right!</p> <p>Geeze... Why didn't anyone tell us this is what moms in biblical times dealt with?! Lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593139 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:26:08 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 593139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: @sloaneandpuffy: oh no, we definitely have problem too! And we have the discussion every. Single. Sunday!! Actually I wish it were a "discussion" that we have sometimes it is borderline "not discussing"! Bad all around! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593097 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:52:00 +0000 mamimami 593097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: haha that's nicely put! I am more like "what the heck is wrong with us that for one day or our lives we can't get to church on time!" And then I silently blame everyone else. So Christlike, I know. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593094 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:48:45 +0000 Weagle 593094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: haha... us too. Our ride to church includes a conversation about how to streamline and improve our Sunday morning routine. Every single Sunday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593091 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:47:01 +0000 Weagle 593091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and as far as naps go, we just skip it. Although it makes for a VERY long Sunday (and sometimes Monday), we think it's worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-593082 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:43:04 +0000 mamimami 593082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I saw this I thought you must have our problem -- we are unable to get to church on time even if we've been up for five hours haha! But no. But yes, I kind of have the other problem too! I nurse my four month old in church but my toddler is also with us. We don't love the nannies in the nursery so if he does go, my husband stays there with him. For a two year old he's pretty good in the service, but not like "I can focus in the service" good! Snacks are our friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592913 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:06:33 +0000 mediagirl 592913@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes. I haven't been since her baptism because of it. Service is at 8, 9:30 or 11. My daughter normally naps from 9-10:30 or 11. It just doesn't work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592832 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:00:34 +0000 wheres_c 592832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are the only ones with a LO at our church. We live in a big retirement area.<br /> We take a bottle of milk, and i take him outside if i have to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592626 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:24:34 +0000 runsyellowlites 592626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: "Eventually I told DH it's not worth the hassle to get all gussied up and go to church if I can only attend 30 minutes of the service."</p> <p>THIS exactly! I've said this exact thing to DH on more than one occasion and for a few weeks I even stayed home &amp; just watched online.</p> <p>I know that I NEED to go to service though and even though I don't get to really hear the sermon, P does usually make it through worship so I atleast get that. (I always love corporate worship) For now, I'm just going to up my teaching/sermon watching during the week and I can watch Sunday's service online on Monday.... It's been almost 11 months and I can so feel how dry I've become not being able to get "proper" teaching.</p> <p>I do look forward to the day that I can start putting P in the nursery and sit through service again!</p> <p>@honeybear: If we didn't have a "new moms room" that was specifically designated for nursing then I wouldn't hesitate for a second BFing in service, especially since most of the time P will nurse for 5 minutes and then sleep or sit quietly the rest of the time. Since there is a designated space though I feel like I would be disrespectful if I didn't use it. </p> <p>@Weagle: "I usually end up having great conversations in the hall and nursing mom's room with other parents" </p> <p>This too! Not that I like to use church as my social hour but with our hectic new mom schedules this time is one of the only times I see some of my other mommy friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592601 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:08:56 +0000 Weagle 592601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It is stressful, but as DH and other mommy friends remind me:<br /> 1) It's not all about me<br /> 2) Just being their is part of the obedience</p> <p>We try to put LO in the nursery, but I've only sat through an entire service once or twice in almost 10 months without being called out to get her, her being sick and needing to stay out of the nursery, or needing to pick her up early to feed her. I figure, even if I don't hear the sermon, I usually end up having great conversations in the hall and nursing mom's room with other parents :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592550 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:42:29 +0000 honeybear 592550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's hard. LO is two, so sitting still and being quiet for an hour is a special kind of torture. I bring books and quiet things to do, but there's a limit to how well distractions work (and I have mixed feelings about "distracting" LO in church). There's a "family room" in our church (no nursery), but I don't care for it for two reasons: </p> <p>1) It becomes a de facto playroom, so the point of church is totally lost on the children and most of the parents there because the children are involved in whatever toy/book/game they find and the parents are trying to control the mayhem. No one is really able to listen, let alone pray/reflect. My purposes in taking LO to church is to gradually impart our faith to him, not to just make it through to communion. This is my biggest complaint about the room.</p> <p>2) Germs. It's a small, totally enclosed space. </p> <p>My solution is to stand in the back of the sanctuary until LO can't handle it anymore, and then we retreat to the hall, where there are speakers so I can at least hear what's going on. </p> <p>This is the one area of my life as a mother that has gotten harder as LO has gotten older, although I expect that will change relatively soon. </p> <p>Re: BFing in church: I never did it in the sanctuary, but Mass is only an hour long, so I just worked around it. Christian ladies who need "justification" for BFing in church might note that Mary definitely breastfed Jesus and we're supposed to follow her example! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592527 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:31:31 +0000 LuLu Mom 592527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We take her, but luckily our church is very kid friendly. I do feel like I don't always get the entire message because I'm trying to keep her quiet, but I figure a little of the message is better than none! Our church does have a nursery, but at 5 months I'm not comfortable leaving her with strangers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592519 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:27:42 +0000 dookie32 592519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used to be weekly churchgoers but we haven't been to church since our son was born. When he was really little, it was because of the germs. Now it's mostly because my son (11 months) wouldn't be able to handle being quiet or held for an hour. We don't have any kind of cry room or nursery and I have no idea what we would do with him during mass. I miss going to mass but like you said- I know I would get zero out of it if I spent the entire time trying to entertain him. I don't know how anyone attends with toddlers- it is way too stressful for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592499 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:17:02 +0000 hilary 592499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It is hard. I bring a pumped bottle to church and DH gives it to her while sitting in service. If she gets fussy or loud I go out in the hallway and hang with her so she is not distracting but I can still hear the sermon. Hope you figure something out that works for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592457 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:00:22 +0000 Mrsbells 592457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>when LO was younger i was also always stressed by going to church but its getting better now </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592401 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:39:11 +0000 Mrs. Pen 592401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rattles: @Arden: for the first month, I kept LO in the moby during service and no one asked to hold him, they all commented how cozy he looked.</p> <p>I am beginning to hate church. Our church is half hour away and we LOVE it. We searched for two years so finding one closer to home isn't an option. Because of that, no matter what service we go to, it always interferes with nap time and the last 2-3x we went to church, I was called out of service because Cobi was crying in the nursery because he was tired. Eventually I told DH it's not worth the hassle to get all gussied up and go to church if I can only attend 30 minutes of the service.</p> <p>We haven't gone in over a month. I really miss it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592396 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:37:07 +0000 heffalump 592396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm Jewish, but we don't go to temple every Friday for that reason. We only go to children friendly services. Sometimes they have a live band with lots of music and singing, and we'll go to that service because I know that it'll be extra loud so it's ok if LO is loud. </p> <p>Luckily we have a new rabbi who is very child friendly. My old rabbi would have yelled at us if my LO wandered through the chairs and played during services and let out loud giggles, but this rabbi just looks over and smiles. She's a toddler. She's not going to just sit still and listen quietly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592372 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:29:43 +0000 Arden 592372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rattles: Yes, I plan on keeping LO in the k'tan or moby for as long as possible! I hope it helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592371 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:29:29 +0000 Boheme 592371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rattles: This is totally my plan. The Moby looks too complicated for anyone to want to mess with my baby...I can't imagine someone asking me to take it off or unwrap him to hold him. Also, if they just reach for him they'll get a big handful of boob too...so I feel like its less likely to happen :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592365 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:27:57 +0000 rattles 592365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's definitely tough to time it around our feedings and naps and the like, but LO has behaved better than I'd hoped so far. Ours is only an hour long, but I've found the most success when I wear her during the service. Then I can sway or bounce her around to the music and easily step out if she gets too fussy.<br /> @Arden: This was my big concern too. Again, if you're into babywearing, I totally recommend it for church. People aren't nearly as grabby if LO's new little face was tucked into a wrap and pressed to my boobs ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592355 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:23:05 +0000 Boheme 592355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm stressed about it, but we have a nursery. I just don't plan on putting our LO in it until he's a little older. My anxiety is rooted in the same issue as @Arden: in that I don't want people holding or touching my baby. A lot of people we go to church with think its their right to pass around a baby like a football and I hate it. My DH is one of our pastors, so add in the fact that everyone thinks they 'know' me since he's on staff and you have one anxiety ridden mama. I think I'll be staying home with him and watching the service online as long as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592332 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:16:01 +0000 dagret 592332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's not so much of an issue for us, bc our church has a nursery and its only a mile down the road. So I can feed him up to 10 min before our service starts, and leave the house and still get to church on time. Our service is only an hour though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592196 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:33:11 +0000 Arden 592196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think it would be a problem to breastfeed in church - if someone says something about it, tell them that when they set up a nursing room for you, you'll use it! And honestly, even if there IS a nursing room but for some reason you don't want to use it... I still don't think it should be an issue to breastfeed in church. But that's me. Personally I plan on breastfeeding in church, but I am stressed about it for other reasons. </p> <p>I know there will be tons of older people and kids clamoring to hold my newborn, and they are not going to be happy when I say no. I'm personally not comfortable handing my baby over to people I barely know who might be sick or whatever, and I know that will cause a rift. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592194 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:32:54 +0000 runsyellowlites 592194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hate to say it but yes. =(</p> <p>P does NOT sleep if we are out &amp; about and church falls right during her naptime.</p> <p>Also, DH still doesn't want to put her in the nursery, which I kind of agree with b/c we have a killer cold/allergy/pneumonia season here in South Texas and 1 of our friends bebe already had RSV this year, but this means that I (would bold if I could) am consumed with keeping P quiet during service &amp; in almost 11 months have only been able to stay in sanctuary ONE time.... It almost never fails that as soon as sermon starts P starts talking up a storm and I have to excuse myself to the moms room b/c nursing her in service would be "inappropriate" (there's always multiple moms/babies in the moms room so I rarely am able to hear sermon). I tried taking bottles of expressed milk at first but got tired of wasting milk b/c she would drink just a tad &amp; then want boob. If there wasn't a designated place to nurse, I would just feed her right there in service... since there is though I feel it disrespectful to not use it. =/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592187 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:31:46 +0000 avivoca 592187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry that you have to deal with that! I'm looking forward to reading the opinions here, as this is something we'll have to consider when LO arrives. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592156 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:21:12 +0000 tororojo 592156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Aww, sorry you're having to deal with that! Our church has a nursery, but DH and I don't plan to use it for at least the first month or so, which I think is pretty common with new babies. I figure we'll sit near the back/on an aisle and I'll just have to step out when necessary. Are there any empty classrooms you could use instead of the car? Or maybe you could try feeding w/a bottle of expressed milk while sitting in the service? Actually I have sat on the same row as someone who nursed right there during church before, but I don't think I'd be comfortable doing it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592152 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:20:38 +0000 meredithNYC 592152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't, but that's because I leave LO home with my husband. I know I'm going to need to start bringing her, but I'm worried about the same things you mention. When I watch families at mass it seems like the parents can't really focus because the kids need to be looked after. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-church-days-stress-you-out#post-592100 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:07:14 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 592100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go to a very un-conventional/highly traditional church that does not believe in nurseries (I am kinda so-so on it; I understand why they are anti-nursery, but I also see the benefit of them). The congregation is also mostly older than me. We are the only ones with a baby (there are some who bring their grandchildren, but they are all toddlers/school-aged).</p> <p>I am so ashamed to admit that going to church has been so stressful for me since Scribble was born. I feel I cannot listen to or contribute to the service because I am always concerning myself with him. And when he is a toddler/we have more kids, things will only get worse! Right now BFing makes this difficult because we usually meet from 11-1:00 and he often needs to eat, so I often have to dip out and feed him in the car in the middle of the service. Or nurse in a bedroom at my grandparent-in-laws' house immediately after church gets out while everyone else is eating luncheon. </p> <p>I wish I didn't feel this way. It is really bothersome to me! Do you have this problem? </p>