Everyone Has An Opinion

‘Your baby is so cute’ and the very next sentence normally is a question. Are you breastfeeding? 

Unless you are my Dr or my child’s pediatrician, that is none of anyone’s business. No matter what your answer, people will always judge. And besides, since when did it become socially acceptable to ask? That’s maybe a writing topic for another day. 

The biggest judgement normally comes from those who are 20 years your senior and or those who have family, full time help and or a nanny. The latter of course only applies to certain countries where the luxury of full time help and nanny has become the norm and to most a necessity. But I digress. 

So what do you do? You automatically have huge mom guilt when you, according to “standards” and what “the man” says, are not living up to what others say should be done. 

This guilt shows itself many shapes and shades. From crying in the shower where your child or children and husband cant see or hear you, to wanting to drive your car into the inconsiderate oxygen thief who just cut you off in traffic. This while two screaming babies are going blue in the face in the back of your car.

And my question to you is; what for? Why should you, the person who puts everyone’s needs before her own, have to deal with everyones opinion. An opinion which puts you down such a dark path of guilt. It’s totally not worth it.

As a mother of two, I have done all of the above and oh so much more. All I want to say is, stop and think about what you are doing. You are trying to keep this baby alive and if that comes in a form of breast, bottle or both, that is absolutely fine. In fact, it’s more than fine, IT’S GREAT! 

So stick it to “the man” and you do what you see fit for you and your baby.

by Odette van Jaarsveld

I am a Mom to an independent, beautiful little girl and a strong, cuddly baby boy. I also have the privilege to be a wife to a very intelligent, handsome man. My life is filled with so much love, joy and very busy days....sometimes nights too.

2 Replies to “Everyone Has An Opinion”

  1. 1
    ponderingmissylou

    Funny how many feel they need to give their opinion. Ugh! Actually, frustrating. For some reason, I get that people can be brutally honest with their opinions with me. I would never do that to them. Another ugh!
    Maybe we need to put them in their place with a come back, usually that comes later in our thoughts. Hate that.
    You do have a cute baby pic shown. You do what is right for you. What others say or think is not important. Enjoy your little ones, as they grow up fast.

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