Saturday, February 18, 2012

Well let's just say how we really feel...

Or not.

I first need to apologize for not blogging in awhile. The holidays were quite hectic (but LOADS of fun). After the holidays however we were hit with a really frustrating and overly dramatic situation that really put me in a bad mood.

I'm not going to discuss what happened. I don't feel it has been resolved since certain parties involved only care to sweep things under the rug, but I will comment on why I've been abscent from the blogosphere.

I was pretty brutally attacked, verbally, for my stance on parenting. And it has made me rethink a lot of things. Mainly, how I present myself.

In case it hasn't been clear...I'm don't think I'm a better parent that everyone else because my child was breastfed (yes, was...he has weaned...more on that in a moment) or had a natural birth or co-slept or whatever else I've done. If anyone has gotten that impression, I'm sorry.

As long as you are RESPECTING and LOVING your child, and paying attention to THEIR needs, I really don't care what decision you make as a parent. I don't mean "I really don't care" flippantly...just that, I'm not now, nor have I EVER been, judging anyone for those decisions. If you starve your child, beat and abuse your child (physically or verbally) then yeah, I will probably judge you. But just because you use a bottle to feed or child or let them sleep in a crib....I have no opinion on that. And I never have. I know what I would PREFER for MY family and what I prefer for babies in general but that's the beauty of an OPINION. It's mine...and it's nothing I can force on anyone else.

That being said, I'm not going to stop talking about issues I feel are important. Particularly breastfeeding and gentle sleep practices. I'll probably be discussing homebirth too more frequently, informed choice and all that. I'm not going to sugar-coat issues and be quiet. That's not me. I've never been that way.

If you have a problem with that, don't read my blog. And don't talk about me behind my back when you DO have a problem with it.

Sorry for the strong wording but, it had to be said, especially since this blog is public.

***

In other, happier news...

I'm PREGNANT!

And quite miserable!

I'm about 11 weeks and 3 days and I have been so sick that I've lost a little over 20lbs. Not exactly the way I wanted to lose 20 lbs but hey, I DO have a pudge so it's not like I'm stick-thin or something.

Baby is doing well, very healthy and happy. I heard the heartbeat on Thursday at my midwife appointment.

So, that's why the subject of homebirth will probably come up a lot more.

That's also the other reason I haven't been blogging. I'm really sick! But, I'm close to the 2nd trimester. Less than 2 weeks....fingers crossed it brings relief!

***

During all this, Andrew has weaned.

I posted this on my FB when I realized what had happened:

There is a part of my life, a defining part of motherhood that has ended. My son has weaned, two days shy of 32 months. When I nursed him on Monday, we did our usual "I love yous", kisses and snuggles...I didn't realize it would be our last time.


In light of everything going on, it is probably best that my body not take any more demand at the moment. But there is still a twinge of sadness with it all, as well as a sweetness and fondness of the memories I have from nursing Andrew. I praise God for giving me the ability to nourish and comfort my child, regardless of how our society feels about it or views it.


Psalms 22:9 - "Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts."


Psalms 131:2 - "But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me."

I do miss it, but come September there will be another little nursling!

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Coming soon -- I'm participating in my first blog carnival! I can't wait to share that with you all!

***

~Kym~

2 comments:

  1. I'm sorry you were attacked. I've been there too. I haven't been following your blog very long but feel the same way sometimes. I have strong opinions - many coincide with yours - and won't apologize for them. It's not my intentions to hurt other people's feelings either. I think the fact that they're offended by those statements is more insecurity on their part. Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope your sickness goes away soon and you have a happy and health pregnancy!

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  2. I'm very sorry that you were attacked - any attack, whether small or large, really hurts and causes some mixed feelings about advocating for a natural parenting lifestyle, doesn't it!? I had my own issues with a supervisor at an office where I worked *as a breastfeeding counselor* . . . it was really hard. But I'm glad you're back to blogging, and I'm loving your new announcement! Congratulations on your new pregnancy! All of us at NPN are going to love watching your new little one come into the world - and what a wonderful family into which to be born! :)

    Love your Scripture on nursing and weaning. Wonderful! - A

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