4 of 24

Write now Article Tools

My oldest son was born in British Columbia, Canada.

Throughout the entire duration of the pregnancy, I received allot of unsolicited parenting advice. You should put your child on your schedule, as soon as you get home from the hospital. Feed your child on demand and stop, that ridiculous scheduling the hospital is going to get you into - while you are there.

Don't put the crib in your room. Babies need to be in their own room. You should have cravings. Why don't you have any cravings? Is there something wrong with your baby? You should only use cloth diapers - they are so much easier on baby's bottom. Plastic on the outside of diapers doesn't allow your baby's skin to breath. It is constantly going to be sore - and it will be all your fault.

You must breastfeed your baby. It is the only way for healthy children. I only used cornstarch on your bottom and you turned out okay. It worked for me and, I have seven babies - it will work for you. Don't bundle your baby like that, it stops him from moving freely. Bundle your baby like this, it makes him feel secure.

Unsolicited parenting advice is in abundance, throughout the pregnancy and in the first two years - guaranteed. I heard so much of it - I asked my doctor about some of it. "Is my baby okay? I am not having any cravings." He smiled and replied very gently, " You are eating healthy foods. You are giving your body and your baby everything needed to grow and be healthy. That is why you are not having any cravings. Francesca," He continued with a grin," your baby is just fine too."

Once my son was born, he received his own nurse. It was hospital policy at the time. Her name was Margo. She came into my room one night. She saw that I was still awake. "You want to talk?" "Sure." I replied. "So Mom, how are you going to raise your son?" I said,"I'm not too sure just yet. I know what I don't want though." She smiled, "That is more than most new mothers know. Can I give you some advice?"
I nodded, thinking the last thing I needed was more advice. I was polite.

I don't know if she saw it or not. She said," Remember the most important thing about all this - you are this child's mother. You will live with him for a long time and, you will be the one that is there for him. Be polite to all those who give you advice on how, what, when etcetera - of things to do with your son and how he should be. Be polite. Once you are alone though - do it your way. This child is yours."

For the first time in the mess of all the things I heard, something made sense to me. This lady knew what she was talking about. I did it my way.

Learn more about this author, Francesca Collins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Dealing with unsolicited parenting advice?
We want to hear your view. Write now!