#Longpost

I wanted to post this as anonymous but I decided otherwise.
I have an 8.5 month old angel for a daughter. She is absolutely loved and is the apple of everyone's eye. But there is something that everyone talks about her in hushed tones. Recently, these voices have become stronger. Much more aggressive. And it has everything to do about my baby's weight. She was born at a healthy 3.4 kgs but as months passed by, she put on weight at a very slow rate. At 3 months of age, when babies start to look chubby and fuller, I had people telling me that she looks underfed. What followed were the usual "Maybe you don't have enough milk" and many similar concerns. I was really worried at first but after a lot of self-educating I realised that maybe that's how my baby's system was wired to be. Mind you, there is never a dip in the love directed for her. Like I did mention early on, everyone just dotes on her. I, on the other hand, am blamed for being the one responsible behind this. At 8.5 months old, she weighs 7 kgs and apparently looks very little for a baby her age. She is on a 2 meal solid diet plus breastfeeding rest of the times. Having rejected food for a month, slowly and steadily, her liking for solid food is increasing too. She is constantly compared to babies who are slightly older than her. Following other babies and talking to their moms, I did introduce similar food for my little one but the weight gain is just the same. I was even told to introduce formula based cereals and reduce breastfeeding as milk becomes short of essential nutrients after 6 months.
In Indian families, a village figuratively raises the child. I do not deny that. But mom shaming has to stop. My husband and our families are very supportive but more often than not, I feel that no one understands me. I am singled out. Because, I am the mother. I am a very happy person and stay positive most of the time but the harshness gets the better of me some days and today it just feels overwhelming.
I do not know what I am trying to garner from this post but I needed to share this because I feel sidelined and alone. Also, if there is any mum who feels the same way, you have a friend in me. I know how awful feels when you are constantly told that you are not doing a great job at being a mum.