Ha!
Ok so I’m not sure that ‘Ha’ is actually classed as a word by definition. (I’m not going to even check because frankly, I want this to be my #WordoftheWeek. I hope Jocelyn at The Reading Residence, whose linky this is, doesn’t mind.
On with my blog then…
“Ha!” is the word that came to mind immediately after reading a blogpost by Sarah Ockwell-Smith about Gina Ford’s book ‘The Contented Mother’s Guide’.
Now there’s various reasons why I didn’t agree to follow Ford’s strict routine for our little bear. All of the reasons are basically outlined by Ockwell-Smith in her blog.
The point that particularly struck a cord with me was on PND, which I have blogged about before. In my opinion, Ford’s book is actually very dangerous.
The reason and question being: why put any more pressure on a new mum/parents to feel ‘perfect’ then there already is? Yes, I appreciate that the book should perhaps only be seen and used as a guide. But the fact is that a sleep-deprived, anxious, doting, confused, hormone-possessed, post-natal mum simply wants to do their best for their newborn and is often desperate for advice. Fine. Seek advice. But surely only parents are ‘qualified’ to do so? I don’t believe that Ford is a parent!
Ok, I’m ranting but this topic really does infuriate me…
PND is dangerous. PND is very much taboo, with every new Mum wanting to look like they’re coping in a pink (or blue) fluffy world and not wanting to ask for help (until PND has got them in a vice-grip).
New mums need support, not an air-brushed sign post in the form of this book.
That’s my opinion. What do you think?
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Read my emotional and inspiring true story ‘Diary of a Complicated Pregnancy’. Available now through my website at Virtually All Sorts. 50% of sales to the charity Action on Pre-Eclampsia. …and visit my facebook page or follow me on twitter @ComplicatedPreg
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Thank you.
mummybearsblog 
You make a good point. I remember reading Ford when I had Boo. I got the basic concept, but there was no way I’d have tried to follow it to the schedule – it’d have been exhausting and stressful, so yes, I see your point there. But then, can she help some people get control? I don’t know – I just know she wasn’t for me! And yes, I’m sure ‘Ha’ is a word 😉 Thanks for sharing with #WotW x
Well maybe she can help some people feel more in control… good luck to them if they follow the concept and get along with it.
HA! indeed- Little B got into a routine when he went to nursery but before that every time I thought I had a handle on him he changed!
Or I could have called it ‘lol’ I suppose 😉