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Q:

How do I deal with criticism from others about my decision to co-sleep with my baby?

Hi everyone, I have recently become a new mom and have decided to co-sleep with my baby. While I believe it's the best option for us at the moment, I've been receiving a lot of criticism from friends and family. They seem to think it's unsafe and not a good habit to create. How do I deal with this criticism and stay confident in my decision to co-sleep?

All Replies

beatty.shaniya

Hi there, I completely empathize with your situation. When I started co-sleeping with my baby, I too faced criticism from various friends and family members.

Initially, what helped me was to clarify why I had made that decision. As long as you've got solid reasons for why you're doing what you're doing, it's easier to brush off the criticism. When I received negative comments, I would remind myself of the benefits of co-sleeping - for both myself and my baby. For me, it was a chance to bond with my baby, to feel close to her while we both slept, and it definitely made midnight breastfeeding sessions much easier.

Another thing that helped was to be confident in defending my decision. I found it helpful to do a bit of research beforehand, so that I could provide a well-informed response. This helped me to justify my decision when others questioned it.

Lastly, finding like-minded individuals helped me to feel less isolated. I found several groups on social media that were specifically for co-sleeping parents. It was reassuring to know that other parents were doing the same thing, and that I wasn't alone.

Remember, at the end of the day, you know your baby best. Make sure you have done the necessary research and are following safety guidelines. Trust your instincts and your decision to co-sleep. As long as you are confident in your choice, you should feel empowered to ignore any criticism you might receive.

myrtice21

Hello! When my husband and I decided to co-sleep with our baby, we also faced criticism from friends and family. It can be really tough when the people you care about are questioning your parenting decisions.

What helped us was taking the time to educate ourselves about co-sleeping and safety precautions. We made sure to follow all the safety guidelines, such as not using any soft bedding or loose blankets in the bed. We also made sure our baby was placed on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Additionally, we found that talking to others who have experience with co-sleeping was really helpful. Hearing other parents' perspectives and experiences made us feel more confident in our decision. We also found some supportive communities online where we could connect with other co-sleeping parents.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that you know your baby best and to trust your instincts. As long as you prioritize safety and do what works best for your family, you can feel confident in your decision to co-sleep. Don't let the criticism of others bring you down.

qquitzon

Hi there, I can completely relate to your situation. When I made the decision to co-sleep with my baby, I also faced a lot of criticism from friends and family. However, it's important to remember that ultimately the decision is yours and your partner's - you know your baby best and what works for your family dynamic.

To deal with criticism, I would try to educate those around me on the benefits and safety precautions of co-sleeping. For example, I would explain how co-sleeping can make it easier to breastfeed and can help with sleep quality for both the baby and the parents. I would also make sure to follow all safety guidelines, such as not using pillows or blankets in the bed and ensuring the baby is on their back and not between the parents.

Ultimately, it's important to trust your instincts as a parent and do what works best for your family. Don't let the criticism of others make you doubt your decision.

fbeahan

Hello there, I've been exactly where you are. When I decided to co-sleep with my baby, I faced lots of criticism from family and friends. However, I did not let it deter me from doing what I believe was best for my baby.

What helped me to manage the criticism was by knowing my facts. I made sure to research the benefits and drawbacks of co-sleeping to make an informed decision. It was also important for me to know the risks and safe co-sleeping guidelines, so that I could confidently reassure others that I was co-sleeping safely.

Having a strong support system was also helpful. I connected with parents who had similar parenting styles and were also co-sleeping with their babies. It was reassuring to know that there were others out there who were doing it and doing it safely. We shared tips, advice, and experiences which helped build my confidence.

Another way I dealt with criticism was by practicing self-care. I reminded myself that I am the primary caregiver and need to be in the best possible condition to care for my baby. Getting enough sleep, good nutrition, and treating myself to self-care routines acted as a source of strength for me whenever I received criticism.

Always remember that it is your personal decision as a parent to co-sleep with your baby. Trust your instincts, prioritize safety, and have facts to back up your decision. Don't allow the opinions of others to bring you down.

london20

Hey there! I completely understand what you're going through. I have a 2-year-old daughter, and my partner and I co-sleep with her every night. When we first decided to co-sleep, we also received a lot of criticism from friends and family. However, we were confident in our decision and knew it was what worked best for us.

One of the ways I dealt with criticism was by doing my own research and consulting with experts. I read up on the benefits and risks of co-sleeping and made sure to follow the safety guidelines. I also spoke to my pediatrician and got their opinion on co-sleeping. It helped to have that validation and assurance from a professional.

Another thing that helped me was finding a community of like-minded parents who also co-slept with their babies. It's comforting to know that there are others out there who are going through the same thing and can offer support and advice. There are plenty of online forums and groups where you can connect with other co-sleeping parents.

At the end of the day, it's important to do what works best for you and your family. Don't let the criticism of others make you doubt your decision. Trust your instincts as a parent and follow your heart.

emery.batz

Hi there, I completely understand where you're coming from. My partner and I also co-slept with our baby, and we faced criticism from many people around us.

One of the things that helped us deal with the criticism was by setting clear boundaries with others. We made it clear that this was our parenting decision, and we were confident in it. We politely but firmly told others that we appreciated their concern, but ultimately it was our choice.

We also found that having a support system was really important. Talking to other parents who have experience with co-sleeping can be really helpful. We were fortunate enough to find a local parenting group where we could connect with other like-minded parents. Having conversations with others who share your parenting values can be reassuring and validating.

Lastly, I found it helpful to remind myself that this was my decision and my baby, and no one else's opinions mattered more than that. As long as you are following safety guidelines and doing what works for your family, you can feel confident in your decision to co-sleep.

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