4 Judgments Moms Need to Let Go of, Like Yesterday

home insemination Kit

Let’s be real for a second. I went through labor without any pain meds. I nursed my little one until he was 25 months old, and while I loved every moment, I was definitely ready to reclaim my body (and so was my partner). My family is fully vaccinated, even the dog, who hates needles. I prefer that my son doesn’t have too many sugary snacks. Sometimes he intentionally runs into big things, like cars, and I can’t help but chuckle. He has been sleeping in his own bed since he was three weeks old, and yes, I carry him around a lot. Sometimes he cries when I drop him off at preschool, and I sprint out to make it to work on time. Oh, and he’s a huge fan of hot dogs. And ketchup. A lot of ketchup.

So, want to judge me?

Moms often find themselves judging each other—not that we love it, but it happens all the time. We all have our ways of peering into someone else’s business, but there are certain judgments that really need to stop. Here are four of them:

1. Birth Method Choices: When I was pregnant, I knew an epidural was off the table for me. The risks didn’t add up. Meanwhile, my mom had an emergency C-section at 32 weeks, and decades later, she still faces comments about how she “didn’t really experience childbirth.” Can we just agree that if a human being comes out of you, that counts as childbirth? And let’s not forget that adoption has its own beautiful story.
2. Feeding Choices: Before you step in, just know that unless you see me shoving a double cheeseburger down my toddler’s throat, it’s none of your business. I chose to breastfeed because it worked for me, and I turned out just fine on soy formula. Not everyone can afford organic everything or keep up with the latest trends in baby food. Some of us would go insane trying to make our own baby food while others absolutely enjoy it.
3. Starting School or Daycare: I’ve heard it all—“Sending a two-year-old to preschool full-time is wild!” Well, guess what? My husband and I work long hours, and our families aren’t available 24/7. So, my son goes to preschool. That works for us. If you prefer to stay home, that’s great too! Everyone’s situation is different, and we make choices based on our circumstances.
4. Public Parenting: I generally consider myself a chill parent. I like to observe my son from a distance. But in public, everyone seems to want to chime in, warning me about potential accidents. I’ve taken my share of tumbles and learned to embrace risk. When my son is upset, I feel like all eyes are on me. But really, unless a child is in danger, can we please let other moms do their thing?

We all have our quirks and preferences. It’s natural to judge, but we need to remember that every family makes choices that are right for them. So, let’s support each other instead of pointing fingers.

Oh, and if you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination. You can also find some great info from Make a Mom about their home insemination kits. For those curious about the process, Parents.com is an excellent resource for understanding what to expect.

In summary, let’s stop the judgment game and instead celebrate the unique paths we each take in motherhood.