I know people mean well by their unwanted advice but let's be real here, it's unwanted. If you're a stranger especially. You do not know that new mom trying to figure it all out or that new baby also trying to figure it all out.
"I've had 4 kids and you don't need to do that"... Oh that's cool. I didn't realize you had a kid with the exact DNA of this kid. Every child is different, what makes you think what worked for your baby will work for mine? It might... But hey, I didn't really ask you!!
She also doesn't need to be told any advice by a male, because let's be honest here, the mom does most of the work. I am in no way talking down on men here, I have a husband who does SO much for me and our baby, but even he will tell you how hard a moms job is compared to the dads.
Even if you're family, or a close friend.... Leave your advice to yourself!! Unless of course the new mom has asked you for it. Then by all means, give her your 2 cents.
New moms are so awesome because they get to experience all this cool stuff for the first time, and maybe this is one of those things they get to experience. But we should really stop. We should just tell her she's doing great and give her a hug. We should tell her she looks great and her baby is beautiful. Because that's all she really needs. She's already got enough self doubt and worry going on in her own mind. What she needs is to be LIFTED UP!
Here's to the new moms, myself included. Who not only have to care for this beautiful new soul but also have to find the motherly voice inside themselves to tell those people she doesn't want their advice. Who also have to justify their parenting style to others.
You don't have to take their advice and you do NOT have to justify yourself.
You're doing great and you're beautiful.
