Can you explain attachment parenting a little more...

[mummyJ]

Hi lovely ladies (and gents if there are any out there)...
Can someone please just explain attachment parenting a little more to me...The pros of it and what it entails.
I'm curious as DD who is almost 5 months is much clingier than DS was. I wear her heaps in my Ergo and have decided it best to have her with me as much as possible.
I don't co-sleep though and DH and I decided (even before DS) that we would never do that.
She is pretty settled in her own bed overnight anyway...
Does anyone have any other thoughts on my situation or could anyone give me any advice as how to best make sure she gets the best of me?

I appreciate it!!! x

[OnePossum]

To save me typing (time poor as we all are) following are the links to AG International and AP Australia. Hopefully that will give you a good overview.

I'm also reading a book by Newton called The Attachment Connection (2008) and it provides the scientific studies that support the concepts of attachment between parents and their children and its the impact that it has on the baby's brain development. While its 'scientifc' its is a very easy read - only about 150 pages and includes lots of little family stories demonstrating when attachment has worked / not worked and the consequences through the various ages / stages. I got it from our local library.

http://www.attachmentparenting.org/principles/principles.php

http://www.attachmentparentingaustralia.com/index.htm#What_is_attachment_parenting

[battlecrumpet]

My interpretation: AP is about building strong attachments to your kids by responding to their needs while still putting boundaries in place, also achieving "discipline" (for want of a better word) through connection and empathy with your children rather than through physical force / manipulation / coercion.
The "needs" that I'm talking about here include physical contact and nurturing for bubbas, and responding to emotional needs in bubbas and children.
AP techniques can include full-term breastfeeding, co-sleeping, no smacking, wearing bubbas in slings.

[NibbleCurlynBub]

At the very core of it it is just keeping your baby as close to you as possible and doing what he or she needs to be comforted and happy.

So things like co-sleeping, baby wearing (easier than carrying all the time), breastfeeding and the likes.

The theory is that not only is it the natural way to do things (because babies need physical and emotional closeness to grow properly) but it gives your children a strong sense of family and longer term makes them more confident in themselves and that their family will be a soft place to fall if something bad does happen.

[mummyJ]

Perfect!! Thank you!!
I'm interested in reading up more etc. DD seems to respond really well to those techniques...It's funny though...DS completely thrived on routine, and although we completely smothered him with love & affection, he was most content and happy in a routine...
DD however is most content and happy when she is with us...So we are adapting our parenting to suit her needs.
I enjoy it! Praise the LORD for the Ergo!!! :laughing:

[NibbleCurlynBub]

It is very possible to be an AP and have a routine as well.

In fact, it is definitely APing when you are able to recognise and follow what your child needs. :thumbsup: