#4 My Advice Regarding Advice

It's Week 8!! 

It goes without saying, family, friends and coworkers will give their unsolicited advice and instructions about your pregnancy and child rearing. (However, I was not ready for the strange lady in the parking lot.)  I knew I was ill equipped and that's why God made mamas, especially mine. She stayed with my family 46 days, teaching me the ropes. 

Back to this advice - I'd like to think I was accepting and at least listened to them. BUT some people take it a bit too far. The people I expected advice from, said nothing, and those - in many cases I didn't even know - had lots to say!

My most favorite moment of pregnancy was this older lady who ran across the parking lot to tell me I was too big and to stop eating. I was 5 months pregnant and I can honestly say I hadn't gained more than 10 to 12 lbs. I looked and felt great, most of all, my doctor was very happy with my progress. Apparently, just not up to her standards. 

We've  heard everything from he shouldn't be sleeping that much to don't let him sleep in your bed to he needs to get sick early on. Oh, and my favorite, let him smell your armpit, he'll be smart. AND I had no idea that there were breastfeeding gangs (just two different schools of thought) out there. If you even hesitate about what you choose to do, there is a lecture to follow. Initially, I wanted to breastfeed, but once I got started, honey, my Mama and husband suggested I take a break. So, when I decided to stop - people were appalled that I had stopped. I was just on your team, we just did chest bumps 3 months ago, now I'm on "that" list. 

When I think about it, it's really all in love. Everyone is giving their advice, solicited or not, because they want the best for me and my mini. When I think about it this way, I really don't mind the advice. 

For the next pregnant lady you encounter, tailor your advice based on the level of your relationship with her. It's a good rule of thumb, if you don't know her and have to run across a parking lot to stop her BECAUSE you don't know her name - don't say anything regarding her pregnancy!

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