Your Mothering Style
Are you a free-thinking earth mother or a rigid scheduler? Magazine articles, TV shows, and sometimes other parents often seem eager to slap labels on mothers, maybe as a way of pitting mom against mom. But by labeling yourself this or that kind of mom, you take the chance of setting your expectations so high you can't meet them. Also, you may find that your baby's actual personality or your actual life don't mesh very well with the image of yourself you'd been holding in your head. And if you hold too judgmentally to certain ideas and ideals, you risk missing out on friendships you might have had with other moms who don't measure up to the unreachable standard you've created.
Essential
For many mothers, wearing their babies goes beyond convenience and becomes a lifestyle. Slings and baby carriers can make parenting high-needs babies more manageable and promote a strong attachment between you and your little one. For more information about carrying and “wearing” babies in a sling, check out
Be Flexible
Every mother holds certain issues and traits near and dear to her heart. But your baby is a unique individual who might not conform to your ideas about what babies should and shouldn't do. This can be frustrating to mothers who, for example, thought they would have their babies on a strict feeding schedule, only to find that the baby is miserable on a schedule and cries all the time. Or, the mother who dreams of co-sleeping with her baby, only to find that he sleeps a lot better alone. No matter what kind of parent you think you'll be, chances are good that your baby will find at least one way to challenge your expectations. Don't throw your ideas about parenting out the window, but do be flexible and open minded. Follow your instincts, and reserve the right to change your mind.
Alert
Most moms have to deal with somebody criticizing their parenting style sooner or later, and the criticism can really undermine your confidence. Just remember, you are your baby's mother, and you know best. It may help to only discuss child-rearing topics with supportive friends and family. Eventually you'll be able to take dissent in stride.
Nobody's Perfect
It's important to remember that parenthood is a whole, not the sum of its parts. You can and will make mistakes, and your baby will still thrive — no mother is perfect. Sometimes, you will have to weigh your baby's needs against the needs of the whole family and come up with a compromise. As your baby grows, you will become more confident and sure about following your gut. In the meantime, remember: you and your baby are in this together, and you'll learn from each other as you go.
