The Internet told me so!

As we all know, the internet can be a great, yet horrible thing. I believe this is no different for moms.

Let me "splain"

I wanted to start Raelyn early on baby food, so I searched online: "when should I start my baby on baby food" This is what I discovered: (these are NOT exact quotes)

- "starting your baby early on baby food leads to diabetes, or unhealthy eating habits"
- "I started my baby on baby food at 3 1/2 months, and she is doing just fine"
- "Only your doctor can tell you when to start your baby on baby food"
- "starting babies on baby food early helps with acid reflux"

After being on the internet for an hour and a half, I found out nothing! Everyone has different opinions about everything, which is great, but makes it so hard to decide which one to do. Some people even have articles and research to back up what they say, on BOTH sides of the argument. Which one do I follow? I have also found that in some cases the internet only shows one side, and it's the side I don't agree with. What do I do now?

I kept getting discouraged every time I looked up something online. Every time I wanted to make a decision about something, I consulted the internet. Even if I had asked my doctor about it, and I didn't quite agree, or I wanted a second opinion, I consulted the internet. When I wanted to have some type of support for a decision I had made, I consulted the internet. It always ended in me being more indecisive then I was before! 

One time I saw an article online that talked about how sleeping with your child is something you SHOULD, not just that it was a good idea, but you SHOULD do for this, this, and this reason. I had always been taught this was something you shouldn't do. Like a big no-no. I could find articles for both! I decided then that I was way confused on everything, and I needed to stop reading the internet!

When I tried to find support to stop breastfeeding, I couldn't find anything anywhere. I thought for sure I must be wrong! I can't stop, the internet says so!

Now, there are some things that are simple answers: don't let your child play with matches, or jump off a roof (they still might do this ;)), or leave them unattended in the swimming pool. There are some decisions that have to be consulted with your doctor. But when it comes to the its-your-decision decisions, the internet is a common, yet rough place to go.

I can't help myself, I still go to the internet today, but I go with the attitude of finding out all my options instead of to make a decision. If you go to make a decision, you just might get overwhelmed and discouraged. Now I make a decision by discussing it with my husband, my parents, close friends, in some cases, my doctor, and then ultimately making it a matter of prayer.

I think I learned the hard way that you don't have to do it just because the internet says or doesn't say so! :) Nor do I have to go agree with any side that's being argued. I can make my own decision. I have my motherly instinct, and most importantly the Lord to rely on. He is the ultimate parent, and I hear he loves to give advice. :)