New parents often find themselves craving various essentials: sleep, uninterrupted showers, meals enjoyed with both hands, and a tidy home. As a new mother myself, I’ve come to understand that one thing we certainly don’t need more of is cliché advice. We’ve heard the same tired phrases time and again:
- “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” Sure, but who will monitor my social media while I do that?
- “Decide on sleep training methods.” It feels as complicated as solving a math problem after a few glasses of wine! Instead, I’ll simply watch for my baby’s sleep cues and follow that classic advice about napping when they do.
- “Leave the laundry for later; your baby won’t be little forever.” But seriously, how many pairs of my dirty clothes are you willing to wear?
While well-meaning, advice often serves the giver more than the receiver. The guidance I’m sharing below is intended to be more relevant and kind than some outdated recommendations.
1. Cut the Onesie Off.
Picture this: your adorable newborn has had a major diaper blowout—an epic one, at that. You might ponder whether to pull the onesie over her head or down her body. One way leads to a face full of mess, and the other to a messy you!
Allow yourself the freedom to simply cut the onesie off. Yes, it might have cost $35, but lesson learned: babies will make a mess of their clothes. If it’s your favorite outfit? Spoiler alert: it’s not anymore. Just cut it off, and be sure to use the scissors with the blades pointed away from the baby.
2. Breastfeed in Public, Awkwardly.
If you’re not breastfeeding, feel free to skip to the next point—but if you are, know this: nursing in public will likely lead to some awkward moments.
It’s natural to feel a mix of embarrassment and empowerment as you navigate the world of public breastfeeding. You may encounter unsolicited comments like, “You should cover up,” or “That’s inappropriate.” Often, your baby will respond to such comments by turning to the onlookers, providing them an unintentional front-row seat to the “Nipple Management Show.”
In my early days of nursing in public, I naively thought, “I wish someone would say something!” In reality, I’d prefer they didn’t, as it’s often awkward and clumsy. But despite the discomfort, don’t let it stop you from breastfeeding wherever you need to. You managed middle school; you can handle a bit of awkwardness. It does get easier, and you’ll likely have fewer skin issues this time around.
3. Doubt Means Don’t.
I’m borrowing this mantra from a well-known figure and passing it along to you: “Doubt means don’t.”
In this age of information overload, you can easily find resources on parenting, but it can be overwhelming. The best advice for you and your baby is often your own intuition.
When in doubt, unplug from the noise. Avoid social media, turn off your phone, and resist the urge to seek advice from friends or family. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, so cultivate a support network that aligns with your values. Seek out groups that empower you, like those discussing fertility and home insemination, such as this excellent resource.
If something feels off, trust that instinct. And if your parenting style diverges from that of your friends, embrace it. Trust yourself, and feel free to disregard unsolicited advice—including mine.
In summary, as a new mother, give yourself permission to embrace your instincts, manage awkward situations with grace, and cut yourself some slack. Parenting is challenging, and you deserve to navigate it in a way that feels right for you.
For more insights into home insemination, check out this in-depth post on how to embark on your journey. If you’re curious about specific tools, consider exploring this fertility syringe kit for at-home insemination.
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