Sometimes Self-Care is Weeding Out the Noise of "Well-Meaning Advice"

How Do You Know When the Advice Just Isn't For You

Parenting is an amazing journey filled with happiness, challenges, and lots of growth. But when you're expecting a baby, you'll notice that everyone has advice for you. Most of it is well-intentioned and sometimes useful. However, if you try to take in all this advice, you might start to ignore your own inner feelings.

When my first child was born, we had family visiting regularly. Everyone wanted to hold the baby, and it felt like my little one was being passed around constantly. Deep down, I had this feeling that my baby had been passed around enough for one day, and I wanted to hold them close. That protective instinct and the desire to prioritize my baby's comfort over others' opinions was my intuition guiding me. And even though everyone didn't like it, I listened to that voice. 

In the midst of overwhelming advice, I had to remind myself that I knew my child better than anyone else. As parents, we have an innate understanding of our child's needs, preferences, and ways of being. Trusting intuition and following instincts allows me to make informed decisions that felt right for both me and my child.

Similarly, I remember my sister, telling me about a time where her child had recurring health issues, and doctors were quick to offer simple explanations. But her gut feeling told her it was more complex than that. In the end, it turned out her instincts were correct, and further tests revealed an underlying issue that needed attention. This experience emphasized the importance of listening to parental intuition, even when faced with professional opinions. Sometimes especially when it is coming from professionals.

Intuition and boundaries go hand in hand for me and that means t's perfectly okay, and sometimes necessary, to set boundaries. For instance, imagine you've just given birth, and you're tired both mentally and physically. Friends and family may want to visit, but you know you need rest and time with your baby. Setting limits on visiting hours and kindly telling people you need some rest is important for your well-being and your baby's health.

Taking care of yourself and looking out for your own well-being is not selfish. It's essential for staying mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. By trusting yourself, setting boundaries, and finding support from a caring community, you can confidently handle the ups and downs of parenting in your own way. So, pay attention to your feelings, trust your inner voice, and don't be afraid to filter out the noise of well-meaning advice-including mine.

With so much gratitude. 

Naima 

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