When plans change

I am writing this to make clear that sometimes - plans change.

New parents and those who are "with child" enter into parenthood with preconcieved ideas about how things are going to be. Those ideas aren't bad! they lay the foundation for how we will parent. These early decisions are the first steps in becoming a good mom or dad.

Will you have a natural childbirth, a c-section, an epidural? Will you breastfeed or bottle feed? Will you stay at home, or go back to work? Will you use cloth or disposable diapers? Ever single one of these things you will "decide" before you ever even meet that little bundle!

Every mom you meet will have an opinion. If you disagree with what they feel is best- they may be defensive over that opinion, sometimes even agressive. It is because we ALL make descisions and we have to live with them - and we hope and truly believe that we are trying to do what is best for our families.

People who choose to "naturally parent" are often going against the grain of what is popular. Having a baby without pain meds is HARD- it can be a wonderful experience- but there is a reason that epidurals were invented! There is a reason for formula, disposable diapers, and c-sections TOO! Many parents feel like they are a "failure" if the just CAN'T do it, or do it all. I strongly feel that many "natural" parenting techniques/trends are some of the BEST decisions you can make for your baby- but I want to make it clear that they aren't the only one's out there- and if plans change, or if any "choice" just doesn't work for your family that is ok. You aren't a failure, you are NOT a "bad mom" or a "bad dad". if you give up 16 hours into labor and get some meds- who am I to judge? If after 3 weeks of trying to breastfeed you grab a bottle of formula- how can I say anything bad? I fervently and wholeheartedly believed when my daughter was born that I would *NEVER* let MY BABY use a binky (pacifier)- Plans change!

What I ask is that you give some of the things we advocate- or the tips we suggest a good -old fashioned try. Try breastfeeding and be willing to "stick it out" for two weeks or so... Try cloth diapering- or at least consider it. If you are up to the challenge, try making homemade baby food and at least with your first baby TRY to go "au naturale" during labor.

And If plans change, know that we are still here applauding in the background!

-Megan