A recent social media post by Australian parent Zoe Mitchell has sparked a conversation on the realities of parenting and the misconceptions surrounding bed-sharing. After reading a sensational article about co-sleeping that was loaded with inaccuracies, Mitchell, a doula and mother of three young kids in Brisbane, decided to share a personal family photo of their co-sleeping arrangement on Instagram. Along with the image, she voiced her frustration.
“I stumbled upon a piece today from mainstream media that, once again, pits us parents against each other,” she wrote. “It claimed that allowing your baby to sleep with you could hinder their ability to self-soothe, lead to more tantrums, and even cause childhood obesity.”
Her straightforward reaction to the article? “Can we please stop?!”
In her post, Mitchell condemned the distribution of false information about co-sleeping, emphasizing the need for genuine, backed research. She also addressed the competitiveness among parents today. “Babies cry for a reason—they’re expressing their needs. They don’t need to master self-settling by a certain age,” she noted. “When did sleeping through the night become the hallmark of great parenting?”
Reflecting on her journey as a new mother, Mitchell admitted that, like many, she once believed that a baby sleeping through the night was a measure of her success. After some tearful nights attempting to enforce self-soothing, she finally decided to trust her instincts and tune out the surrounding noise. “I ultimately followed my gut and stopped listening to the endless advice,” she shared. “Bringing my little one into our bed was the best choice I ever made.”
Mitchell’s main issue? The relentless judgment and misleading articles that plague parents. “Moms just don’t want to hear this kind of stuff,” she expressed. “They don’t want to be scrutinized for their choices or told that what works for their family is ‘wrong’ or ‘not conventional’! They need support, regardless of their parenting style.”
“Whether it’s self-soothing, co-sleeping, formula feeding, or breastfeeding, I don’t care what your choice is,” she added. “Just make sure you’re informed, it fits your family’s needs, and—most importantly—you have support.”
Mitchell told Home Insemination Kit that the toughest part of parenting for her was finding balance. “Being a stellar mom while still taking care of myself is tricky,” she admitted. “For a while, I lost my identity in the whirlwind of motherhood.” But, with the right support, she gained newfound confidence and is now dedicated to empowering other parents.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure—regardless of where you’re at in your parenting journey—please reach out for support,” she urged. “Parenting was never intended to be a solo venture.”
Her best advice for new moms? Trust your instincts and be kind to yourself and your baby. “Forget about the clock and remember that you are the best mother for your children,” she encouraged. “Your journey is uniquely yours, so embrace it. A messy house, crowded beds, tantrums, and tears—they’re all part of this wild parenting ride. Just remember, you’re beautifully imperfect.”
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Summary: In response to misleading articles on co-sleeping, Zoe Mitchell shares her personal experience and encourages parents to trust their instincts. She advocates for support and understanding in parenting choices, emphasizing that every family’s journey is unique.