Countering the "rod-for-your-own-backers"

[MeredithD]

I can switch off and ignore it most of the time but I do find myself making up excuses for co-sleeping, BFing overnight etc. Then I get angry with myself for doing so - Why should I make up ANY excuse? Most of my choices are just that -CHOICES i've made because I won't let my baby cry and I actually enjoy having him close at night.
The trouble in our family is that my DH is not so good at ignoring the comments. He is constantly getting people at work telling him to do this or not do that. I just wish he wouldn't' tell them so much especially about our sleeping arrangements. I'm sure he doesn't tell them how to raise THEIR children.
Funny isn't it, how so many people just can't wait to give you an opinion on childrearing. I think it often comes from those who feel they need to justify their own choices. Those who advocate CC will often tell you how awful it was to hear their baby crying for hours and hours but that it didn't do any harm and that is really what everyone should do.Because of course, sleeping with your baby or comforting them many times overnight is just WRONG... isn't it? . In other words, "if everyone does it (cc etc) then I won't feel so bad".
Anyway, I could go on and on about this topic sometimes. i just tend to tell people now that I am doing what is right for ME and MY baby.

[Janie]

Oh Meredith I hear you! I think you are so right, people feel like they have to justify the choices they have made, even if it was 25 years ago!

I wish I had the nerve to tell people that I think it's awful to leave a baby to cry. Why are we made to feel bad for comforting our babies? I mean, what's so wrong with that? As it is, I don't really discuss any of our arrangements with anyone......I just don't want to have to deal with the rod-for-your-own-backers. If I had more guts though, I would happily share.

Funnily enough, I am happy to proclaim my right to BF anywhere and everywhere, and have no problem with telling people about the BFing road we are travelling......I have a response for all of their comments. But it's the sleep stuff and cc stuff that I'm a coward about. I wonder why that is........?