When influencer Jamie Reed announced her decision to hire a night nurse for her upcoming newborn, it didn’t take long for the “sanctimommies” to swarm in with their opinions. The early days of parenthood are often filled with sleepless nights, a fussy baby, and for many moms, the physical toll of recovery after childbirth. If you had the chance to get some nighttime support so you could catch a few more Z’s, wouldn’t you jump at it? While not every mom would choose this route, Jamie is embracing the idea.
In a recent chat with Pop Culture Weekly, she shared the best parenting advice she’s received: “Everyone keeps saying, ‘If you can afford it, go for a night nurse!’ So we’re doing just that!” Sounds practical, right? The adorable couple, featured in a recent family snap by Jamie’s sister, certainly seem excited about their plan.
But, as is often the case on the internet, backlash was quick to follow. It seems that many believe your parenting choices are only validated if you criticize someone else’s. Here are just a few comments from social media:
- “Must be nice! I was up every half hour with my newborn and toddler!”
- “Sure, it’s your choice, but you’re going to miss out on special memories.”
- “Get up and be a parent!”
Charming, right? Some even tweeted directly at Jamie to maximize the mom-shaming. Is there a trophy for the most sleepless nights in the parenting world? Spoiler alert: nope. If you have the means to hire someone to help during those exhausting nighttime hours, why not take advantage of it?
Critics argue that she’ll miss bonding time with her baby by having a nurse on hand, but that’s simply absurd. And let’s not forget how often dads get a pass when it comes to sleep; it’s often joked that they snooze away while moms are up with the baby, yet no one bats an eye. Having help at 2 AM doesn’t mean a mom can’t bond with her child, especially when it allows her to recharge.
If a new mom can catch some sleep, she’s likely to be more alert and engaged during the day—leading to even more quality moments with her baby. There’s absolutely no shame in seeking help during those challenging early days. Jamie has stated, in response to the criticism, that she plans to be present for those nighttime feeds anyway.
Ultimately, Jamie and her partner plan to utilize the night nurse to ease into parenthood while also snagging some much-needed rest. New parents often feel overwhelmed, and a calm, experienced presence can make a world of difference. Those wagging fingers of disapproval are probably just envious of her situation, as her plan sounds like a dream come true. If you feel fulfilled rising at all hours without assistance, that’s great. But if you prefer to find another way, go for it, Jamie! Everyone else should focus on their own parenting journey.
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In summary, Jamie Reed’s decision to hire a night nurse has sparked a wave of criticism from fellow parents, but her choice reflects a practical approach to managing the challenges of new parenthood. Everyone’s parenting journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.