The best advice I have for you + the judgments you’ll face in your new role as a parent
When you become a parent, you suddenly start getting a ton of unsolicited advice. It starts well before the birth and it continues all the way to… (complete the sentence)! No matter how well-intended you are, you’ll inevitably run into someone who thinks they know exactly what you need, better than you do.
My hospital experience
Personally, my worst moment was at the hospital after giving birth. I struggled so much with breastfeeding. I had received so many different pieces of advice from one person to the next. I had tried everything—from different breastfeeding positions to breastfeeding aids, to the nipple shield, etc. But no matter what I did, baby was losing weight, nothing was working. And I had to make a decision.
The hardest part for me wasn’t the choice—it was the judgment from the nurses. The ones I overheard discussing my case, saying I wasn’t really putting in the effort to breastfeed…
Honestly, the pressure to do everything perfectly is HUGE when you become a parent.
Cloth diapers and real life
Imagine you want to use cloth diapers. You’ll have a ton of people telling you it’s too much work, and friends telling you it’s worth it and that it’s easy.
I’m going to make a confession, because I’m the owner of La Petite Ourse and I think it should be out there: for my first son, I used cloth diapers… but not exclusively, and not full-time. There, I said it! Why? Because life itself is a big challenge. I was starting the business, I was short on time, and honestly, I just needed some things to be simpler. And guess what? My son still grew up healthy, and I’m still a good mom.
With my second, I was more prepared, more rested, more knowledgeable. I managed to use cloth diapers most of the time. You don’t need to be perfect to be a good parent. What matters is what works for YOU, in YOUR reality.
A few precious tips
Do what works for you and your baby
There’s no single right way to be a parent. If something makes your life easier, take it without guilt.
Accept help
You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders. If someone offers you a meal, a nap, or a helping hand, say yes without hesitation.
Sleep when you can
(Okay, we’ve all heard this one, but seriously, a quick 20 minutes can make all the difference.)
Let go of perfection
Your baby won’t remember if you folded their clothes into perfect little squares, but they will remember the cuddles and the time you spent together.
The most important reminder
So if you need to hear it today: you’re already doing your best, and that’s enough. You don’t need to be perfect—just present, loving, and human. And if that means a disposable diaper saves your evening or your trip, well… that’s totally fine!
