Why I love DC Urban Moms

[Anonymous]

I started reading this board when I was pregnant. I now have a three month old. There have been times when I was disheartened, angry, and sometimes downright freaked out. And then other times. . .when I was encouraged by amazing, heartfelt displays of empathy written to strangers by moms, dads, friends, partners, etc. Times when I was educated about things I didn't know previously, and made aware of things to anticipate.

So the short list of reasons I will continue to be an active reader/poster:

I realized I was not alone when I felt glorious and joyful, and how to handle the baby blues when they came.

I won't feel guilt about a bit of tv or a bottle of formula if the circumstances require either.

I kept breastfeeding when I was ready to throw in the towel, and have a profound respect for women who feed their babies formula for a myriad of reasons, either by choice or necessity.

I realize that motherhood means different things to different people, and at the end of the day, we are all doing our best with what we have and where we are.

I now know what an internet troll is, and can disregard their comments.

I also know the effect that mean-spirited, ugly comments can have on good hearted people, and admire the posters who stand up for OPs when others attack their honesty, intent, or fears.

I can now appropriately use a crock pot, buy the right sized diapers, pump efficiently, purchase thoughtful gifts, respond with backbone and dignity to difficult family members, interview potential nannies, navigate baby stores, and not freak out when my baby does something that many others have experienced.

For these reasons, and many more, I will continue to read this board when pumping. (Forgot to mention that all of this is possible after reading the post about how to pump hands free with the right equipment.)

And a final thanks to Jeff. He created and monitors a little internet neighborhood where we can all run wild and let our true colors show.

[Anonymous]

I really needed this.

[Anonymous]

Kudos and thanks to OP. Nice contribution.

[Anonymous]

Nicely stated.

But you forgot the pure amusement that some of the threads bring. Not always in a good way, but amusing nonetheless.

[Anonymous]

I didn't know about the private school situation until I started reading here. The knowledge was a blessing and a curse.

But I continue to come here, and enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

I am addicted to this site like crack. But like a good drug, it can provide a nice trip.

Glad you have found in useful, OP. It sounds like you are in baby bliss. It is nice...

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:
And a final thanks to Jeff. He created and monitors a little internet neighborhood where we can all run wild and let our true colors show.

Thanks for the very nice note. Maria actually deserves credit for "creating" the site. I just try to keep all the gears spinning in the right direction. Whatever success we've had is due to the users: the helpful ones and the annoying ones alike. My main "value ad" is staying out of the way.

Editing to add, I just realized that I probably pissed off the user who doesn't like "quotation marks". Sorry about that.

[Anonymous]

I am new to DCUM and had a ill feeling about the site reading all the nasty comments some ppl write - makes me scared to ask a question, but reading your post made me realize there is a lot more that I have learned.
Since I am new - what is an internet troll????

[Anonymous]

never mind - I googled it "internet troll". LOL!!!!!!!! There are certainly quite a few.

[Anonymous]

I guess you take the good with the bad. I've gotten tougher skin reading and posting to DCUM.