Attachment Parenting

You hear a lot about attachment parenting these days. Even though it's becoming more common, you really couldn't say it has become mainstream. Yet.

While some aspects of attachment parenting may make some parents shrink away, there are sound reasons behind the practice. Babies start enclosed by mom's body. They hear her heartbeat 24 hours a day. Once they're born, that familiar feeling and sound is comforting. Why else would there be a product on the market that imitates mom's heartbeat? Proponents of attachment parenting feel that they can best fulfill this role rather than buying gadgets to do it for them. Let's take a look at some of the more common areas of attachment parenting that may cause some confusion.

BREASTFEEDING.

Breast is best-even the formula ads say so. Besides providing optimal nutrition that changes daily with your baby's needs, breastfeeding creates a unique bond with her. You are not only her parent, you are her source of food. Comfort and sustenance, embodied in a single being: mom. It has been shown that babies that are breastfed have fewer illnesses, develop higher IQs, and may be less prone to obesity in later life. Yes, breastfeeding requires a bit more commitment in some ways. If you work away from your baby, you must pump milk and store it. Breastfeeding may require assistance at first from a qualified lactation consultant if you and baby don't quite get the hang of it at first... and this happens even with experienced moms. Some babies just need a little more time and patience. On the other hand, you don't have to go to the kitchen in the middle of the night to prepare a bottle. Breastmilk doesn't go bad in hot weather, and it doesn't freeze or need to be heated in cold weather. It also doesn't cost $20 or more per can. If you're budget-minded, breastfeeding can be your best friend! And don't forget the perks for mom... an enhanced figure, faster loss of pregnancy weight, and protection against breast cancer.

CO-SLEEPING.

Let me ask you a question. Do you sleep alone? I don't. I don't expect my tiny baby to, either. Imagine being enclosed in a snug, warm womb for nine months, and then having to sleep by yourself in total silence, without that enfolding hug around you. I can see why my baby wouldn't like to sleep in a giant crib. It must feel like a vast empty space compared to what he knew before. Co-sleeping is probably one of the most controversial practices of attachment parenting. Experts advise against it, even though most of the world sleeps this way. In my experience, babies sleep better when they feel snug and secure. The warmth of another body next to them helps them relax. Sleeping babies regulate their breathing better when next to mom... there are less incidences of sleep apnea, and studies show there are fewer cases of SIDS when co-sleeping. Both baby and mom get more sleep. Neither one has to fully awaken to nurse. When baby is sick, co-sleeping is even more convenient. Mom can feel when his fever breaks, or when he needs to be cooled down, and dehydration is rarer because baby can nurse as needed, while both parent and child get much needed rest.

BABYWEARING.

Trying to unfold that stroller? How about lugging that plastic carseat around while you shop? Leave them both in the car and wear your baby! From slings to wraps, babywearing is becoming trendy and fashionable, with fabrics ranging from classic to fun to downright runway-worthy. Baby benefits from babywearing-in most cases, they can nurse easily and discreetly whenever they're hungry. Newborns are comforted by nestling close and listening to mom or dad's heartbeat. Baby feels safe and sleeps easily. Walking soothes her just like it did before she was born. Mom and dad benefit from babywearing too. No more bulky strollers to fold and unfold, no heavy carseats to heave into shopping carts. Babies can be worn at home, too, allowing a parent to do housework, attend to another child, or finish whatever else needs to be done while baby happily snuggles close.

So, the words "attachment parenting" may conjure up wonderful or strange images in your mind, but it's really only responding to your baby's needs and making them feel wanted and comforted.