Unfollowing the pressure: letting go of the internets expectations

Okay, put your hand up if you've been personally victimised by how motherhood is perceived in society and/or social media... 

I'll go first:

Seriously though, as mums (or parents), it can feel like we’re constantly under a magnifying glass. Whether it’s the judging eyes of someone down the street when our baby SCREAMS (you know the moment), or the invisible checklist built from watching other parents online - this idea of what makes a ‘good mum’ - and SPOILER ALERT: it’s so far from realistic.

We all know those perfectly curated Instagram feeds… the ones where babies are always smiling, everyone’s dressed in clean neutrals, and the “day in the life” reel runs smoothly to gentle acoustic music. And we sit there wondering why don’t my days look like that? Somewhere along the way, society (and those relentless algorithms) sold us this myth that a ‘good’ baby (ugh, that term) is always calm, sleeps well, and follows a predictable routine.

As a mum of two, let me say this loud and clear: babies cry. They get fussy. They don’t come with a manual. And that is more than okay.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the pressure to make our babies, and our lives, look picture-perfect. But this pressure? It doesn’t help us, and it definitely doesn’t help the mums beside us. What’s so often overlooked is that every single baby, and mum for that matter, is different. The ‘perfect’ schedule won’t suit everyone. One mum’s version of motherhood won’t line up with another’s. And that well-meaning advice you Googled at 3am? It won’t always land the same way for everyone.

There is a lot of information out there - some helpful, some completely conflicting, and some just plain overwhelming, especially when we’re already feeling raw in those early postpartum days.

So instead of constantly comparing ourselves, let’s take a step back. Unfollow. Mute. Remove the content that makes you feel pressure, or like you’re not enough. It’s okay to say, “That doesn’t align with me or my parenting,” or even just, “This doesn’t make me feel good.” Trust your instincts - no one knows your baby, or you, better than you do.

The internet, and social media in particular, is full of opinions. But the truth is, no one else has the right to dictate your motherhood journey. Here’s your reminder (not that you need permission) to tune out the noise and give yourself the freedom to parent in a way that feels right for you. Not for Instagram, not for strangers, not even for the parenting book on your bed side table.

Be confident in your choices and remember, what works for one mum won’t work for another - and that’s the beauty of it.
If you’re a go-with-the-flow parent whose baby naps whenever, amazing.
If you’re a routine-loving mum with a baby who thrives on structure, also amazing.

You do what’s right for you and your family.

So next time you’re scrolling and that creeping feeling of pressure or comparison shows up, pause. Check in with yourself. If something doesn’t feel good? Unfollow. Mute. Let it go.

Your feed. Your journey. Your motherhood.

Curate it in a way that lifts you up, supports you, and keeps you grounded in what matters to you. Let go of what doesn’t serve you. Trust your gut because it’s wiser than you give it credit for and it's so incredibly strong, and best of all.... it’s yours.

You don’t need to take on every bit of conflicting advice or opinion the internet throws your way. You don’t need to meet anyone else’s standard.

And you’re not alone. Find your people, the ones who lift you up, back your choices, and remind you that you are enough.

You’re doing an incredible job just by showing up each day, exactly as you are.