When I was pregnant, I had no idea of the minefield that women must endure after they’ve had a baby. I’m not talking about breastfeeding vs bottlefeeding or cry it out vs co-sleeping. I’m talking about labels. Big fat labels that all women are made to wear around their neck once they bring a child into the world.

I’m not a fan of labels. I think they divide us rather than bringing us together. “Attachment Parent”, “Stay At Home Parent”, “Natural Parent”, whatever the label, they all make me feel kind of itchy.

I have no problem with the concepts behind the label, but the idea of belonging to a “club”, likening parenting to being a fan of a particular football team, just doesn’t sit well with me. I was the kid at school who loved Take That but also had a secret soft spot for East 17. So you see, I’ve never been very good at choosing sides. Continue reading »