How hard is it being a parent? Navigating choices, judgment & misinformation
Being a parent, in those early days with your newborn, or as they grow into independent children, is incredibly challenging. There’s an overwhelming amount of information, countless decisions to make, and no shortage of opinions and judgments at every turn. As a Gold Coast GP with a special interest in circumcisions and oral/tongue tie releases, I hear from families daily who feel the weight of these pressures.
Judgment at Every Step
From the moment your baby is born, everyone has an opinion, and it makes you question, “Should I circumcise my son? Is it an act of loving care or, as some wrongly and harshly claim, “genital mutilation?” The reality is that circumcision, when done professionally and with true informed consent, is a safe, legal, and sometimes culturally meaningful and medically beneficial choice for families in the Gold Coast and around Australia. Equating a medical procedure done under strict ethical guidelines with harmful practices is both inaccurate and unnecessarily guilt-inducing.
The Struggle with Feeding: Is It Supposed To Be This Hard?
Many parents come to me exhausted, anxious, and - too often -ashamed because feeding their baby isn’t going smoothly. “Should feeding really be this hard?” or “Should it take this long?” they ask me. For some babies, struggles with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding are due to conditions like tongue ties or oral ties - problems that, sadly, often go unnoticed by well-meaning friends, family, or even medical professionals.
It’s heartbreaking to hear stories of mothers who have faced shame or blame for “not trying hard enough” with breastfeeding, when the real issue was something as simple and treatable as a tongue tie. Sometimes, no one has even bothered to look inside the child’s mouth or worse, someone has looked and falsely deemed there to be no tie without a proper assessment or experience. How is a parent supposed to know what they don’t know?
Stop Explaining, Start Listening
Parenting isn’t about explaining yourself to everyone who has an opinion - it’s about listening to your child, your instincts, and qualified, supportive professionals. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Feeding struggles, difficult nights, and tough decisions - like whether to pursue circumcision or seek help for a suspected tongue tie - are all normal challenges that parents face.
Get Advice You Can Trust
If you’re worried:
Should I circumcise my child?
Does my son need a circumcision?
Is circumcision painful?
Does my child have a tongue tie?
Does my child have a lip tie?
Should feeding be this hard?
Should feeding take this long?
Should breastfeeding be this painful?
Does this tie require intervention?
Reach out to a medical provider with experience in these areas. Here on the Gold Coast, my focus is on support, accurate diagnosis, and skilled procedures for tongue ties, oral ties, and circumcision - without judgment, shame, or misinformation.
Parents: You’re Doing Your Best
If you’re trying, if you’re doing your best, that is enough. Don’t let the noise, opinions, or old myths influence your journey. Seek support from those who see you, who listen, and who can offer clear answers grounded in experience and empathy - because parenthood is difficult enough already.
For families on the Gold Coast who have questions about circumcision or tongue ties, you’re not alone. Your concerns are valid, and you deserve compassion and clarity, not judgment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Child
Whether you're ready to book or just want to learn more, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your family. I’m here to provide:
Accurate, evidence-based information
Safe, caring, and comfortable procedures
Supportive consultation for families from all backgrounds
Book with me, Dr Carly Hupfeld Circumcision and Oral tie GP
Medical On Robina
T3/299 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226
(07) 5690 1290