I've been thinking. Again.

So, this post might offend some, but it's my blog, and so I'm entitled to my thoughts.

You know what I hate?

People who believe that since they have strong opinions about things, naturally you should share this opinion. I think this is brought out the MOST in the birthing process of children. Just to clear the air, the particular occurances of which I am speaking come from people who don't read/comment on my blog, so calm down, I'm not talking about you.

I respect those who have researched things out. I think that's great- I'm so glad that you have done what felt right for you. HOWEVER, just because I don't feel the same way, please don't talk down, and please, stop "bible-bashing" your birth plan to the rest of us! ENOUGH ALREADY!!

Epidurals: Medicine is here for a reason. Am I "strong enough" to have a baby naturally? Probably, yes. Do I want to? Absolutely not. So don't try to tell otherwise. My body, my decision. (And no, I'm not pregnant)

Breast Feeding: Is it the best option? You betcha. But if I read ONE MORE FRIGGIN' pamphlet telling me that Hazen is going to be allergic to everything, sick all of the time (ok, you got me there), or not be bonded to his mother, I might just set something on fire. (Mother's Touch Lactation....better watch YO self. I pumped without fail 8 times a day for the entire 2 months Hazen was in the hospital. I probably missed 6-7 pumps TOTAL the entire time. I wanted to keep my milk up for when he came home. However, he came home. And I fear that him not doing any type of eating (other than what was given to him via tube feeding) did irreparable damage, and he was unable to nurse. We were both very unhappy, and due to all of the nursing paraphernalia, I felt like a failure of a mother. But guess what? I tried. I did my best, and yes, my kid gets sick all of the time, but guess what else? He knows and loves his mommy, and I believe he knows she does the best she can. So shove it.

Circumcision: Guess what- I left this one to Jason. Please don't let this be TMI, but I've never seen it the other way, so I didn't really care. I've read Anti-Circ stuff, and guess what else? IT WAS HORRIBLE! I've never been so angry with myself for inflicting pain on my baby, but, when it's all said and done, he's fine, and, in the words of Dr. Lauret, "Man, that's a great looking circ." Hey, Hazen in the future, if you're ticked at your dad's decision, take it up with him. And for the record- for future sons, I told Jason if he wants it done again, fine, but I WILL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. I'm going to Heather's. You can deal with the screaming baby in the middle of the night.

Sleeping on Tummy: I know that the numbers for SIDS can't be argued with since we've taken to sleeping our babies on their backs. However, my Dr weighed two options in his hands: 1- Mom and Dad would kill their little boy because he didn't. sleep.at.all. OR 2- Sleep Hazen on his belly, "set the apnea monitor, and pray to whomever it is that you pray to that your baby will be ok" (Funny that we found the only non-member Pediatrician in all of Utah Valley. He's so great though!!!) Guess what? He's not dead. And he sleeps. And I love my baby exponentially more now because of it. So stop giving me THAT look, mmkay?

Midwives: If you're going to get ticked off, just skip over this part. I think it's great that some people research out a birthing plan, etc, and decide to do home-births (which I think is absolutely nuts, but that's just my opinion), but that's for you to do, and it's not for me. There is no way in heck Hazen would have made it had we decided to do something like this (I know, I know, A Midwife wouldn't let me deliver at home at 31 weeks), but I think there is value in Western Medicine, so let me enjoy that, ok? I like my OB/GYN who still calls me Ann. I like hospitals, and I like the assurance that there ain't gonna be no after-birth on my $2,000 mattress.

Vaccinations: I will do it. I find it irresponsible not to. End of story. If you have a problem with that, save it- I will NOT knowingly give my child to "opportunity" to contract certain illnesses. He's been through enough already. Someone debate me. I dare you.

I just feel like Politics and Child Birth can bring out the ugly in people. I'll let you do it your way, and you just sit back and let me do it mine.

And furthermore- I was told on Saturday that since Hazen was a Premie, he's basically relegated to Autism. I've been annoyed about it ever since. Thanks, as if I don't have enough things to worry about...I really appreciate you diagnosing my child. That is it.

See, being a mom hasn't made me completely devoid of thoughts! They're just thoughts about kids now, as opposed to thoughts about Finances and Insurance and Real Estate, but I assure you, my mind is no less challenged each day.

Oh, and Last thing: I need to renew my Subscription to Parenting, but with it comes a free one-year Subscription. Heather doesn't want it, because she knows everything about raising kids, so first person to comment about wanting it gets it!