As a first time mother, I’m realizing that so many people try to tell you the “best” way to take care of your child. There’s family, friends, coworkers, and even people you don’t even know that know exactly what your baby needs. Not! Only YOU know YOUR baby. Most people just want to help, but others just want to pick you apart.
As a new mom, it’s hard enough to figure out what is best for you and your child, but just trust your mommy gut. If you’re doing your best and your baby is happy, keep doing what you’re doing. If you formula feed, don’t let people make you feel guilty for not breastfeeding. If your baby sleeps in your room, don’t let people tell you about how it’s a bad habit. The list goes on and on.
Even though you may not want advice from just anyone, there is no problem with asking advice from doctors or people you trust. Also if someone who really loves you and gives you advice and they are not being overboard, respect their advice, and you can take it or leave it. I just wanted to write about this to remind mothers that you do not have to listen to everyone else’s opinions.
When my son was first born, I struggled with a close family member judging how I cared for my child. They used to tell me I should be breastfeeding instead of pumping and bottle feeding because the temperature is more controlled (they are even aware I struggled in that area), and when I started to only breastfeed, they would ask why I didn’t bring bottles with me. No matter what I did, it was wrong.
Every time I saw this person, they would pick me apart. When I was around them, I was constantly trying to balance anger, defensiveness and respect all in one because I know that I know my baby best, and I know how to take care of him, but I also don’t want to lose the relationship with the person disrespecting me as crazy as that sounds. I worked through this by telling myself that my child is happy and I’m working my hardest to do the right things to take care of him. Also, I had to realize that I may have to set boundaries for that person. I can’t have that kind of negative energy around me.
As my son grew older, things like this did not bother me as much anymore. I am confident that I am doing what is best for my son, and he is such a happy fella.
I am not sure if this blog was helpful or if it even made sense, but I just want to try to helping others by sharing my own personal experiences. Just know that whatever you choose to do with your baby is your call, and it is not up to anyone else to decide for you. Keep up the good work mamas! ❤️
15 replies on “Only YOU Know YOUR Baby”
I was just talking to one of my friends about this! Everyone seems to know best! Trust your instincts
Yes girl! Mama knows best. As parents it is our duty to protect and care for our children in the way that we feel is best. A parent should never feel pressured in doing something that goes against our gut.
I learned this in a big way with my first- she was so different than so many of my friends’ babies and I finally had to stop comparing and just do what I knew she needed. You’re rocking it, mama!
It’s so true that every parent knows what’s best for their own child. Even so, family, friends, and even strangers, can’t resist giving advice, as annoying as that may be.
As a new(ish) parent, I always get unwanted advice and they’re typically wrong lol
Thanks for this mama – all new mothers should read this!
Nobody knows a baby better than the baby’s mama! Your instincts are there for a reason. Let them be your guide and ignore the naysayers!
Thanks for sharing your story! You got this, Momma:)
I’m not even a mother but I know that this is so so true!
Awesome article! Keep trusting your mom instincts and intuition.
This is so true. Only you know your child and no one can give you advice that don’t raise them. How about the people that like to give advice that have no children!….lol
Mama does know best. Everybody has an opinion, but in the end you gotta listen to your own intuition. Thanks for this post!!
Thank you for sharing. This is so relatable on SO MANY LEVELS. It is crazy how quickly people want to offer advice but as soon as your baby cries they hand them right back.
You are doing amazing mama. Don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel that you’re incompetent in any way. You know you’re the the best!
This is so true! Especially when your taking them to the doctor, its like you know whats normal with your child and what isn’t, and sometimes I think other people can forget that/not understand that. great job mama!
I certainly agree with you! While others may mean well, only you are blessed with mother’s intuition for your baby!