In every parenting journal, magazine, book, website and blog, you get hit with a whole bunch of information that may or may not fit your particular style of parenting or child. We also hear “every child is different” in the same article telling you to do what they say. That’s all well and good, but they’re not the ones up with your child at 3am, covered in puke and going deaf from screaming. I can distinctly remember through the PND haze being told to rock and hold my baby til they went to sleep and then keep holding them. Awesome. Little miss slept but when did I get to sleep? Then the next day being told I’ve made a rod for my back because little miss needs to learn to self settle. Great. Did they offer to come clean up the vomit after Little Miss had cried until she spewed? No. I did.
So for the sake of my sanity, Little miss was breastfed to sleep initially and eventually just cuddled. She still gets a cuddle to sleep. I’ve also had the guilt’s about this until something was mentioned by a friend. She was telling me about her niece and how because of her strong personality and curiosity, won’t sleep. She doesn’t want to miss out on anything. This description was almost a perfect match to Little Miss. Even the health nurses said when Little Miss was tiny, that she was an aware baby.
So with my story said, I’ll say this. Do what feels right for you and gets what you need.
Now on with other news. I had a day of time out. Another essential service for mums that is lacking. Real exciting stuff. I got my hair cut, purchased red shoes and had a photo shoot complete with hair and make up. I’ve also got a massage instead of just giving them and I was way overdue for it.
So in the interest of sanity and time out, I’m going to tell you about an event in may. It’s the Mum’s Night Out brought to you by real mums. See the website www.mumsnightout.com.au to find out more about it and book your tickets. I’m going and I can’t wait.
See you there.
Em.