Baby Rock Is In The House Tonight
Monique | Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 2:12PM {I'm going to see how many Pica related entries I can title using LMFAO songs as a basis. Challenge accepted.}
I blame Severus.
If you've never found yourself scouring the Internet at 3:00 in the morning in search of the perfect rock for sucking, consider yourself lucky.
One: Because you're sitting up at 3:00 in the morning, trying to buy a rock. Not baby bottles, not flicking through countless pages of mahogany cribs, no... You're searching for a rock to put in your mouth.
Two: It's a fruitless search, and even in a 3:00 in the morning induced fog, you know you have no need for the only 5 pound bag of aquarium gravel you've dredged up.
Three: It means you are not an insane germaphobe who can't just go outside, pick up a rock, sanitize it, and shove it in your face.
In other words; You're not me. Be thanfkul!
Since confirming that I am suffering from pregnancy induced Pica, my life's efforts have been put towards finding the one rock to rule them all, and after my Internet search as well as being told to get a grip and go outside where there are tons of rocks running free, I finally did find the perfect rock.
And then I obsessively googled "How long do you boil rocks to sanitize them?", "How to sanitize rocks?", "How to boil rocks?", "Will boiling rocks sanitize them enough to make them suitable for sucking on?" before settling on a 30 minute rolling boil, after cleansing with a toothbrush, hot water and dishwashing soap.
My hot rock instantaneously reminded me that there were mounds of hypocrisy to address with my children, who have been told their entire lives not to put rocks in their mouths.
I could have just hoped they wouldn't notice, or been the "I'm an adult, I do what I want, like a bawse!" parent for once, but I opted to tackle it head on. I think the boys were more relieved that they hadn't done anything wrong, given the somber look I gave them and the way I asked them all to have a seat, we needed to talk.
I explained to them that being pregnant was making me want to put silly things in my mouth, specifically rocks, I needed them to understand that I wasn't trying to be unfair, but that they could not touch, move, or put the "baby rock" in their own mouths.
For the first time, they didn't look like they wanted to, though Severus did give it a few kisses, and the subject was dropped until I finally worked up the courage to actually put the rock in my mouth where it garnered enough attention to make me self conscious.
The rock is definitely for at home only.
The question "How do you feel?" has been asked numerous times, and I am shocked, and quite frankly a little appalled, to say that I feel better. Good, even!
Imagine craving, needing, something every day for months and not being able to have it, and then finally acquiring the object of your desire.
Bliss {and shame} flooded my face as soon as the cool of the rock hit my tongue. It was absurd, but I was relieved to finally have a way to quell the incessant craving.
I'll be glad when I can get rid of my little crutch, my baby rock, but in the meantime I am glad to have it.
This is the weirdest thing I have ever experienced, the craziest thing I've ever craved, but thank glob it's not cat poop.
It could be worse.
Reader Comments (11)
This post reminded me of the absolute feeling of contentment of having something metallic in my mouth as a kid growing up. Mainly because it felt cool next to my fillings, but still, foil or pennies in the mouth isn't really something a parent wants their kids to have in their mouth! Enjoy your rock, and think of it as a little bit of grounding to bring you back to earth on those crazy pregnancy days. I remember them, and a part of me really misses them! Good luck and may your rock charm fill your days with bliss.
I get it. My son has Pica and it is very challenging. I am always trying to find ways to safely fill his cravings. What I admire is that you are open enough to post/talk about it. Enjoy your rock! <3
HOLY CRAP, girl! Are you chewing on the rock or just tossing it around your mouth with your tongue? I think it's super brave for you to talk about it openly because so many people get flack for talking about their weirdness. Your weirdness is absolutely refreshing. Here's hoping that damn pica goes away SOON!
I think it's awesome that you put this up. I've been noticing some pica tendencies in myself recently and I think it's harder to admit to than depression issues. Hope you enjoy that rock!
I think it's great that your midwife gave you the ok and that you went over and beyond to make sure the rock was safe and sanitary. Glad you're feeling better and loving the baby rock!
I think more people have these tendencies that we realize.
Oh girl... I feel ya! While we're not dealing with PICA, we're doing the OCD dance. The things you MUST lick and smell with that are just... obnoxious. Hang in and hang on!
YOu are so brave for posting this! It's wonderful that you've be given OK to have the rock. Have you thought about what you're going to do with it after your pregnancy?
thank you for sharing this, there are so many people who feel alone in this. I've been in a similar position (mine was wool instead of rocks) and it took me a long time to even bring it up.
What a brave thing to post about! I don't have pica, but know one child who does. I don't know if I could put that rock in my mouth or not, but Kudos for you for being able to do that. It's refreshing to know that you can post this kind of thing on your blog, knowing that you could get a lot of flack for it. Enjoy that rock, and after this pregnancy, find someone to drill a hole in that thing, and make a necklace out of it! :)
I haven't heard of pica before, and I love finding out new things. I'm just happy you were finally able to find your rock! :) Cravings are horrid if you can't fill them!!