I see other people’s lists about self-care or postpartum favorites or birth plans or how they raise their kids or just do life, and it’s easy to feel weird about not doing the same things. I say “weird” because it isn’t always guilt or wishing I could be like them (or that my babies could be like theirs), though sometimes it is. And as much as I love to share my own favorite things or what works for our family, I firmly believe that most of the time, those things need to come with a caveat:
Do what works for you.
Cosleeping does not work for us. Neither does strict sleep training. But as long as you’re a loving parent looking out for your baby’s safety… do what works for you.
What’s “best” isn’t one method or another but what your family needs.
Chick flicks and getting my nails done does nothing to fill my cup. But taking a church history exam energizes me. Some people may hear about me making bread and writing papers at two weeks postpartum with our third and think “no wonder she has PMADs.” But I actually planned to take a class postpartum because I knew my brain needed that. And I started making bread sooner than expected because my hands needed that. You may think that’s crazy… do what works for you.
I don’t expect you to be like me. I don’t expect me to be like you.
Do what works for you.
And as long as no one is sinning, don’t feel guilty about not doing what other people do or don’t do.
You are free in Christ to do what works for you.
The Sorrows of Eve 