wear her in a sling and co-sleep and pick her up when she cries. I had a vaginal birth with no drugs. Why do people act as if I'm some sort of naturalist tree-hugging hippy just because I'm doing what feels right for my first baby?
2007-01-04 08:17:50 · 27 answers · asked by SparklesGrrrl 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Because many people feel that their choices are the only acceptable choices to make. IMO, the right choice is whatever works for you and your baby.
2007-01-04 08:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by AlongthePemi 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do what you want. So long as you don't try to force it on others, I have no issues.
I fall in between. I wear her and carry her a LOT, about 3/4 of her awake time, and have from the day she was born (she's six months). She rarely cries for very long. However, she's slept on her own from day 1 (although until about 4 mos, I'd let her nap on me/in my arms when we sort of both decided she wanted her crib -she wasn't sleeping well like that anymore). We tried breastfeeding, but, it didn't work (long story), so I pump (not enough) and she gets formula.
My birth story: I fought the doctor (it's a practice, no control over who's on duty) over my decisions (didn't want an IV, didn't want monitoring, signed waivers left and right while in labor, she wanted a planned c-section, etc.). I ended up getting an epidural 20 minutes before Katie was delivered. There was some dubious info from the doctor regarding my "decision" to get one (she basically said the baby's heartrate was dropping, and I needed to get the meds to "stop pushing". In retrospect, I was stupid, and, oh yeah, apparently, I'm immune to the first meds they gave me, so I felt the whole damn thing, but was pleasantly numb for the stitching. LOL).
Hell, my best friend had her last one (over 9 1/2 pounds) in the bathtub at home (planned).
Point: If it works for you, do it. Just remember it might not work for everyone. Don't judge those who get meds, formula feed, don't carry Baby everywhere with them, or have a c-section. If it feels right for the two of you, it's right for the two of you. End of story.
2007-01-04 13:04:30 · answer #2 · answered by katheek77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go crunchy mama!!! Me too!!
Just tell them you are an educated naturalist tree-hugging hippy because with the exception of co-sleeping (which can lead to SIDS) You are doing what is scientifically/medically proven BEST for your baby!
Me too except I hed preeclampsia with both my boys and had to be induced both times--the 2nd time I had to have pitocin! yikes!
I live in a rural area and you should see the looks on peoples faces when I go out with my LO in the sling or homemade wrap! You'd think I had 4 heads!!
Keep up the good work mama!!
You should try a LLL meeting-a lot of women there have the same AP type way of thinking--you can vent to each other!
2007-01-04 10:00:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whats wrong w/ being a naturalist tree-hugging hippy? Why even label how you choose to raise your children. Listen, everyone has an opinion as to how you should raise your child, that's never going to change, thing is not to listen to them.
My best friend tried to discourage me from breastfeeding because she didn't with her two kids, she said it was too hard. But I'm sticking to my guns, and explained the fact that the breast milk is supposed to have alot of illness fighting properties and as a single mommy who will have to put her child into daycare sometime between 6-8 wks, I need all the sickness fighting help I can get. Though I didn't say so, I think it was very selfish of her to not even try breastfeeding because she felt as though it was too hard. With her second she wasn't even working, so it wasn't like she had anything else to do all day. But hey each is his own. Be proud of your choices, the folks who say otherwise may just be jealous or feeling lousy because they don't have the patience or gift of giving that you have.
2007-01-04 09:24:07 · answer #4 · answered by gypsy g 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
GREAT Job,girlfriend!!! I thought I, was the only person in the world who felt this way!, Here's what I did, I held my head high,(dispute all the staring and talking behind my back, cause the fact is your doing the best thing that you could possibly do for your child,not to mention yourself.) So just keep on stepping and leave those who don't have a clue or to much of an ego,behind you cause you and you baby don't need that negativity in your life anyway. I am extremely proud to know that there are others out there making the right decision,that's nature's way,A-Men. Keep up the good work ! I pray that others will decide to do as you've done. Everybody runs around screaming make everything organic,but they shame us who actually live it!!. What a shame.
2007-01-04 08:47:14 · answer #5 · answered by moonshine!1 w 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ha ha, I did all the same too with my girl... the way people react is just very strange sometimes. Keep doing what feels right!! I'm so far from a tree hugger too... it's easier to give a bottle, let your newborn scream, and take drugs when offered (ok, I ALMOST changed my mind about not taking the drugs towards the end of labour) but it doesnt mean you should do it.
Oh - and I have to refute a comment... I didnt have a single problem moving my daughter to her own crib when she was 3mths and sleeping in longer blocks, she was always a great sleeper. Dont listen to people saying you'll have problems later, it just isnt true.
2007-01-04 08:39:24 · answer #6 · answered by MaPetiteHippopotame 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tried to breastfeed but couldn't because I was so sick and lost too much blood during my C-section. I didn't have a sling but I pick my son up when he cries and he sleeps with me and his daddy. Obviously since I had a c-section I had to have drugs...BUT I would have done all the same as you if I was able to. I think its great that you are doing all of those things for your child.
People like to judge about everything. Even if you're doing something good. It gives people something to talk about. Always do what is best for yourself and your baby and leave the others to "talk".
2007-01-04 08:26:18 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi! Another Mum with similar concerns! I also breastfeed, on demand, co-sleep and wear my infant (did the same with my firstborn, too) in a sling. Neither of my two children are left to cry. Everyone has to comment and offer advice as if I need to change how I do things. No thanks! I would do it again in a heartbeat. I think it's great that you are doing what feels right in your heart! You'll have a kind, sensitive and secure child!
2007-01-04 08:55:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You so rock! My wife did all the same things, and I applaud women who have the courage to actually think about what they are doing. As for Toomanycommercials' comment, pay no attention to that mindless drivel. It's commendable when someone will actually raise a child as they see fit instead of worrying about everyone else's opinion or how it will affect the others. The only important people in your equation = you and your baby, not the daycare workers, grandparents, and the endless list that others cater to.
2007-01-04 10:10:23 · answer #9 · answered by playdeaux 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because people will say and do whatever they feel. If you are comfortable with your choices for your child, then go with that and live with whatever consequences that brings--even if it is the dissapporval of others. You are the child's parent. Just remember that you need to look beyond the right now for what is best long term. Happy parenting
2007-01-04 08:23:24 · answer #10 · answered by sm2f 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋