Attachment parenting is a wonderful practice for both baby and his or her parents. Forming a close bond now can set you up to be a close family through many years.
In Part 1 of this discussion, we talked about the first two tools of attachment parenting. Now let us continue.
3. “Breastfeed Your Baby”
We all know that the benefits of breastfeeding are enormous, for the baby and for the mother. Beside all of those great physical benefits, there are actually emotional ones, too. Now I am not saying that parents who bottle feed don’t bond with their babies, but research shows that the hormones released while breastfeeding actually promote bonding and mother’s intuition between the mother and the baby! Amazing but true.
I had a bit of a rough road as many new mother’s do when it came to breastfeeding for the first time. Even the doctors were encouraging me to formula feed. But thanks to a supportive husband, we stuck it out and had a great success. I promise you that it does get easier and that breastfeeding doesn’t feel “natural” when you start out. The important thing is to not give up. And in my case, by the time I got to baby number three, I could probably breastfeed upside down if I needed to.
4. “Wear Your Baby”
Wearing your baby almost seems instinctual, doesn’t it? Women from all over the world have been wearing babies for centuries. Wearing a baby can be so beneficial to the baby, and it can also make life easier on the mother because you will have a happier, less fussy baby. Also, studies have shown that babies who are held more actually grow faster and gain more weight than babies who spend more time in a crib.
The secret here, I think, is to find a carrier that fits you best. After years of struggling with the front carrier, which my husband loved, I finally got a sling, and it made all of the difference in the world.
There is one more tool to go. Check back again.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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What Are the Five Tools of Attachment Parenting