Attachment parenting (also called “natural parenting” or “instinctive parenting”) is an approach to parenting based on the principle of understanding a child’s emotional and physical needs and responding sensitively to these needs…
The focus of attachment parenting is on building a strong relationship between parents and child. There are no set of rules, the practices simply help to develop a close, empathic relationship with your child in an understanding and nurturing way.
There are 5 easy steps to natural parenting however no matter what the textbooks say, the internet forums, friends or family, the main thing is to trust your own instincts and connection with your child.
1. Let Your Baby Lead Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding helps you get to know your baby, provides the best nutrition for your baby, provides comfort for your baby, and creates a loving and nurturing bond between mother and baby. For many mothers the experience of breastfeeding may not be so easy at first. Babies are born needing to be held skin-to-skin, touch releases the hormone oxytocin in both mother and baby, by holding your baby and spending time close together this will enhance their emotional closeness and their openness to breastfeed. You will then also be able to understand their cues and demands for feeding.
2. Sleep with baby
Co-sleeping is a cultural norm for many countries around the world. Many mums now are recognising the countless benefits sharing your sleep with baby may have. When done *safely, mother-infant co-sleeping contributes to a beautiful bonding experience both day and night. Co-sleeping does not necessairly mean sleeping in the same bed, it can mean sleeping close by in the same room.
Co-sleeping benefits:
- Baby sleeps well and in comfort and trust
- Encourages both infant and maternal health & wellbeing
- Mum can respond quickly to their hungry baby and then settle baby back to sleep quickly.
- Helps parents who are separated from their babies during the day regain the closeness
- It is wonderful cuddling our baby during the night.
- It is lovely to wake with baby in the morning.
- Baby never has to cry out at night for help.
- Helps to regulate baby’s temperature with the temperature of my own body.
- Promotes sleep synchrony’ in which sleep patterns begin to match
- Baby gradually learns sleeping behaviour and ‘etiquette’ by observation, modelling and experience with Mum and Dad.
- Promotes regulation of baby’s breathing (baby has lower oxygen levels when alone)
- Promotes regulation of baby’s immune system (the skin to skin contact releases oxytocin to boost baby’s immune system)
3. Wear your baby
Infants thrive through touch and “wearing” your baby is another way to meet this need. It encourages bonding and stimulates the security and warmth of the womb. It also promotes happy, healthy babies who cry less as they are close to mum, and the stimulation helps to regulate their physical responses. Parents are able to get in tune with babies demands, and wearing your baby in a carrier frees your hands to do simple tasks while the baby rests peacefully next to your body.
4. Practice Natural Living
Those who practice attachment parenting tend to live a more natural lifestyle, choosing natural products whenever possible. Cloth nappies is popular among attachment parenting parents, as the natural nature of cloth diapers reduces waste and saves money. Many parents make their own baby food using whole, organic foods. To protect children from harmful toxins, use natural cleaning products.
5, Finding balance in your family life.
The early years in your baby’s life are the most intense and demanding for a family. However, it is possible to find a balance. Communicating well with your partner and finding creative solutions to satisfying the needs of all family members will help to create balance in your family life. Aspects of attachment parenting are possible for working mums such as breastfeeding after work, carrying or “wearing” baby, co-sleeping and responding sensitively baby’s cries can help to re-connect with bub after a workday.
*The most important thing is that bed-sharing is done safely. Visit www.raisingchildren.net.au for bed sharing safety tips. For further details on Attachment parenting visit: www.attachmentparentingaustralia.com