How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

So, my best friend is very excited that Iam pregnant, as she currently has a 16 month old, however she is constantly undermining my " future" parenting choices already.For instance, she is constantly asking me if Iam circumsizing my baby and when I tell her yes, she rants about how it's old fashioned, barbaric, most doctors won't even do it anymore ( roll eyes) and won't stop asking me why. She constantly has to be right, no one else choices can be correct. She does with the cord blood banking, feeding issues, what Iam registering for, at this point I don't want to talk about my pregnancy or the baby with her anymore, but she is my best friend, I can't avoid this forever. I usually try and change the topic but its getting worse the further along I get. Any advice? I just wish she wold mind her own business sometimes, it's very frustrating....Thanks in advance.

Re: How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

sorry. my only advice would just to be blunt

saysomething like "listen you are my BF, I am so excited about having you around while I am raising my child and I respect that you have a lot of knowledge around child stuff but I really want to go through some of these processes on my own, and when yoe tell me there is only one right way for things, it takes a lot of the joyout of this for me, and makes me upset. " etc etc.

Re: How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

I would tell her directly that you want to make these decisions for yourself and it's not up for discussion. After that I would try to make a joke of it if she brought it up and tell her "Wait, stop, remember we're not discussing that!" in a lighthearted way. I think you need to nip this now before it becomes an ongoing issue. Good luck!

How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

I think you just have to be direct. If she was able to just engage in a discussion about her choices and was interested in how you arrived at certain decisions that would be one thing but to be openly judgemental about your choices is not right. Although I am sure she thinks she's being helpful she's not an expert and has to understand you're going to make choices based on your preferences, experiences and research that you feel are best for YOUR LO.

This is why the only unsolicited advice I give to friends/relatives who have gotten pregnant since I have is the following 1. The Gap/ON have great Maternity clothing sales and their sweaters are super comfy. 2. Buy a Maternity pillow. 3. Get a Baby Bargains book before you register.

Re: How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

Since I am experiencing the parenting opinions from my IL's and can't say anything, I would tell my friend how annoying it is with them and then point out how nice it is that I can tell her that I don't like it. HAHA!

But seriously, I would be upfront and direct. Tell her how you feel and that this is your baby and you will make the choices that are right for you.....

Re: How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

If she is your best friend then I would tell her, I love you and you're my bestie but mind your business! You make your parenting decisions and I don't have anything to say about them and I want the same courtesy in return. She might be mad but you need to be hoenst with her. My best friend and I are truly like sisters there is absolutely nothing good or bad that I can't tell her. That's the way it should be!

Re: How would you handle this? Sorta pregnancy related....

I've been going through a similar thing with my choice to not even try breast feeding. I've been giving pretty direct statements like, "What will make me the best mother possible is making the choices that feel right for me." It's hard for someone to come back after that and I think it may make them reflect a little. I've also made comments that "I am a very educated woman and have done all of my research and now making a final decision of what works for ME and my husband, and nothing - no additional information or opinions- will change my mind. I hope to have your support and will definitely love to seek your advice when I'm feeling a little lost or confused."