Since my 2nd babe was born it seems the world on online motherhood has exploded. I frequently find myself intentionally leaving my phone in another part of my house to prevent me from phone checking inplace of playing with my kids. Whilst the groups I subscribe to have often offered me reassurance for childhood medical complaints (newborn rash or suspected ear infections), I have started to feel that these cyber groups often bring conflict where there wasn’t any in the first place.
If I accept that if I post a picture of my child’s rash I will get a nurse, a mother who recently had a child with a similar problem, and at least 6 people telling me to call 111 incase its meningitis, then its worth posting. But am I really seeking the advice of a medical professional that doesn’t exist in this context instead of going with my instinct; Its probably nothing but if it persists I’ll take her to the docs.
Motherhood can be an isolating experience and it seems comforting to reach out to a group of people who you perceive as having the same experience as you. But perhaps that’s the problem. Just because you have the common tag of mother, doesn’t mean a lot. You are approaching a cross section of the general population who all have different backgrounds, experiences and views to you and expecting them to agree with you.
Comforting or just plain confusing?
To the mother struggling with an abusive partner, the mum who’s lack of sex drive is getting her down and the woman who doesn’t feel emotionally attached to her children – please remember that just because somebody responds to your post doesn’t make them right.
babychangedme 