Unwanted Tips During Pregnancy – And How To Deal With Them
Most first-time mothers have to listen to many unwanted tips during pregnancy. Sometimes loved ones can inundate you with recommendations, especially if they say something different from your doctor’s advice.
“The baby is not safe”, “Don’t let him crawl”, “Eat whenever and whatever you want”, “Don’t let him cry”, “Don’t breastfeed her, use a bottle so you can sleep ” and much more.
This is some of the most insistent and sometimes inaccurate advice new mothers can get. Her mother-in-law, sister-in-law, mother, sisters, distant and close friends storm her with unwanted tips during pregnancy.
Another common character is the typical “precocious” or “I-know-everything” parent who thinks they know all about parenting and is convinced that everyone else is wrong.
Unwanted tips during pregnancy – what’s the problem with them?
As pregnancy begins, we have to adapt to a new reality – face fears, doubts, and challenges. If we add unwanted tips, such suggestions simply overwhelm us.
Things get complicated when we contrast medical information with advice from loved ones. Things get even more complicated when one does not know how to behave in front of loved ones, either for fear of hurt feelings or simply to avoid discussion.
But the truth is, there are several ways to deal with these unwanted and stressful tips. Here are four ways to resolve this complex and stressful situation.
4 ways to deal with unwanted tips during pregnancy
Are you looking for the right way to deal with unsolicited advice? Are you afraid of what will happen if you reject or contradict them?
Do not worry. Be careful and remember the following ways to respond:
- Express yourself. Share your own opinion and knowledge. There is nothing wrong with expressing your disagreement with their point of view or their tips, or making it clear that you will not implement these suggestions. Nothing bad can happen if you conduct a dialogue with respect and thus avoid falling out.
Explain the reasons why you chose not to follow the advice. This shows that you are listening but what you have learned says the opposite without causing any trouble.
The last variant involves listening to the advice and saying thank you very much. But at the same time you also say that the next time you are at the pediatrician’s with the baby, you will bring up the matter to discuss any doubts.
- Weigh. While you may be upset, you should consider that unwanted tips during pregnancy can also be good. Accepting useful, wise, and constructive suggestions from other people doesn’t hurt. Sometimes it even helps you solve problems and be more practical.
Accordingly, you should not generally reject unwanted tips during pregnancy just because you did not ask for them. It is essential to be open to suggestions and listen to advice that may be useful for you and your child’s upbringing.
- Smile. Even if unwanted tips annoy you during pregnancy, it is advisable to respond with a “Thank you, I will consider that” and a smile on your face. This will avoid unnecessary stress and the person who gives you the advice will be satisfied.
You are the mother
Remember who the mother is. No matter what unwanted advice you get. Always remember that you are the mother of the child and therefore can raise the child as you see fit.
Always choose the best for your child and follow your heart and ignore the rest to do that.
Receiving unwanted tips during pregnancy can be annoying. Even so, it’s important to ask yourself why someone gave the advice: with good intentions or just to criticize?
If you answer this question, you will know how to react and what to do if relatives give you unwanted tips during pregnancy.
Take a deep breath and be grateful because you are surrounded by people who care for you and your child.
The good thing is that in the end no one knows what is good for your child than you do.