Are You An Attached Mama?
This is an interesting concept and I've never thought of putting a label on my parenting self...but apparently a lot of moms do. I know we have at least one contributor to this blog who would identify herself as an "Attached Parent".
According to the website AttachmentMoms.com:
"So your first question may be, What is Attachment Parenting? Attachment Parenting is a type of parenting that is making headlines internationally. It comes natural to me as a parent. It just tugs at my heart when I hear my girls cry. In my opinion children are dependent by design and eventually they will accomplish their independence by my parenting skills of showing them security, trust and empathy. As a AP parent, I respond immediately to my children's cries and other communications.Attachment Parenting includes respecting your child's needs, feeding on demand, and answering your baby's cries. Other parts of Attachment Parenting include co-sleeping, nursing on demand, sling or other baby carrier wearing, and cloth diapering. Not all Attachment Parents practice all of the above, but never the less love the idea of Attachment Parenting and comforting their children. "
I definitely agree with comforting crying babies. Let them cry it out doesn't make sense to me. Nursing on demand is the only way to go (except occasionaly when my boobies were so sore, I couldn't bare it). I love baby carriers, even if I get a bit sweaty.
But I'm curious, what makes cloth diapering attachment parenting? I understand it's more "natural", but do disposable diapers make me unattached to my babies? I am just kidding, of course.
posted by Alice at 11:16 AM
NEW! 
5 Comments:
Cloth diapers are not necessarily an attachment thing. Lost of breastfeeding, babywearing moms dont use them. But one advantage of cloth from a bonding perspective is that you can stay more in touch with baby's needs. Cloth babies are usually changed more often, and stats show that they potty train earlier, probably because of the association with being wet.
Now as for attachment and bonding and diapers, Elimination Communication (something practiced all over the world) is something that increases your tuning in and bonding with baby, because of the communicating aspect.
I'm not much for putting names on parenting behaviors either. I don't fit neatly into any niche. But my basic belief in "Mom as expert" fits in more with AP or Continuum parenting.
Another thing: cosleeping is something attachment parents espouse, again an ancient thing done all over the world but somehow we have to convince the powers that be here in the West that it's ok or safe.
Interestingly some cultures here have never stopped cosleeping. Black Americans, for instance.
I find it highly irritating the stronghold Doctors and parenting "experts" have over American mothers. We are the only culture in the world that has to read books about childcare. I'm on a mission to help women see that they are the expert. ;)
I did most of the attachment parent things except for the cloth diapers... just couldn't bear it LOL.
I'm very good with recycling and pretty "green" on lots of things but not the diapers... sorry.
I breastfed on demand, sling and all the rest of it though. Although at a certain age (usually around 1 to 1 1/2) I thought they should start sleeping on their own.
Interesting topic ;).
You know when I became a mom, I didn't even know there was a name to my parenting style until I found it on the internet one day.
It just comes natural to me and like I say on the website, you definitely do not have to practice all of the things mentioned, you can be an attachment parent in your own way ;).
You know, Alice, as I was reading this post, I had the exact same question come to mind; what is the connection between cloth diapers and AP?
Imagine 200 years ago and back- when there were no radiators, forced air heat, etc... there was just a fireplace on one side of the room, and the cold wind still drafted through the chimney, and the average temp. in the room was 50 degrees- on a moderate day! Would you dream of putting your baby in a cradle? Of course you'd sleep with him/her to provide warmth!
I'm not sure what they did in the olden days during the hot summers, though...
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