Ten years ago, during my first pregnancy, Instagram was still in its infancy. At that time, only a handful of individuals had accounts, and those who did primarily shared images of their meals with a hazy sepia tint. Parenting-focused accounts were virtually nonexistent. My preparation for the arrival of my new baby was minimal; I only perused a single book gifted to me and compiled a registry based solely on one colleague’s recommendations.
Was I ill-prepared in some aspects? Undoubtedly, and in quite a comical manner.
Fast forward two years, I welcomed my second child, being more cognizant of my limitations. This baby presented unique challenges that my first did not. Turning to the internet for guidance, I found the burgeoning trend of parenting websites and blogs to be invaluable. The ability to search for tailored advice on specific issues was a game-changer.
In 2019, as I anticipated the arrival of my third and final child, parenting accounts began to gain prominence, particularly on platforms like Instagram. These accounts were categorized by topics such as nutrition, sleep routines, healthcare, and discipline. Exciting! I thought to myself, I’m staying updated on everything! Given the gap since my last child, I immersed myself in absorbing the latest advice, tips, tricks, and parenting innovations. The wealth of information I acquired quickly left me pondering, “I wish I had known this during my first pregnancy!”
Armed with a plethora of information, was I truly more prepared than ever?
This question is not easily answered. While I had a wealth of knowledge at my disposal, in hindsight, it may have been too much. The inundation of information, often disguised as “gentle reminders” through aesthetically pleasing Instagram posts, proved overwhelming.
A brief perusal of my feed revealed:
Post 1: Infants require four daily naps and 12 hours of nightly sleep. Post 2: Identifying the various types of infant cries. Post 3: The benefits of tummy time for your baby. Post 4: Optimal timing for introducing a bottle. Post 5: Transitioning from time-outs to “time-ins.” Post 6: Essential components for your toddler’s meal.
All sound advice? Certainly. Accurate guidance? Yes. Yet, did I require all this information in a single scroll? Not quite.
The deluge of advice induced anxiety and decision paralysis, fostering a constant fear of making mistakes. Striving to be an ideal parent, I felt compelled to absorb every nugget of information to make the best choices. However, the pressure to adhere to expert recommendations perfectly left me questioning my every decision.
This realization led me to another revelation.
Over the years, as I continued engaging with these parenting accounts, certain patterns emerged. Primarily, most of these accounts were monetized, offering courses and sponsored content. I observed shifts in advice influenced by affiliate partnerships—a fascinating observation.
Furthermore, the authenticity of expertise in some accounts came into question. While some were managed by qualified professionals, many seemed to be curated by passionate mothers adept at graphic design, lacking formal credentials or professional experience in the field. While maternal insight sharing is valuable, I personally prefer sourcing information from seasoned professionals.
Now, with my children older and my need for infant/toddler advice diminished, I reflect on the impact of these accounts on my life. My conclusion: while informative, I wish I had tailored my information intake. If given the chance, I would unfollow such accounts. While they offer valuable insights for specific challenges, the inundation of information can be overwhelming, especially for those prone to anxiety, particularly in the early postpartum phase. Additionally, not all advice dispensed is sound. The online realm can be unpredictable.
In the southern adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” there lies wisdom applicable to online parenting guidance. You need not overhaul a working approach simply because an Instagram post suggests a better alternative. The digital sphere expands our maternal network, yet expanding it excessively can lead to overwhelm.