5 things you don't need to apologize for

When you get pregnant and have a baby, everybody wants to give you advice. No, really - everybody. Strangers feel the need to give you their input along with, family, friends, co-workers and people on social media. It's overwhelming, how can so many people be "right" about something and all have completely different points of view.

Here are 5 things that you do NOT need to apologize for:

1. What you eat. Cravings are real, especially during pregnancy! You can enjoy the foods you love in moderation.

2. The clothes you choose to wear. Pregnancy gets uncomfortable, especially in the Summer. Wear what makes you feel good! Embrace your belly, enjoy your new found curves, be confident and most of all be YOU!

3. The weight you gain. Every body is different. Some of us don't gain as much as others while some of us gain more than we expected. Guess what, it's ok. Your body is creating a human life, how amazing is that?! Don't get hung up on the number, it does not define you.

4. The name you choose for your baby. As crazy as it seems people will very willingly give you their opinion on the name you choose - like they have a say. We chose to keep our name quiet exactly for this reason. We didn't care what anyone else thought, it was our baby and we would name it what we wanted. It can be hurtful when someone criticizes the name you choose, in the end it is your choice, no one else's.

5. The way you parent. Breastfeed, bottle feed - as long as you feed your baby it's no one's business but your own. Co-sleep, baby wear, attachment parenting, there are so many choices and they are all yours. You parent the way that feels best for you and don't worry about what anyone else is doing. shannonmariebirthservices.com