A Parentopia Prop

It's been a long time since we've given out any Parentopia Props. Since it has been a while, we'll refresh your memory of why we award the props. The purpose is to bring positive attention to those journalists who write about parenthood related topics sans the mommy (and daddy) war rhetoric. We prop those journalists who focus on issues instead stirring up angst. Journalism is often a thankless job, so this is our way of showing appreciation.

It's no secret infants need to be fed. But getting this basic need met hasn't always resulted in a meeting of the minds among experts, parents and people you may encounter on an airplane. Everyone seems to have their own opinion as to how and what your infant should be fed. A few months ago BabyCenter interviewed us for The Top 7 Mommy Guilt Trips--and how to handle them When we went back and read the comments, we were frustrated (but sadly not surprised) by the nastiness which occurred among the readers as they attacked each other. We also noticed we didn't escape the line of fire either. One commenter wanted to know, "Who are Renner and Pflock and what makes them think they know more than the American Academy of Pediatrics."

Well, since we're Renner and Pflock, we can say with a good deal of certainty we never claimed to know more than the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, we have made it clear we support their breastfeeding guidelines with the caveat that we acknowledge not all moms are ready, willing nor able to meet them. Whatever their reason, it's not our business to pass judgement. Why? Easy. It's not our baby, it's theirs. It's not our body, it's theirs. It's not our family, it's theirs. It's not our decision, it's theirs.

That being said, there are folks who choose to take on the parenting decisions other people make and express their feelings about them. If that be you? Be prepared to encounter some pissed off parents from time to time. Not saying input from others isn't helpful nor well intended, we all know it often is, but if anyone is offering up an unsolicited opinions about the feeding an infant, be aware it may not be welcomed by new parents with the same enthusiasm as an offer of a casserole.

So with this in mind...

Starshine Roshell is receiving a Parentopia Prop for her piece, A Formula for Guilt: Tainted Baby Food Leaves Kids Ill, Parents Remorseful which we came across in the Santa Barbara Independent.