When people find out that I breastfeed, one of two things normally happen. Either they proudly boast about their breastfeeding journey, or they list the reasons why they didn't or couldn't nurse.
I can not even begin to tell you how many times I have had someone, I don't even know, go on about how they didn't produce enough milk, and so on.
Here is why it drives me crazy:
You don't have to defend your choices. You don't have to feel guilty. I do not care if you breastfeed. I only care that I do.
If we are in deep conversation about nursing, and you share your story, great. But so often I will be sitting, nursing my baby, minding my own business, and someone will just start spouting off about why they aren't nursing, or why they didn't. It's exhausting!
Be proud of the choices you make and stop judging yourself.
The same things happen with all choices we make as parents.
When people find out we bed share with our kids, I immediately get the list of why they don't bed share. Stop feeling like you have to justify your choices. My hubby sleeps solid as a rock and never wakes up to a cry. But I know many guys are light sleepers.
You know how I pick my friends? Just be a good person.
Don't lie to me, don't threaten me, don't physically or mentally abuse your children (or loved one).
It's not that hard.
We can be different people, with different choices and views.
If someone's choices make you feel guilty then that is something you have to work on. It had nothing to do with the other person.
Yes, I had my babies naturally. Guess what? I had 5 hours of active labor. I was lucky. I would never begin to preach natural labor since I didn't experience 25 hours of it.
March to the beat of your own drum. The only time I feel guilty about a choice is when I go against my instincts.
