Who did you listen to when you had your children and during pregnancy for that matter. I refused to read the "how to" books and just went with my gut. It was only later that I started hearing that some of the stuff I did was not considered safe (like giving an infant honey). I was just wondering who everyone else learned from.

I too went with my gut. The way I look at it - I am the one giving birth to these particular babies - not some doctor or specialist etc. Women have been getting pregnant and giving birth for eons - mostly without expert intervention. Its natural and I let instinct take over.

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Umbilical Cord Blood Storage | Breastfeeding Advice and Information

The thing that amazes me is that most of the experts are men. It's almost laughable.

It's easy when you don't know any better (that's why I never read the books), but once you know it's "wrong" it's hard not to worry about doing it.

I am constantly reading parenting books. They are very informative and offer some great advice. I frequently try out methods that I've learned, and often they work. But I don't rely on the books. I use it to supplement my own ideas or I turn to them when I am faced with a problem I can't solve myself.

I did a combination of both. I had Dr. Spock on hand when I needed reference - the rest I went with my gut. Some things like not giving a baby aspirin is vital to knwo and not a "gut" thing. I never ran my childs life by the experts advice, but to use them as a reference was very helpful.

I have never read any parenting books, but learned on my own with the help of course, of some supportive relatives and neighbors. My husband and I just have to take care of our babies on our own with less help from relatives but they come once in a while to give us their support and advice.

Oh I didn't mean to sound like I've never read any books or talked with anyone else about parenting or childbirth or anything. And yeah, I've learned a lot of interesting things... but, I think, to base your child birthing/rearing off what someone else says makes little sense to me. "Dr. SoNSo said babies should do this." "Oh, but Dr. Whosit said they shouldn't!"

You'd go crazy!

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Umbilical Cord Blood Storage | Breastfeeding Advice and Information

I listened to my dr for the medical stuff, but when it came to a lot of things I went to people with experience like my mom, sisters, in-laws. They could back up their claims with real situations they have been in themselves and not to mention I trust them among all.