Midwives confront misinformation from influencers in Oslo and Kristiansand

Midwifes are currently faced with the challenge of clarifying misinformation that new mothers receive from social media influencers. Influencer Sophie Elise Isachsen recently shared her struggles with postpartum depression, leading to discussions among mothers during health check-ups. Midwife Siri Von Krogh in Oslo noted that parents often become confused by the information they encounter online, often presented by influencers. Similarly, Christine Hoyer-Sørensen in Kristiansand observed that many sessions with new mothers are increasingly devoted to addressing advice from influencers.

Isachsen herself emphasizes that she shares her personal experiences and does not claim to be a midwife. She acknowledges the potential influence her posts have but insists they are not intended as medical advice. She shared her own challenges with breastfeeding, but clarified that her experiences are not a directive against breastfeeding for other mothers.

Both Von Krogh and Hoyer-Sørensen stress the importance of guiding parents towards reliable sources of information, as misinformation can easily spread among vulnerable new mothers. They encourage mothers to critically assess the information they find online, stating that what works for one person may not necessarily suit another.

As new mom Nora Øynes, who has actively avoided influencer advice, reflects, it’s crucial for parents to gather accurate information from healthcare professionals rather than social media.

The discourse surrounding influencer culture highlights a growing need for motherhood resources that prioritize expert opinions over individual narratives shared online.