Everyone Gives Advice to the New Mom
This probably happens to the majority of the women that recently
became mothers for the first time: they feel as if they really
know nothing about taking care of the baby, feeding him, what to
do when he doesn't seem to stop crying, how to dress the little
one. Of course, immediately older relatives or friends that have
children appear and everyone is competing to give you the best
advice. And the amount of advice is huge but many of the
indications contradict themselves.
Actually, as time passes, you start feeling like you are on some
kind of rollercoaster and don't know who you should listen to
first...it seems that all of your friends have nothing better to
do than give you advice. Even the mommies from the park, that
you really don't know, are now giving you advice and sharing
their opinions regarding your baby: he looks too thin or too fat
for his age, he is too quiet or too noisy, and how you should
feed him, as if you didn't already know that.
The truth is, that no matter how many books have been written to
better explain this, being a parent is a science forever growing
and changing, sometimes in a trembling way. What was good two or
three years ago, today is outdated and not recommended, like
placing your baby on his belly when you get him ready for sleep
or giving him solid food before he turns four months old. And if
in your family there hasn't been a baby for a long time, you
should expect such out-dated advice. You must try not to lose
your patience because they mean well and they can't know what
the latest discoveries in this area are. It is true that
sometimes this can get very annoying. They will all say "I've
raised a child already, you haven't!", but again, try not to
lose your patience. In the mean time, you must claim your point
of view and always stay in touch with your pediatrician - that
is the best you can do for the little one. Because your family
members care about the baby's health they will be flexible and
won't try to impose at any costs.
The only problem that should really matter to you should be the
following: because you are lost and confused anyway, (and why
not, overwhelmed by your new responsibilities), there is the
risk that the constant stream of advice you are getting may make
you wonder whether you are a good mother or not.
But, once you gave birth, the maternal instinct appears, it is
actually there even when you are pregnant. No matter what
everyone else says, even if you are not an expert when it comes
to babies, you are however an expert in everything related to
your baby! You know and feel best what he wants and needs. Trust
your instincts - you are probably doing much better that you
know.