Comments on: The “I Told You So”

By: Rebecca M.

Rebecca M. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:26:34 +0000

I loved this post and also the comment by Penny. I’m nursing my 8 month old son (exclusively for the first 6 months, now gradually adding solids) and plan to continue until he’s about 2 years old (I’ll probably have another baby around that time and will not force my son to wean, but I don’t think I’ll want to full-time tandem nurse a toddler and a newborn). I’m already preparing myself for the negative comments and criticism I expect to receive from family members and others. I like to read positive stories and info so that I can hopefully respond calmly (or ignore) the comments.

Thanks for writing this!

By: Jill

Jill — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:24:13 +0000

I think sometimes “well meaning” is actually “self justifying” – having more to do with how that person feels about her own parenting style and wanting to reinforce and reassure herself than thinking you need “advice” that you clearly weren’t soliciting.

By: Crystal Gold

Crystal Gold — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:31:39 +0000

Love the post! I think the best thing a mother can do is follow her instincts and naturally develop her own parenting style. Each child is different, each family is different, but EVERY one needs unconditional love! That is why attachment parenting is so perfect for us, it is an easy way to give that unconditional love (even at 3 in the morning after waking up for the 4th time!)

By: baby carrier

baby carrier — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:51:43 +0000

i take time for some baby to just from breast feeding. not all mother can put up with the crying in the night……………

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:42:49 +0000

I like your article, but be careful not to judge the other side as you have been judged (as some of the comments have done). I am a staunch breastfeeding supporter, but at the same time I value sleep training techniques (oh my)! I give full feedings and easy my babies into good sleep schedules. Yes, there is some crying at times (trust me, they lived and they thrive just as your daughter does). Attachment parenting is not for me, just as old school parenting is not for you. I see this in the same terms as the “Mommy Wars.” I sleep train, I spank, I breastfeed, I feed my children organic food…I describe myself as “a little crunchy.” My friends, who all bottlefeed (some breastfeed for the first few months) think I’m a hippie:) All out crunchies think I’m Satan incarnate LOL! I combine the methods I feel are best for my children after much research and prayer. And they turned out just fine:)

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:18:14 +0000

I saw your link on the Carnival email. It is important that we moms don’t force our opinions on others; I’m sorry that people did this to you. Whatever one’s parenting style is, though, someone will always disapprove of it. It is sad that that is how it is. I try not to do this.

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:37:56 +0000

Having a healthy, well-adjusted older child does a LOT to silence critics. How can they argue that your parenting will ruin your baby, when it’s so clearly worked for the older one. I feel very self-satisfied these days, looking at my 4-year-old.

By: Clare

Clare — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:13:28 +0000

Brilliant! A great read. I’m going through this right now and my LO is only 10 months (nearly). We have just worked out that feeding with her sitting straight up works for us at the moment (mainly because of her snotty nose) but I got a very strange look at the swimming pool the other day. I just smiled and looked down adoringly at my LO. My father is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and I’m dreading his reaction to me ’still’ feeding (how on earth will I explain that i’ll be breastfeeding for years to come? If thats what my dd wants). I’m hoping if I don’t make a big deal out of it and just do it that they will go with it but pigs might fly…

By: Penny Haines

Penny Haines — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:56:58 +0000

Children who have been “extended breast fed” and “demand fed” are very lucky indeed. They’ve never known the agonies of being left to cry for ages with hunger and thirst, they’ve been given all the protection of breast milk with its vital antibodies (making them less prone to diseases such as gastro-enteritis and ear infections, and even less prone to certain childhood cancers and juvenile diabetese, which can be devastating).
It seems so unfair to critisize Mums for doing the best for their babies, when anyone who DARES speak out about the risks of artificial formula is vilified for “guilt-tripping” etc.
Breast milk is “baby’s birthright” and formula feeding should be reserved for Mums who cannot, or have genuine difficulties, with breastfeeding. I don’t think Mums should “choose not to breast feed” any more than they should “choose to smoke” in pregnancy.

By: Judy @ MommyNewsBlog

Judy @ MommyNewsBlog — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:21:03 +0000

Great post!! I too am an extended breastfeeder and have done it all by instincts. I always thought I would breastfeed for a year, maybe 2 – but never dreamed I’d still be going at almost 4 – and I coslept – which I also never thought I would do – but it worked for us and our family. You can read about my breastfeeding journey here: http://mommynewsblog.com/gentle-weaning-one-moms-journey-through-breastfeeding/