Today is Mother’s day, and although I am not quite a mother yet, I have been thinking a lot about motherhood and what it means to be a mom. My own mom has certainly set an amazing example for what it means to be not only a truly selfless and wonderful mother, but also a passionate and giving person. Taking my mom’s lessons and adapting them to my own life and the reality of what the world holds today will be my own challenge as I learn how to be the best mother and person that I can be.
So here are just a few questions and thoughts I’ve been reading and thinking about with regard to being a good mom….
1. To circumcise or to not circumcise… and what method is best? If yes, how long after birth should we wait? There seem to be strong arguments on both sides and while a majority of American men are circumcised, most of the rest of the developed world is not. This is not something you can go back on!
2. How long should I breast feed?
3. When’s the best time to go back to work, if ever? Can I feel okay about leaving a 3-month old in daycare? Is it best to go back after 6 months? A year? Is daycare really THAT expensive?
4. What kind of vaccination schedule is most appropriate? I don’t think vaccines cause autism, but is there a better way to spread the vaccinations out during early childhood? Does it matter?
5. How protective do we really need to be? Aren’t germs good to build up a strong immune system?
6. How much interaction should the little one have with other little kids in the first year of life? Is it necessary for social development? What’s the difference between kids who primarily interact with adults in that first year and those who interact with lots of kids regularly?
7. What kinds of chemicals should be kept out of the house? Everything seems to cause cancer these days and I was just reading an article that said that the beginnings of it can be found in the umbilical cord based on mother’s diet and activities during pregnancy!
8. How should I be eating during pregnancy and while breast feeding? Does it make that much of a difference if I’m eating all organic food? Some organic food? Caffeine? Alcohol? Sugar?
9. How much exercise is realistic during pregnancy? After? Can I sign up for a ½ marathon in 3 months? Okay, maybe that’s a little optimistic but I can’t wait to get back to running!!
10. And a final one from a naïve mom-to-be… there are lots of different types of “good moms” out there, but how do you find a balance between being a giving, loving mother and keeping your own identity and sense of self?
