I’m the mom on social media who seems to rub people the wrong way. Yes, I’m the one who overshares, and it’s led to some pretty heated discussions.
- I’m the mom who lends support to fellow breastfeeding moms reaching out for advice.
- I’m the mom with both kids in cloth diapers.
- I’m the mom who co-sleeps with her little ones.
- I’m the mom growing organic veggies to whip up homemade baby food for my toddler.
- I’m the mom strolling through the grocery store with a baby in an ergonomic carrier.
- I’m the mom with a cart full of organic produce and nutritious snacks.
- I’m the mom who proudly shared her experiences of natural childbirth and rapid labor on Facebook.
- I’m the mom who shed nearly all her baby weight within weeks after delivery, without a stretch mark in sight.
- I’m the mom who constantly showcases my workouts with my kids.
- I’m the mom who openly expresses gratitude to God for my blessings, particularly my family.
I’ve become the stereotype of the “crunchy mom,” often facing accusations of shaming others simply for my lifestyle choices. It seems I’m the mom everyone loves to criticize. You roll your eyes at my posts, judge me when I pass by, and even vent about me to your friends. Yes, I see those passive-aggressive Facebook posts — I’m not oblivious.
Here’s the thing: while you’re busy critiquing my choices, you might forget that you too are a mom navigating tough decisions to raise your family in a way that works for you. You’re likely under scrutiny as well.
If only there was a way for you to voice your thoughts… Well, I’ll help clarify.
Now that I’ve finally got a baby who takes to breastfeeding well, I’m all about supporting moms who need guidance. I’m certainly not here to shame anyone; my son was on formula from the start. After six months of trying to pump exclusively, we shifted to formula until his first birthday. My daughter, on the other hand, has taken to breastfeeding like a pro, but we’ve faced our own challenges with mastitis and thrush. I’m not pushing the “breast is best” narrative; I simply can’t afford formula with two kids so close in age — it’s not in the budget, and I know many other moms are in the same boat.
As for cloth diapers, let’s be real. If you’ve ever paid for a month’s supply of diapers for two kids, you’d understand my choice.
Co-sleeping? The research might say one thing, but when you return to work six weeks after your first child and you have a baby who only sleeps well next to you, you adapt for your sanity. You can judge all you want, but I assure you, my kids are safe and we all manage to get some sleep.
I grow my own food because it’s accessible and economical. Having a garden allows me to grab fresh veggies for meals, slashing grocery costs and avoiding chemicals. Yes, I get the occasional eye-roll for having a garden, but it’s a practical choice for my family.
Babywearing? I splurged on a high-quality ergonomic carrier because it’s comfortable and makes managing two toddlers easier. It’s not about bonding; it’s about practicality.
When you see my grocery cart brimming with healthy options, it’s simply because I’m trying to fend off disease. My family has a history of health issues, and I’m doing my best to prevent them. That said, you’ll also find treats in there like cookies and frozen pizzas for those busy nights. We all do our best.
I’ve experienced both medicated and natural labors. Each had its challenges and triumphs. I’m not shy about sharing my birth stories because they’re part of my journey. The bravest thing I did wasn’t in choosing a natural birth, but in opting for an epidural when I needed it most — you do what you have to do.
Genetics play a role in how I lost my pregnancy weight quickly without stretch marks. I don’t judge other moms for their bodies, nor should you judge me for mine. Everyone’s journey is unique.
I’m passionate about fitness and health, and I don’t care what others think. My family has a history of disease, and I’ve battled health issues myself, including postpartum depression. Focusing on wellness has helped me reclaim joy in my life and as a mom.
Lastly, yes, I openly express my gratitude online. I’m thankful for the little things and the miracles in my life, especially my children. I’ve learned to appreciate what I have, and I don’t shy away from sharing it. If that bothers you, feel free to scroll past my #soblessed posts.
Perhaps if we all took the time to understand the unique reasons behind each other’s choices, we’d be less inclined to judge. But let’s be honest — that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. So, I’ll keep sharing my journey, as it works for my family. And if you do things differently, I bet you have a solid reason too. After all, we’re all in this together, no matter how much we may differ.
If you’re looking for more information on the journey of motherhood, check out this insightful post on intracervical insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, I recommend visiting Cryobaby for reputable syringe kits. For a deeper understanding of pregnancy and home insemination, Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources.
In summary, we all have our parenting styles and choices that work best for our families. Let’s embrace our differences rather than criticize them.
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