In today’s digital age, parents are sharing more of their lives online than ever before, but this openness often invites unwarranted judgment and shaming. Unfortunately, new moms frequently find themselves under fire for seemingly trivial matters captured in a brief post or a quick snapshot. This was the case for one new mother, who recently responded to an influx of harsh comments regarding a selfie she took while holding her newborn.
Meet Laura Bennett, a personal trainer and fitness influencer who welcomed her baby boy, Noah, just 17 days ago. You might have seen her in a viral side-by-side photo showcasing her pregnancy alongside a friend a few weeks back. After giving birth at the end of March, Laura has been sharing adorable moments with her son, as well as updating her followers on her impressive postpartum journey.
A few days ago, she posted a selfie with Noah, highlighting her healing c-section incision. In the picture, Laura is dressed in workout gear, cradling her son as he briefly lifts his head from her chest. Unfortunately, this innocent moment sparked a tidal wave of negative comments about how she was holding her baby. Some of the more outrageous remarks included:
- “I’m really worried about how you’re holding that baby.”
- “Isn’t this position illegal?”
- “Is her baby’s neck okay?”
- “That poor child’s neck. Hold him right! A selfie isn’t worth it.”
- “She could’ve used a real camera and held her baby properly. What a selfish attention seeker!”
Ah, the internet—a magnified version of every overbearing relative who feels the need to share their unsolicited advice. But Laura isn’t one to back down. She addressed her critics in a follow-up post, clarifying that Noah had simply lifted his head at the moment the photo was taken and that she doesn’t need “dumb dumbs” instructing her on baby care.
“Honestly, I’m not going to sugarcoat how I feel about your attempts to belittle me and my parenting,” she stated. “Noah lifted his head for just a second, and I caught it on camera. Newborns are capable of lifting their heads—I wasn’t just holding him with his neck at an awkward angle!”
Laura is not alone in facing public scrutiny as a new parent. Last year, actor Jake Thompson received backlash when his partner shared an image of him holding their baby in what some deemed an improper way. Even royals like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced criticism for how they positioned their child in a car seat a few years ago.
Internet criticism is relentless, but we should remember that a single photo does not define a parent’s abilities. Just because someone uploads a snapshot doesn’t mean they are seeking advice or criticism. It’s essential to let new parents navigate their journeys without the pressure of judgment.
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In summary, let’s foster a community that supports rather than criticizes. Parenting can be challenging, and we could all use a little more understanding.