Ever since i got pg i knew this is how i wanted to be with monkey, i did it with D so it was only natural ti do this with G.
Now you may be wondering what AP is all about, i'll give you the basic rundown in a bit and a link to one of many websites supporting this method.
Know that you will be met with comments and opinions like my MIL who says i'm going to "spoil" my son, because i also choose to babywear.
so without further ado here is the rundown:
thanks to Eco-friendly & frugal for the info
There are 8 Principles of Parenting that API summarizes on their website. They are:
1) Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenthood
-Become emotionally and physically prepared for pregnancy and birth. Research available options for healthcare providers and birthing environments, and become informed about routine newborn care. Continuously educate yourself about developmental stages of childhood, setting realistic expectations and remaining flexible.
-Breastfeeding is the optimal way to satisfy an infant's nutritional and emotional needs. "Bottle Nursing" adapts breastfeeding behaviors to bottle-feeding to help initiate a secure attachment. Follow the feeding cues for both infants and children, encouraging them to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Offer healthy food choices and model healthy eating behavior.
3) Respond with Sensitivity
-Build the foundation of trust and empathy beginning in infancy. Tune in to what your child is communicating to you, then respond consistently and appropriately. Babies cannot be expected to self-soothe, they need calm, loving, empathetic parents to help them learn to regulate their emotions. Respond sensitively to a child who is hurting or expressing strong emotion, and share in their joy.
4) Use Nurturing Touch
-Touch meets a baby's needs for physical contact, affection, security, stimulation, and movement. Skin-to-skin contact is especially effective, such as during breastfeeding, bathing, or massage. Carrying or babywearing also meets this need while on the go. Hugs, snuggling, back rubs, massage, and physical play help meet this need in older children.
5) Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
-Babies and children have needs at night just as they do during the day; from hunger, loneliness, and fear, to feeling too hot or too cold. They rely on parents to soothe them and help them regulate their intense emotions. Sleep training techniques can have detrimental physiological and psychological effects. Safe co-sleeping has benefits to both babies and parents.
Co-sleeping is another controversial element of AP parenting on paper, but I know many parents who SWORE they would never co-sleep who later find themselves sleeping with their little ones, simply because it's easier! Exclusively breast-feeding mothers especially find co-sleeping to be appealing because it reduces the number of times they need to get out of bed and drag themselves into their baby's room to nurse. With your baby right there you just need to roll over, scoop him/her up, and feed in the comfort of your own bed. My suggestion if you are hesitant about co-sleeping is to not poo-poo any ideas until you have your little one home! For me, personally, co-sleeping may not be an option because of my tendancy towards violence when I'm sleeping (refer to the bruises on my husband thighs). However, the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper is a great option if you want to co-sleep without bed sharing! I already have one on my "must-get" list for when I am actually pregnant!
6) Provide Consistent and Loving Care
-Babies and young children have an intense need for the physical presence of a consistent, loving, responsive caregiver: ideally a parent. If it becomes necessary, choose an alternate caregiver who has formed a bond with the child and who cares for him in a way that strengthens the attachment relationship. Keep schedules flexible, and minimize stress and fear during short separations.
7) Practice Positive Discipline
-Positive discipline helps a child develop a conscience guided by his own internal discipline and compassion for others. Discipline that is empathetic, loving, and respectful strengthens the connection between parent and child. Rather than reacting to behavior, discover the needs leading to the behavior. Communicate and craft solutions together while keeping everyone's dignity intact.
8) Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life
-It is easier to be emotionally responsive when you feel in balance. Create a support network, set realistic goals, put people before things, and don't be afraid to say "no". Recognize individual needs within the family and meet them to the greatest extent possible without compromising your physical and emotional health. Be creative, have fun with parenting, and take time to care for yourself.!
Are you interested in Attachment Parenting?
There are a lot of resources out there to help you learn more about Attachment Parenting. The API website is a wealth of information and they also have a listing of AP Support Groups so you can network with parents in your area. Also do a Google search for groups in your area and you may be able to find a few more not listed on the site there.
Are you more of a book reader? Here's a reading list you may consider picking from:
The Attachment Parenting Book by Dr. Sears
Attached at the Heart by Nicholson and Lysa Parker
Connection Parenting by Pam Leo
Discipline Without Distress be Judy Arnall
Parenting From the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell
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