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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.

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 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.”

mom  babble

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!

Share your comments below.

Original post and image via Mom Babble

 

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  • I am absolutely astonished by the number of people who want to criticise, but not help.

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  • I MUST SAY IN MY PREVIOUS COMMENT It should be sticky noses not stick noses. Sorry but I think it is funny!

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  • There will always be bitchy old stick noses. Good on you . I think you should have looked her in the eye and said ‘ Keep your sticky nose out of other ‘s affairs. But we think of that afterwards don’t we? Getting your toenails done would have been such a mood booster and uplifting for you. I hope that woman reads some of these comments and takes a long ,hard look at herself!

    Reply

  • Exactly right sweeheart, enjoy every bit of pampering you can get.

    Reply

  • One thing I’ve learnt is that you are always going to be judged. It’s worse you have to try to to discipline toddlers at places like the zoo! Itching I’ve been judged for having my little one out too late shopping (overheard comment ‘gee its late for a baby to be out). Yeah, you know what, babies have no concept of how late it is.

    Reply

  • To each their own.
    I have to admit I don’t like the fumes from nail polish. If your toenails so soft it is a good way if avoidug yournails breaking.
    As for the noise at the cricket in actual fact it is one of the quieter sports.If your baby was unsettled it may have been an indication that noise could be a very slight possibilty. One of mine has very sensitive hearingand goes the opposite direction in the house when I use the vacuum cleaner, food pocessor and anything that makes a noise like that. She will tell us that theTv is loud or noisy and ask if it can be turned. I would be more concerned about protecting baby’s from the the sun, grit in the air etc. and weather conditions in general. Grit etc in the air could make baby’s eyes itchy the same as it does with older people. Babies are more likely to rub them and often make them worse. A lot of babies rub their eyes when they are tired so it can be misleading.

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  • Twenty-five years ago I got that judgey look too! My husband and I were very into our sport and always supported each other. Hubby had an indoor cricket game the day baby and I came out of hospital after the birth, but we went to watch the cricket. Lots of criticism about the noise, the time, the atmosphere!! That baby now plays his chosen sport representing Australia, as do his siblings, so I don’t think it harmed him going to “watch” the cricket so soon after birth and it got me out and about!! Do whatcha gotta do to maintain the sanity!! <3

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  • Love that the shop owner stood up for the mother and put the old lady in her place. Judgemental people really need to keep their comments to themselves, it’s none of their business! And you never know what someone is going through and how much getting something like your toenails done means to a person.

    Reply

  • Lke gt

    Reply

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