Attachment Parenting is a style of parenting that just seemed very natural to me. In fact, I didn’t learn about attachment parenting until right after my first son was born, and I had already been doing the 7 Baby B’s…you might be, too!
Birth Bonding /Preparing for Baby’s Birth: No doubt that you’ve been carrying a baby inside (or your partner has) for 9 months, you are bonded already, however really putting some effort and thought into their existence is important (and seems pretty obvious to most couples). Just be prepared for your baby’s birth and welcome them with wide open arms. Ideally, you want to be with your baby immediately after he/she is born. This is important for both the mother and the father and especially for the baby who is experiencing the entire world for the first time! This will actually help a mother’s milk come in and assist mom & baby (and daddy) in reading cues and sending loving messages back and forth. Mother’s are ripe to nurture immediately following birth. If you have ever seen a live birth you are bound to understand this concept. If not, then just picture a magnet on both mom and baby…they are just drawn together and fit perfectly.
Breastfeeding on demand: I cannot begin to tell you the importance of this practice. If you take cues from your baby and not worry about the clock and certain nap times, etc. you will fall into a natural schedule that actually flows instead of creating resistance. Breastmilk contains amazing nutrients that cannot be simulated. Mom benefits in so many ways, but physically she will release prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that give your attitude a nice (natural) adjustment.
Baby Wearing: Both of my children LOVE to be worn. They each have different types of carriers that they like, but none the less they thrive while being close to my body (or my husbands!). A baby learns a lot in the arms mom or dad. Carried babies fuss less and spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, the behavior state in which babies learn most about their environment. Baby wearing improves the baby reading skills of the parents. Because your baby is so close to you, you become in tune with one another.
Bedding Close to baby (co-sleeping or partial co-sleeping): co-sleeping has become quite controversial, however the benefits outweigh the miniscule risks when you are safely co-sleeping. We have a family bed in our home. Our 3-year-old has his own room now, but if he wants to he is welcomed in with us for any reason. He slept in our bed and then next to our bed until he was 20 months when he decided he wanted a big boy bed. Our 8 month old has slept in our bed since day 1 and naps in an arms reach co-sleeper/play yard. This makes night nursing easier and promotes bonding with both parents even throughout the night hours. This is also big in promoting a healthy attitude towards sleep in infants. There will be no fear associated with sleep and thus sleep will be viewed as something to strive for, not resist.
Beware of Baby Trainers: Do not try to put your newborn or infant on a certain schedule or regime. He/she will develop her own natural rhythm in life. When you get caught up in Baby Training you are actually removing biological instincts for survival and in turn you are stripping baby and parent of communication. Just be discerning of advice when it comes to people who love to tell you about early weaning, cry it out, harsh-punishments, etc.
Balance: This is the most challenging for me. However, it falls right into place. I guarantee that by co-sleeping, breastfeeding and babywearing I am getting more quality sleep than someone who has their baby in another room, uses bottles and puts baby in a stroller all the time. It is easy however to put all of your energy and love into your baby and forget about yourself and your partner. Just remember that a happy, clean, healthy mommy/daddy is going to have a much happier household!
Dr. William Sears, a leading pediatrician has pioneered the style of attachment parenting and has a wonderful website FULL of resources from childhood illnesses to gentle discipline.
4 comments
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DaddyNumberOne says:
June 1, 2011 at 1:53 pm (UTC -7)
I am curious how long it took before your kids slept through the night. We did the opposite of attachment parenting, and both of our kids were sleeping at least 6 hours straight by 6 or 8 weeks, and longer soon after that.
My recent post TV and Screen Time are Bad for Kids
Jessica_Lang says:
June 1, 2011 at 2:20 pm (UTC -7)
Hey there, Well, my youngest sleeps quite well, has since birth, he's like my husband. It took my older son over 2 years, he's more like me!! Honestly, it doesn't bother me…they'd nurse and go right back to sleep if they'd wake. Thank you for stopping by! My recent post Wordless Wednesday- Baby NOSE Breast
Jessica_Lang says:
June 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm (UTC -7)
Hey there,
Well, my youngest sleeps quite well, has since birth, he's like my husband. It took my older son over 2 years, he's more like me!! Honestly, it doesn't bother me…they'd nurse and go right back to sleep if they'd wake. Thank you for stopping by!
My recent post Wordless Wednesday- Baby NOSE Breast
rab neutrino says:
April 5, 2012 at 7:25 am (UTC -7)
A recent study in Australia concluded that centers run by corporate chains provided the lowest quality care when compared to community-based providers and independent private centers.
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