I Follow My Motherly Instincts, If You Don't Like It, Buzz Off...
/ Kristy KempThese days it seems as though moms get scrutinized for simply following their instincts and meeting the every need of their baby. From breastfeeding, to bed-sharing, baby wearing, to refusing the cry it out method. Why is it all those things are considered "extreme?" Why do breastfeeding moms get called , exhibitionists for simply feeding their baby in public? Why do people immediately think danger when they hear a mom bed-shares? Why is it a bad habit for a mom to comfort her baby as soon as her baby cries? Well guess what? Not your baby or your say, so if the way I parent is so upsetting to you, then I give you my full permission to buzz off.
I will always put my baby first. If you don't like it, buzz off!
I will feed my baby whenever & wherever I want, even in front of strangers. If you don't like it, buzz off.
No, I won't just get a sitter so I can go out and party with you. If you don't like it, buzz off.
I will wear my baby as often as I can because we like to be close to each other. If you don't like it, buzz off.
I comfort my baby whenever he's upset. If you don't like it, buzz off.
I will breastfeed my baby for however long I want. If you don't like it, buzz off.
Yes my house is a mess and I cannot give you my full undivided attention when you come over for a visit because my baby requires most if not all of it. If you don't like it, buzz off.
I may cancel on you a few times, but that's probably because I'm sleep deprived, baby is moody, and quite frankly I would rather spend my free time in a hot bath. If I'm feeling really frisky maybe even a glass of wine and The Walking Dead. If you don't like it, buzz off.
Yes, I'm definitely obsessed with every single move my baby makes. Which means I take fifty different pictures of every single facial expression and movement, and post them on my social media account. My baby won't be a baby forever so I want to document everything and most of my documenting is through pictures and videos. If you don't like it, buzz off.
I also like taking pictures of us breastfeeding because it's a huge yet normal part of our everyday life. I will post those photos wherever I choose. Even if, according to you, it's a "private moment" and should be kept private. I don't post breastfeeding pictures to upset you. In fact, it's pretty insulting and a bit self absorbed that you think I should take stock in your opinion. If you don't like it, buzz off.
I don't take your unsolicited advice, that comes out as judgments very seriously. I'd say don't waste your breath or you can buzz off.
Notice a theme here? I'm not ashamed that I put my baby first, I'm not ashamed that I follow my instincts, and I'm definitely not ashamed for being what you consider "extreme". Parenting is pretty extreme, so I'm extremely careful to parent the way my gut tells me to. A mom should never have to apologize for being the type of parent she feels is in her baby's best interest. The next time you feel the need to judge or insult parenting choices, ask yourself if this judgement is in your best interest or the baby? The way I parent isn't hurting you and my mommy instincts are stronger than your opinion. If you don't like that, buzz off.