Mum fights back for us all – “If pink toenails and a little bit of sunshine is enough to cut through the fog of the newborn phase or combat those baby blues, then that’s EXACTLY what your doctor ordered. “

In an open post on Mom Babble one woman shares her recent experience whilst enjoying a small treat for herself…

“I had finally gotten out of the house.

 Sitting up front at the nail salon, waiting to pay for my fresh pink toenails, I was feeling pretty darn good about life. My much-needed pedicure had been a quiet, enjoyable experience with baby sleeping against my chest in her carrier, happy as a clam.

 A little bell jingled as an older lady walked through the shop door. She took a seat across the room from me. I couldn’t help but feel her gaze. She cut her eyes, first to me, then to the nail shop owner, and then back. After a few moments of glaring, a sour, judgey look fell across her face.

 “Aren’t the fumes in this shop going to hurt that baby?” she asked, VERY loudly.

 She didn’t ask me. Nope. Instead, she asked the nail shop owner while POINTING at me.

 I was being judged. Shamed. Called out. And she didn’t even have the dignity to question my parenting choice to my face. I was about to open my mouth and say…I don’t even know what. I just knew that there were 100 questions running through my mind.

 Had I made a mistake leaving the house with my young baby? Was I being selfish? What was I thinking? Maybe I should have stayed home…

 Thankfully I didn’t have to come up with a response. Because in that moment, the nail shop owner gave me a reassuring smile and spoke up.

 “If babies weren’t welcome here, there would be a sign on the door saying NO BABIES. But babies are welcome. And my shop is safe.”

 The old woman’s face puckered up and she got quiet.

 Right then, the questions in my mind disappeared. My confidence came creeping back. I stood up, paid my bill, and loudly proclaimed that I’d see them again—soon.

 Because you know what?

 In the few moments I felt that shame, I remembered what it was like to be the mama stuck at home. The mama that doubted every parenting choice and stayed in the house because it was the easiest thing to do.

 I remembered those feelings so clearly because it’s what I felt with Nugget.

 After having PPD with my first baby, I was so worried about what would happen with Holland. So I talked to my doctor and the very first thing she said was this: A healthy, happy mama makes a healthy, happy baby.

 Listen up, mamas.

 If pink toenails and a little bit of sunshine is enough to cut through the fog of the newborn phase or combat those baby blues, then that’s EXACTLY what your doctor ordered.

 So you put that baby in a carrier and pick your favourite colour. Your happiness and sanity matters.

 And those judgmental old biddies can take a hike.”

Her Facebook post has been liked over 1000 times and attracted lots of supportive comments.

Good on you mum. You know what? I am sick of judgey people. I actually took my six year old son, YES SON, with me for my last pedicure. He LOVED it. He happily sat there enjoying a foot soak and massage while I had my toes painted. We got some odd looks. But I am super proud of both of us and highly recommend all mum’s give it a go!

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Original post and image via Mom Babble