As I'm sure some of you are aware I had a bit of backlash and negativity this weekend over pumping my breast milk after a night out. I did my calculations and left it 9 and a half hours before pumping but some people had to have their say. And then to be removed from a support group for a complete mistake was the icing on the cake. I decided to take a short break from snapchat to have some head space but don't worry, by the time you read this I am probably back snapping away.
I don't want to keep addressing it but I just felt I had to come here and thank all of my amazing followers. I'm blown away by the amount of support I've received over the last 24 hours. My phone hasn't stopped and my inbox is filled with hundreds of emails from you all. I don't know how I will get around to reading them but I will and I'm sorry if you don't get a reply but just know I appreciate each and every one of you.
Like the titles says, I am her mother and since becoming a mother 8 weeks ago I've had an overwhelming need to protect her. As a first time Mam I'm learning with each day and that is what parenthood is all about. Not one parent out there is perfect but we do the best by our kids. Since having Sienna and even while I was pregnant I had so many people tell me to take everyones advice with a pinch of salt and that people will give you advice and criticism whether you like it or not. What I have learned in the last 8 weeks is to take each day as it comes, enjoy each smile and goo and to just go with my gut. I haven't read the "manual" but from the moment she was born my mothering instinct kicked it. I know for a lot of people they find it so difficult in the beginning and that is so normal. It is a life changing experience. Birth alone takes weeks to get over, especially if you were like me and had any sort of traumatising experience.
What I am trying to get at here is each persons experience is different, each child, each baby and each family is different. No one has the right to pass comment, judgment or criticise you for how you do things. If you are the type of person that does pass comment or feels the need to direct negativity towards others then I encourage you to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself why. What benefit is there in being negative to others, does it make you happy? Does it benefit the other person? Does it make life easier? No, no it doesn't. So here is my two cents, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything. Take a look at your own life and see how you can change your negative thoughts into positives ones and be a happier person.
When it comes to being a mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, single parent or whatever situation you find yourself in, know that what you are doing is the best for your child. Don't listen to what people have to say, never second guess yourself and always go with your gut!!!!
I have just set up a Facebook support group for ANYONE that whats to join. You won't be judged, you will only be given support, love & encouragement. Tell your friend if they need a safe place to look for advice or share their stories they can join the community too. The group is called Nothing But Support.
Thanks again to all of you, I honestly have the most supportive bunch of followers
Love Grace xox
