Debunking Motherhood Myths

Parenting a newborn can be the biggest challenge anyone will face. Most of us have some natural instincts when it comes to child rearing and motherhood. Even so, it’s good to get as much help as possible. But, what do you do when the advice is so conflicting? In truth, everyone has their way of doing things. One book will swear by a method while another disregards that same approach as harmful to your baby. And, asking advice from parents is no different. If you think they’ll give you an unbiased opinion, you’re wrong. The trouble is that mothers are stubborn when it comes to their children. If one thing worked for their little ones, they may be unwilling to accept that there’s another way to do things. If you’re feeling bogged down in these conflicts, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s not pretend; there’s not one set way of taking care of baby. Even so, the more myths you dispel, the closer you’ll be to finding a method that works!

FEEDING

The conflicts start with the basics. There are many opinions about how to feed your child. One thing most people agree on is that breast is best. Even so, many women are turning away from the method. There are many reasons for this. Some are unable to breastfeed on medical grounds. Feeding may be too painful, or their baby may be unable to express milk. Others feel uncomfortable with the idea. It’s no surprise. Though professionals recommend breastfeeding, it’s become a taboo subject. It’s often no longer considered acceptable to breastfeed in public. Some restaurants have even discussed banning breastfeeders. It’s no wonder this can seem like a daunting choice. If you’re struggling with the conflict, know there’s nothing wrong with feeding your baby a formula. There’s no denying the nutritional value in breast milk, but there are many formulas on the market. These range from newborn upwards. Many parents swear by them. It makes sense you would want the best for your baby, so opt for natural choices. Research organic options like holle formula. Or, you could opt for expressing your breast milk before you go out. That way, you don’t have to worry. You’ll have the bottles ready for when baby needs one! If you’re suffering from pain, this may not be possible. If in doubt, ask the opinion of your doctor. They may also be able to help you with the expressing process if you’re struggling.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

The conflicts don’t end at feeding. Sleeping arrangements are another point of great contention among parents. Most parents would agree that co-sleeping is best for the first few months, at least. This is for baby and parents alike. Having your child in a cot by your bed will ensure you can rest easy. It can also help your child. Experts suggest babies sleep better with some level of background noise. Sleeping near you will reassure them. But, the conflicts start when it comes time to move the baby into their own room. Many people disagree about when the time is right. Some say it’s best to move baby as soon as you feel they’re ready. Others suggest co-sleeping for as long as possible. The best way around the conflict is to take note of your baby’s sleeping habits. The best way to decide when they’re ready to move into their own room is to know your own baby. Think, too, about how you and your partner feel about the arrangement. It may be that you want your bedroom back. There’s nothing wrong with that. With baby monitors, you’ll be able to know what’s happening with your baby no matter where they are.

There’s also conflicts about where to put baby if they fall asleep in the day. Some parents believe they should be in their standard crib for continuity purposes. Others believe they should be as close to you as possible. In all honesty, you should do whatever is easiest for you. Bear in mind that you’ll have to disturb baby to put them in their usual crib. Sometimes, it’s best to leave them where they are. Whatever you do, it has to be right for you and your little one. Disregard the advice, and develop a routine that works!

INTERACTION

The way we interact with babies is something that seems to divide people the most. Some parents swear by attachment parenting. This involves holding your baby as much as possible, and only putting them down when they sleep. The idea behind this is that it forms a strong bond and keeps the baby in mind of the womb. While there’s sense to the thinking, it’s possible this method could lead to an unhealthy relationship. The baby may come more dependent on you than you intend. On the opposite spectrum, some parents advise cutting contact and letting babies cry. Unlike attachment bonding, this method involves letting your child cry itself to sleep. The idea is that the baby won’t get into the habit of screaming for attention. Again, there is some sense behind this. But, we know that babies often cry for a reason. There is the risk that your baby is crying from hunger or pain. If you want to experiment with this method, make sure you know the difference between a pointless cry and an urgent one.

These are just two of the bonding methods parents argue over. In truth, every method has its merits and its downsides. The best thing you can do is take the best parts of each to make your method. It can also help to take baby’s nature into account. All children are different, and they all need a different method!

Like with anything, there is no easy answer. The more informed you are, the better chance you have of making informed decisions. Don’t let the wealth of information overwhelm you. Take everything you read with a pinch of salt. And remember, this is your baby. You know what’s best!