These days, where I seek ways to inform my decisions, I'm mostly interested in learning about biological norms and evidence-based approaches to optimal development. I disregard all the 'cultural constructs' and 'shoulds' etc, because, quite frankly, there is no basis for these things aside from "I just reckon".

I think one of the problems with assimilating information - particularly the prolific amount on the internet - is that, naturally, all sources have their own particular biases and it's really important to take these into account when reading. So I think that it may make sense to read a variety of sources - but read carefully and take in actual information and filter out opinion (even when it's common opinion, like babies need to sleep alone, blah blah). I also find that understanding our own cultural biases and expectations and balancing these against actual science and evidence is also useful. A LOT of what we 'believe' as a society about babies and parenting actually bears no relation to actual biological reality, nor may it promote optimal development (the contrary even).

It is human nature to arrive at conclusions first and seek out validation afterwards and that's a pretty hard habit to shake off. I know I struggle with this too. And the temptation is there to write off someone completely if we don't like their message, even if they may well have some relevant information. That's the trick to it, I guess.

Also, I don't think of it as being from different sides. We are all coming at this from our own position - there are no real sides unless we decide to draw a line somewhere.