I'm a bad mum because...

I am a member of various facebook pages for mums, and I find (most of) them really helpful in my parenting journey.

Some of the more fun groups play little games like guessing how old each other are based on our selfies etc. While I was pregnant we played a game called "I'm a bad mum because...." where you had to post what "naughty" things we did that did not follow the rules of being pregnant. I really liked this post because sometimes other mums can be a little judge-y and can be judgemental if you do not follow all the suggested rules to the letter. Examples were some mums said they used to eat sushi while pregnant or some had a glass of wine over Christmas. I like that the other mums felt comfortable to say what decisions they made for their child even if it was not the recommended rules. It is a little tongue in cheek but i felt that in a way it reassured all of us that really none of us are bad mums, and that adapting to our own lifestyles made us good mums, not bad. 

When I first had my daughter I tried as much as possible to stick to all the rules. As time has gone on i have relaxed a little and realised that I know her best, so I know what rules I can bend a little. My advice to new mums is to not get too hung up on the rules, often they are strict because midwives and health visitors have to provide a blanket rule for everyone and in the nicest way they have to cover their arses a bit! 

As time goes on I feel like I break a new rule everyday! But my daughter is happy and healthy and I know her best. I do not make any decisions without consulting my husband either and he is 100% on board.

So with that in mind- here is my "I'm a bad mum because..." list:

I'm a bad mum because.....

I premake night bottles and just warm them up

If I am going out and I do not have food prepared I just buy a jar or pouch

I didnt breastfeed due to health issues... but I might just choose not to breastfeed the next one

I often heat up milk in the microwave instead of hot water

I give my daughter whatever I eat.... including chocolate and curry

I have put my daughter in her car seat in a coat if I did not want to wake her.. I just undid the front of the coat to make sure the straps were tight against her. 

I buy most baby itens second hand

I have had quite a few nights away from baby thanks to my in-laws

Sometimes I just need a break from being mummy!
I use youtube/netflix to entertain my daughter. 

Moral of the story- we are all amazing mums no matter what decisions about parenting we make:)

Mummy 

xxx