Our parents went to a trusted parenting book on their shelf when they had questions. These days, all you have to do is post a quick question in your online parenting group to get a million answers! There’s a group for everyone, whether it’s a local parenting group on Facebook, a Yahoo group especially for baby wearers, you name it. In these groups you will encounter many acronyms and abbreviations for common parenting terms. So, we put together a handy guide to help you decode all the online parenting lingo you’ll encounter.
1. BF
Definition: Breast Fed or Breast Feeding
Example: Many think the pounds will literally melt off while BFing, but it’s not always the case.
Related: BM (Breast Milk) / EBF (Exclusively Breast Feeding) / EP (Exclusively Pumping)
2. BLW
Definition: Baby Led Weaning (skipping purees and letting baby go straight to whole foods).
Example: I want to try BLW, but I am terrified my baby will choke on the food.
3. CIO
Definition: Cry It Out (a controversial but popular “sleep training” method with many variations, all include allowing the child to cry in hopes that they will learn to soothe themselves to sleep).
Example: CIO was pure torture, but after 3 nights we are all STTN (sleeping through the night) and couldn’t be happier.
4. CTFD
Definition: Calm The Fuck Down (a parenting method where you just ignore other parenting methods, stop comparing your family to others and just try to relax and enjoy life).
Example: You have to stop worrying that you aren’t parenting right, that you’re going to wreck your kids somehow. You have to just CTFD and know you’re doing the best for your family!
5. CS
Definition: Cesarean Section / C-Section
Example: My CS scar is still numb and tingling after 3 months, is that normal?
6. DH
Definition: Dear/Darling Husband
Example: I love DH, but if he leaves his socks around one more time I’m gonna lose it!!
Related: DD (Dear Daughter) / DS (Dear Son) / SO (Significant Other)
7. FML
Definition: Fuck My Life (usually used humorously and/or to elicit moral support)
Example: Toddler decided to wake up at 3AM and kick me in the throat, repeatedly. FML. #cosleepingfail
8. FTM
Definition: First Time Mom
Example: FTM here…am I the only one checking on my newborn every hour worrying she’s not breathing?? I’m so nervous!
9. FTW
Definition: For The Win (something is awesome and did a good job)
Example: First shower in a week. Exersaucer and Baby Einstein FTW!
10. IMO
Definition: In My Opinion
Example: IMO you shouldn’t use “babysitting” when dad is watching the kids. He’s not babysitting, he’s being a dad!
Related: IMHO (In My Honest Opinion), FWIW (For What It’s Worth)
11. IRL
Definition: In Real Life
Example: You mamas are so awesome, when can we meet up IRL!?
12. IVF
Definition: In Vitro Fertilization
Example: Our IVF round 3 was a success—we’re having a baby girl!
13. L&D
Definition: Labor and Delivery (where a majority of moms will give birth)
Example: I’m 26 weeks and having cramps, should I go to L&D to get checked out?
14. LC
Definition: Lactation Consultant
Example: One of the smartest things you can do if planning to breastfeed is to find a great LC before giving birth and have her on speed dial.
15. LO
Definition: Little One (baby / child)
Example: My LO is teething. Send HELP!!!
16. LOL
Definition: Laughing Out Loud
Example: My newborn tried to latch on to her twin sister’s head LOL!! Hungry girl!
Related: LMAO (Laughing My Ass Off) / ROTFL (Rolling On The Floor Laughing)
17. MIL
Definition: Mother-In-Law
Example: I don’t need parenting advice from MIL… I live with one of her children and he needs plenty of improvements.
Related: FIL (Father-In-Law)
18. MoM
Definition: Mother Of Multiples (mom of twins, triplets, etc.)
Example: MoMs may have their hands full, but their hearts are fuller, too.
19. OP
Definition: Original Poster (the person who started the discussion)
Example: I agree with OP. CIO FTW!
20. OT
Definition: Off Topic
Example: OT but which local bar has the best sangria? Ok, maybe not so OT… we could all use a drink, am I right?
21. OMG
Definition: Oh My Gosh/God (wow; can be good or bad)
Example: OMG Caillou might be the most annoying show everrrrr.
22. PPD
Definition: Post Partum Depression (more than baby blues, this is quite serious ranging from mom not being able to bond with her baby to putting her and her child’s life in danger)
Example: Partners need to be aware of the signs of PPD and who to seek help from since a mother may be so deep in it she can’t realize or admit that she needs help.
23. SAHM
Definition: Stay At Home Mom
Example: Yes, I’m a SAHM. Go ahead and ask me what I do all day… I dare you.
Related: SAHD (Stay At Home Dad), WAHM (Work At Home Mom), WAHD (Work At Home Dad)
24. SMH
Definition: Shaking My Head (showing disappointment or disgust)
Example: Someone asked me today if all of my children are from the same father. Seriously?! SMH.
25. STTN
Definition: Sleeping Through The Night (when a baby or child sleeps 6+ hours without waking)
Example: The first time your baby STTN, wow, it’s life changing! But if nursing, you’ll wake with boulder boobs.
26. TIA
Definition: Thanks In Advance (nice way to end an inquiry)
Example: What’s the best baby shampoo? TIA!
27. TMI
Definition: Too Much Information (when your post might be off putting/gross for some people)
Example: Sorry for TMI, but my newborn’s poops are green and frothy, is that normal?
28. TTC
Definition: Trying To Conceive
Example: We’re TTC, should I avoid alcohol?
29. VBAC
Definition: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Example: I’m so excited my doc will let me try VBAC, but I’m a bit nervous.
Do you use any of these or have more must-know acronyms for parents? Share and comment below!
Photo credit: Fotolia/Monkey Business
