Since I didn't ask...

[beetiger]

Now that I'm pregnant, people seem to have a variety of opinions on what I should do about any baby-related topic, from what I should be eating to circumcision to sleeping arrangements to how long one should breastfeed to whether I should go back to work right away.

I'm trying not to be annoyed by this. In fact, I'm really trying to embrace it, since it's mostly well-meaning.

For this reason, I open this up to you. Please give me unsolicited advice, on any topic (not just baby stuff). Anonymous comments fine. No promises on whether I take any of it.

(I'd do this as a poll, but I wanted to leave the option of long responses.)

Comments

[blither.livejournal.com]

Grin and bear the unwanted advice, it won't end with your pregnancy. However, perfect strangers coming up to rub your tummy, will. You might want to perfect the polite sidestep or the 'Touch me and I'm *so* going to touch you back" look. (The latter worked best for me)

Have confidence in yourself as a parent and don't sweat the 'should haves.'

Don't get so involved in what other children are doing that you might not recognize you own child's uniqueness.

Don't fall into the trap of 'getting them the very best of everything, even if it kills you.' What they really need and want more than anything else is our time.

Start collecting your very favorite books from your childhood, ask others to contribute.

Buckle your seatbelt and prepare for a bumpy (albeit tremendously wonderful) ride.

Learn the secret handshake. =)