Choice.

Bringing your new baby home from the hospital, whether you were blessed with one or two, is a unique, personal experience. Suddenly, you find that your well-being is entirely dependent on the well-being of another little person. No matter how many ‘hands on deck’ you have offering assistance and advice, every decision comes back to you. How to feed, clothe, change, soothe and nurture – all comes back to what you feel is best for your child. And that can be a very emotional. You find yourself racking your brain to remember the countless bits of information you absorbed over the past 9 months. And although you can remember specifically what not to do, it’s the what ‘to do’ that has you stumped. I get it, I’ve been there.

But here is something that has been engraved on my heart:

“If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any.”

The first congested little chest, cough, runny nose, bump on the head, fever, and scraped knee will all cross your path as a mommy. And when it happens, you may find yourself jumping back to the books, blogs, and friends who have provided such strong support throughout your journey. Your best friend might swear by OTC Gripe Water. And another by peppermint essential oil. Your pediatrician may offer you a decongestant prescription, when you just know you read something about steamed showers and eucalyptus offering relief. You may vaccinate your children, while a mom in your Mom’s group is constantly sharing articles of why she does not.

Let me tell you, because you have read and researched, questioned friends and family, spoken to pediatricians and prayed, you will be equipped with everything you need to know. Because you know what your options are, you can make a choice.

That’s really the most important thing - the knowledge, courage and ability to choose what's best for your family.