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Attachment Parenting |
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| When it comes to optimal psychological development, it has been shown over and over by researchers that following nature’s powerful plan works best. Recently, a name has been given to this natural parenting style: Attachment Parenting. |
| Babies are born with dynamic tools to communicate their vital, basic needs. Parents become wired neurologically and hormonally during pregnancy and through prolonged physical contact with the newborn to know how to provide baby’s needs. |
| Infants universally will cry when laid down alone, when in need of stimulation for brain development, when hungry, and when in need of loving. This desperate cry invokes a strong desire in the parent to provide. Acting on the instinctual craving to hold, protect, and comfort the child sows the seeds for life-long trust, and plants the image in the child that they are worthy of care and attention. |
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The baby care practices that
attachment parents have found to
provide optimal physical and
emotional health and
intellectual development
include:
• Responding to baby’s cries • Holding and carrying baby closely much of the day
• Nighttime parenting promoted
by flexible sleep arrangements,
especially sharing sleep with
baby • Exclusive breastfeeding on cue • Continued breastfeeding beyond solid foods; avoiding forced premature weaning
• Speaking to and interacting
with baby frequently, responding
to cues • Interpreting exploration as mind development rather than as “naughty behavior”
• Validating baby’s feelings
• Enriching dialog and guidance
as opposed to violent discipline
or meaningless dogma
• Non-violent toys and play |
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There is a mound of research that supports and demonstrates the positive outcomes from such natural parenting practices. Much of this research is presented in Baby Matters. Eva Lillian Contributing Author Dr. Palmer provides telephone consultations for colic, lactation difficulties, child nutrition, food allergy issues, and infant sleep challenges, from an attachment parenting perspective. Visit her website at www.babyreference.com. |
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