Does mumsnet reflect the 'real world' of parenting today?

[babybore]

What I mean is that the styles of parenting that are generally advocated here eg:
*Feeding on demand
*Babyled weaning
Co-sleepingAnti-structured routines
*attachment parenting
*extended breastfeeding

are often very different to the ones used by mums I meet in RL who tend to have a loose routine, wean traditionally, breastfeed until 5-9 months and only use a sling when they are out and about.

A chicken and egg scenario: are certain people drawn to mumsnet because they are interested in different types of parenting methods, or does mumsnet attract regular people who then become interested in things like BLW?

I was doing all those things you mention on your list before I found mumsnet. I like mumsnet because it makes me feel normal for doing those things, when in real life, I wouldn't even necessarily tell people that we are co-sleeping for example.

Ditto belgo - but I wasn't a "brand new Mum" when I joined Mumsnet (youngest is 4) and initially came because I wanted advice about my teenage DD - and I got some fantastic support and advice. It's not all about babies . But yes, I've also stayed because it's good to know that not everyone thinks co-sleeping, extended breast-feeding etc are obvious targets for criticism.

In general, no I don't think it does.

I think it reflects quite a wealthy segment of society.

I think if you fit the mould you hang around and join the mumsnet 'canon' on what to do and how to do it.

If you find it all a load of new-age middle class twaddle, you might go elsewhere?

expat:
'I think it reflects quite a wealthy segment of society.'

can you explain that more please?

I don't really care to, belgo.

I find mn somewhat different to my rl experience but not drastically so. Most rl mums I know tend to follow Gina Ford but I also know some AP type Mums. Personally I've got a foot in either camp, loose routine, bf on demand, use a sling, not keen on co-sleeping (worried about squashing baby) don't do fruit shoots but do do sausage rolls!

I'd say educated rather than wealthy - at least educated enough to have the ability to question norms and work out what suits you and your child rather than just accept what's handed down by your family or HV.

I think that's the key to it Hassled.

I agree with you Hassled.

no youw erideis deffo not
i dont knwo anyone who does weirdo weaning

or has mooncups
you are all chicsong lsiteners

I guess the people I know in RL are quite a narrow cross-section of society (middle class, articulate, well-off, university educated etc etc) and are just the type of people I expect to find on MN because in my secret heart of hearts I assume everyone is just like me.

However I think that the 'styles of parenting' mentioned in the original post are often the kind of things people get evangelical about, so there's a very vocal MN minority championing them and hence otherwise uninterested MNers find out about them.

OH MY GOD ARE WE TALKIGN FOOD
the food police
" i jsut try to feed my kdis healitly" oh well fakring egt onwith it wihotu lecturing ht restof ius"

No it doesn't. In terms of attitudes and parenting there are some way in which I feel right at home here, and in other ways I don't. Actually that is like rl...

and obsesive abdout breastfeeding
go i never tlak parentign outside mn

Not my real life friends - but that may be because we have school age children so are well past the weaning/feeding/routine debate (even those who have babies!).