My Ph.D

Yesterday a friend of mine was questioning on a public forum what people knew of immunizations and children. She happened across something that made her concerned and was looking for input. She had never been told there were options as far as they go. Well this topic sparked some conversation. One person criticized anyone who thinks they know "more than doctors", and please just "don't get her started". Well that is all it took for me. I was more than happy to get her started as a matter of fact. Who, I ask, has the right to tell people what they are questioning isn't any of their business? As in " just shut up and follow the system". Yes, no free thinking here, especially when it's ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN? My word! Seriously.

Let me show off for a minute. I would like to say I'm humble about this, but no I am not. I have a Ph.D. Well, an honorary one anyway. I know a lot about my kids. I know what they sounded like the first breath they took. I wiped their bums for years and I can tell you which has a dimple in their butt crack. I can tell you for sure their favorite foods, their favorite colors, the pattern of freckles across their noses. I know their strengths, their weaknesses, the scent of their feet. I have studied their faces, the way they walk, the sound of their sleeping. I can tell you what the first day of kindergarten was for each even now, and which teachers we loved and those we did not. Their favorite toys/shows/friends have never left my mind. I know how they tic. What works for one, not so much for another. I can tell you, I know my kids. Way more than the best doctor could know. And while I completely respect those with the MD after their name, I also respect my own knowledge, and intuition concerning them. Nobody can sway me otherwise. And in that respect, I have also some docs in our life who respect me too. They know I'm not an idiot, they give me the options, and support our family decisions. As they should, I do contribute to their salary.

So what I want to say is this. If ever anybody makes you feel inferior as a parent, a mother to the babies you birthed and care for, fire them , unfriend them, and find your village whoever that may be. There should never be guilt, shoulds, and have- to's. There should be support whether you breast feed or bottle feed. Whether you cloth, or do disposables. If you do jarred purees, or do it the whole baby led weaning way. Whether you are a SAHM, or work nine to five in the big city. Whether your kid watches TV, or plays with only organic/wooden/natural toys. I don't care. If you believe in what you do and do it with the best of intentions with LOVE as your guide, go for it! Be the best you can be and hold your head high!

And for those who do judge, maybe think twice. My mother told me long ago, never judge because it could be you someday. Never pat yourself on the back as someday your kid could break your heart, and always listen to your gut, it never leads you wrong. Good advice Mom, thanks!

Nicole