Soother shame
Published
New research from parenting brand MAM, reveals that 63 per cent of parents feel they face judgment in early years parenting. And more than a third say the criticism comes mainly from strangers. The impact means that more than 1-in-4 parents avoid socialising and going out for fear of being judged. This has resulted in what has been coined Soother Shame which happens when parents feel so uncomfortable using a soother that they feel pressurised into giving it up.
Soothers, or dummies as they are also known, can be a controversial topic for parents: some (42 per cent) use them all the time; others (69 per cent) use them simply as a sleep aid, and a smaller number fall back on them as a last resort. But there is a lingering stigma hanging over dummies: more than 1 in 4 parents surveyed admitted they removed the soother after facing judgment from friends and family.
In response, MAM has launched the #RightToSoothe campaign, supported by TV presenter Ashley James, to educate the public on the benefits of soothers and give parents the confidence to make the best choices for their babies. The campaign advocates for parents' choices and aims to provide vital education on the benefits of different soothers and their role in infant care.
Ashley says: ‘As a mother, it's heartbreaking to be shamed for a decision that feels right for your child and your family. Using a dummy is just one of the many choices we make as parents, and no one should feel judged for doing what's best for their little ones. The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards can be overwhelming, but every parent has the right to make decisions based on what works for them and their child.’
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