enjoy being a mummy

I dont know if you would call this advice as such but its more of a reassurance to just relax and enjoy being a mummy. The thing is the ideas of ideal baby care keep changing. Even from as soon as 4 years ago things have changed again. What a

If I may use this as an example. We all know the story of the birth of Jesus. Do you think that Mary was told how to care for him by a midwife or a doctor? Back then the older women assisted with the birth and they helped the new mum care for the child. Older women you know will have advice for you and some will really get testy about it but take it all in because sometimes what they said is right. When your baby is screaming at 2am and nothing works just maybe what grandma said will.

During my pregnancy I had several differant opinions from differant doctors. I had the "goldilocks" theory. My GP thought my baby was too big. The dr at the hospital for my antenatal checkups said he was too small. When my dr was on holiday her fill in said he was fine. Even 3 days before he was born I was sent for my 5th ultrasound by the hospital because the dr believed he was the equivalent of 4 weeks too small. When he was born he was 3.76kg. I had a dr tell me I had gestational diabetes then she said I had pre-eclampisa. The dr at the hospital disagreed. I had neither. At the final ultrasound they said he was very short yet he was 53cm at birth. So I spent most of my pregnancy worrying about the health of my baby. I knew within myself that he was okay but you would think doctors know what they're talking about right? If you're pregnant and you feel within yourself that everything is fine dont worry! If you think something is wrong tell them! If they wont listen find someone who will.  After his birth I was barraged with conflicting advice from the midwives. One would say do this and do it this way. Another would come in and say dont do it like that. It drove me nuts. One yelled at me because I wasnt breastfeeding "correctly". Now excuse me but I havent done this before and he certainly hasnt! Once I left the hospital I used baby wipes (I was told never use them) I patted his back to burp him (I was told never do that)  he usually takes his daytime nap on his side and I rock him to sleep at night (I was told not to do that). I was "bullied" into breastfeeding which I didnt really want to do, and I knew something was wrong. I just had very little milk and my son was hungry and crying, chewing at his little fists in frustration. But the midwives and then later child health nurses insisted I persevere, it will be fine, its about supply and demand they said. But by the time he was just a few weeks old I ran out of milk completely. I had been giving him formula as a supplement otherwise he'd starve but the midwives hit the roof. No no no they said never give a bottle just keep feeding. They say dont introduce bottles too early but mine had breast and bottle from 2 weeks with no trouble. They insisted it wasnt normal for him to have 6 ounce bottles at his age. Your baby knows if they're hungry so I would think feed them accordingly. He has been on formula ever since and the very same midwives say what a big healthy boy he is. and he's so happy now.  If you want to breastfeed do so but if you dont or cant dont let them bully you into it. Its up to you what you want to do. Then there's the solid food debate. They said not until at least 6 months but preferably later. Mine has been having pureed fruit on and off since he was 6 weeks old. He's now 18 weeks and has 2 feeds per day as well as his formula. He has pureed fruit, vegetables and meat. I once sat next next to a lady at the baby clinic during weighing time whose bubby was the same age as mine. She said he seems to want something other than just milk. The child health nurse admitted he most likely wants solid food because the milk isnt enough for him now but absolutely not. I personally think both mummy and bubby would be happier and less stressed if she gave him some pureed food. He knows he's ready.

How many of you have dealt with the my baby could do it at 2 months syndrome? Yes there are competitive mothers out there but I think its best to just smile and say thats great! He's growing up so fast! Rather than trying to beat them at their own game. They'll usually stop after that remark anyway because you've taken away their edge.  Babies develop at differant rates and just because someones was walking or talking at 10 months for example doesnt mean something is wrong with your baby because he doesnt. Dont let competitive mums bring you down. Enjoy watching your little person grown and learn and discover his world.

There is so much guilt and worry thrust at new parents these days that they miss out on the joy of discovering and learning about their baby. You will most likely make mistakes but you can learn from them and remember your baby doesnt know any differant so he wont be judging you. My only advice is this: dont try to be a supermum just be your babys mum. They grow up so fast dont miss out on the fun of watching them develop and learn because you're too busy analizing every little thing. That was my mistake in the beginning and now that Ive realised that mistake Im much happier and relaxed and am enjoying being a mum.

You're a mummy....................enjoy it!  Its a precious gift you have been given.