Is Attachment Parenting Right for You?

I have a wonderful four year old little boy and I have found an awesome style of parenting that has made our lives easier. It's called Attachment Parenting. We practiced it with our little guy and it has made a major difference in our lives. Attachment Parenting was set forth by Dr. William and Martha Sears who brought Attachment Parenting into the public eye. However we didn't practice it to the dot, therefore I'll tell you about Attachment Parenting for a real mom's point of view.

The first thing I learned from Dr. Sears and other moms who were practicing attachment parenting was to learn about the birth process and plan for a birth that is intervention free as possible. From experience, I can tell drugs do make it harder to get started on breastfeeding. I would research all options from having the baby at home to having him in the hospital with a doctor. Also prepare emergencies because birth doesn't always go as you planned.

Forming an early connection to your child is very important. This is the best time to get started breastfeeding and for a lifelong bond. Having your baby "room in" with you after a hospital birth rather than in the nursery is a great way to do this. I was a nervous rack very time they told my little boy out of the room. The last night I insisted that they leave him in the room. I found no reason for him to leave. He was doing well and needed me not a bath.

Another part of Attachment Parenting is responding quickly to your baby's cries and knowing that you can't "spoil" him by feeding and holding him whenever he needs you to. This part of attachment parenting made a huge difference for my husband and me. We found that he cried a lot less if we responded quickly. I think he knew hew as loved and would be taken care of.

One of the most important parts of attachment parenting is breastfeeding. Most parents who practice attachment parent breastfeed exclusively andon baby's cue for at least 6 months. Then follow that by the introduction of solids when your child is ready combined with continued nursing. Most attachment parents believe in child led weaning. For a lot of kids this means nursing until a year old or older.

Wearing your baby in a sling is another major part of attachment parenting. This was my favorite part. I wore our little guy all the time. We shopped, cleaned house, went for walks and cooked with him in the sling. He loved it! He loved being a part of my world and I love seeing his face as we explored the world. This also free up my hands so I could do more. It also cut down on his fusses. He never cried in the sling.

Most attached parents have found that co-sleeping with their child helps with nursing and behavior. Realizing that your child needs do not disappear at sunset and that nurturing is important around the clock. Some parents are willing to accept that for this season of your life, your "marital bed" should be your family bed. For us my son and I slept in the guest bed. My husband needed sleep. With nursing I found that I wake up a few minutes before he needed to nurse. We nursed lying down. It was some much easier than sitting up in the rocking chair to nurse.

In most ways attachment parenting is following your instincts. By meeting your child's needs during infancy and through out childhood you are encouraging the development of a healthy, happy, independent person. Listen to your heart you will know what is best for you family.