One answer to societal expectations: 'Mums don't want to be judged for their decisions'
We're always putting our family first and making sure they have the best of everything.
But sometimes, society can intervene and push us to our limits, explaining we're not doing it right.
And when Peta Tuck saw this happening, as a doula and mother, she felt she needed to speak out.
Reading some 'research' which informed the mum that kids will suffer from obesity, and their tantrums will increase due to co-sleeping, the mum required both proof and for the piece to 'shut-up'.
Revealing her thoughts, the mum-of-three shared: "I find this extremely hard to believe, what research? Show me it? Show me the evidence? Show me the sample size and all the other variables to go with it."
"It is in our DNA to be with our children."
In an effort to let mums know they are doing just fine, Peta explains that our kids cry to communicate their needs, believing they do not need to learn to self soothe or settle at six weeks, months, or 16-months.
"When did having a baby sleep through the night become the defining thing for successful parenting?"
The mum-of-three shares her experience upon becoming a full-time mother, how she too was impressionable, but over time has come to learn that going with her gut instinct always proved the greatest result.
"I started bringing her into bed with us, it was the best decision ever."
But the reason this topic was so strong for Peta, wasn't because she felt it was relatable to her situation but more so to do with her care toward other mums: "Mothers don't want to hear this," she commented.
"They don't want to be judged for their decisions. They don't want to be told that the choice they have made for their family is 'wrong' or not 'mainstream'! They want to feel supported no matter their parenting style."
It doesn't matter whether you allow your child to self-soothe, co-sleep, or whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed; choosing what fits your family is the most important aspect of raising children.
Peta concludes: "I don't care whatever your choice is, do it because you are informed, it fits your family's needs and most importantly you are supported in those choices! Remember, you are perfectly imperfect."
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