Or, maybe not.

Over the past few months I’ve been asked for advice by some of the soon-to-be or new moms that I know.  (I am not going to name any names to protect the innocent…)  Well, I just have a few things to say.

I.  HAVE.  STRONG.  OPINIONS.

There, I said it.  I feel better, do you?

I don’t always consider myself to be very bold or anything, but when I get to talking about pregnancy, childbirth, doctors, breastfeeding, baby-wearing, etc.  My opinions take over.  I am pretty sure it’s not always easy for the “advice-seekers” to hear what I have to say, but I have the need to say it.

At the risk of offending those who will take this post personally, I say, “I am sorry, but I have to say it.”

• A pediatrician does not always know what is best for your baby.  Trust your instincts and ask for second opinions, don’t just agree to what some the doctor says!
• Breastfeeding IS natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally.  Like anything else in life, the more you work to improve at it, the better it will get!
• Pumping is not = to breastfeeding.
• Few women are unable to nurse a baby with success.
• Holding a newborn DOES NOT spoil that child!
• A newborn that like to be held is NOT a grumpy/fussy/clingy-baby, IT’S JUST A BABY!
• Helping a new mom should not mean you are there to hold or feed her newborn, you should be there to help her cook/clean/do laundry, etc.  A new mom has waited over nine months to hold that baby that has been growing inside her, are you going to take that away from her and make her do a load of laundry or cook you a meal?
• A Daddy does not need to give the baby a bottle in order to be “involved” with raising the baby.  There is more to attachment than feeding time.

Well, as you can imagine I could go on for a while more, but I am sure some of you are already rolling your eyes at me.  I just thought you deserved a warning, if you would like my advice or want to hear what works for us, that’s what you’re going to get.  My opinions.  No it isn’t fact, no I am not a doctor, no I am not the world’s greatest mom.

I’m just a mom with three kids and one on the way and I know what feels right.