Am I giving him enough tummy time? Should I be feeding her organic vegetables? Does he have enough clothes on? What’s the right way to put her to sleep? Did I buy the safest car seat? Are the toys that I purchase stimulating enough?
Am I doing the right thing?
Am I doing the right thing?
Have I done the wrong thing?
I’m so lucky to be part of a wonderfully supportive mother’s group. We share our information with one another and hopefully it eases some of that ‘mummy guilt’.
Being a mother of one of the older babies – by a week or so – we often reach milestones first. And then I share my experiences and information (which I hope are helpful and accurate)… in an effort to help others feel that they are doing the right thing with their little ones.
The other day I discussed finding high UV protection sun shelters for spring/summer giving us the opportunity to stay out in the sun a little longer without our babies being fried, buying Tupperware for those who were moving onto solids (along with what solids we were offering our little one) and sleeping patterns with the other mummies.
This circle of mummies is thankfully non judgemental and open to each mum trying their own thing with their baby. Although we are offering veggies first and holding fruits for a little later – another mum in the group let her baby have a suck on a strawberry that she was eating.
Rather than critisis her – we marvel at her child’s advancement (since meeting her at 8 weeks old) and praise the mother at how well she is doing. Her child is growing and thriving – why should we make her feel guilty when we all give ourselves enough ‘mummy guilt’ as it is?
Just because I’ve been with my baby for a few more weeks – give or take – then the other mothers does not mean that I am the be-end-all of all things babies…nor does it stop me from second guessing myself and getting mummy guilt.
So if you see me out and you think I’m doing really well and that I have all the answers – know that I’ve probably spent the other night up every two hours and the majority of the next day in my pjs with unwashed hair… I just choose to make hay when the sun shines – if baby is having a good day, I love to get out and about and feel semi normal again.
What’s your mummy guilt?
