The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby
Product Description
Might you and your baby both sleep better if you shared a bed? How old is too old for breastfeeding? What is a father’s role in nurturing a newborn? How does early attachment foster a child’s eventual independence? Dr. Bill and Martha Sears — the doctor-and-nurse, husband-and-wife team who coined the term “attachment parenting” — answer these and many more questions in this practical, inspiring guide. Attachment parenting is a style of parenting that encourages a … More >>
The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby
Nobody is ever really prepared to be a parent
Having your first baby on the way can conjure up feelings of excitement and apprehension. Even though you are looking forward to meeting your bundle of joy, you may also fear the thought of how to take care of him or her, and what to do if certain things crop up. You absolutely want to do your best, and do everything right, so how can you overcome these feelings and make sure your baby gets the best possible care? Here are a few tips to help you get started.
The first tip is to take a deep breath and relax, and understand that no one is perfect and mistakes are going to be made. This is completely fine, and also what grandma and grandpa are for; these people are wonderful references so do not be afraid to use them. That being said, you do not have to follow every piece of advice that is provided to you. There has to be healthy balance between what others do and your own parenting style.
Next, you will find that you are going to have to be somewhat flexible and go with the flow. Your baby is going to set your pace, at least for the first several months. This means that you will find yourself sleeping when your baby sleeps at night, and doing chores when they take a nap. You will also find that your baby gear, such as a nursing chair, comes in quite handy along the way.
Furthermore, do not hesitate to do something you want to do and take some time for yourself without the baby. This does not make you a bad parent; in fact, it can make you a better parent. Simple things such as a quick shopping outing, a date night with your spouse, or a new hair cut while grandma is watching the baby can lift your spirits and help you to feel more relaxed with your child.
Make sure your own health does not suffer either. Even though you may feel as though you have to give all of your attention to your new bundle of joy, and provide everything that may be needed to him or her, you can’t start to neglect your own health and needs because of that. Be sure to eat lots of healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get as much sleep as you can whenever there is a quiet moment. If your health suffers, and your physical and emotional state is not at its best, you cannot be the best possible parent.
Finally, before you know it, you will have no doubt in your mind about what your baby needs or wants and when. You will become an expert regarding each noise and cry, and what things sooth him or her and provide comfort and happiness. Once this happens, you will find that you are in fact a great parent, and you there is nothing else you would rather be doing.
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Some essential advice for new parents
Having your first child can be an exciting time full of plans and preparations. That being said, there is usually a time in just about every first time parents’ life when, before the baby even arrives, panic begins to set in. Lots of parents will end up wondering if they will ever be prepared for their new baby to come home.
The basic answer to the question is, not really. In fact, there is no way to completely and fully prepare for the birth of a child. This is because there are always things that are unexpected, and most parenting comes from learning as you go. While there is not much you can do about that fact, there are other things you can do to help prepare as much as you can.
One place to get started with your preparations for your first born is to become as educated as possible. This will mean reading as many books and magazines as you can, and even talking with other parents to find out what they have learned, and what they wish they knew beforehand. Another great outlet for information is parenting classes offered locally in your areas. These classes are chock full of helpful information for a variety of situations that may crop up.
You may also want to start preparing for your baby by designing his or her space. Begin to think about the nursery, what colors you want it to be, any particular themes you would like to have, and what you would like to have in it. You should also begin to plan for important items for your baby, such as clothing, diapers, feeding supplies, first aid items, a baby ear thermometer, and other necessities. Completing these types of activities can help you to focus your attention on your new baby so you feel more comfortable.
Finally, you should take some time to mentally prepare yourself for parenthood. Become familiar with the changes your baby will bring into your life, and how your time will be reduced. This may mean that you have to reduce your hours at work, or take a leave of absence from your job. Understand that a new baby is going to require you to focus on him or her completely and you may have to give up things you once enjoyed, such as hobbies or evenings out with friends.
Even though there is no disputing the fact that your life is going to change a great deal when your new baby arrives, you should note that these changes are good and will provide great joy. The joy a child brings into the lives of his or her parents is truly unique and something that is really enjoyable. Preparing as much as possible prior to your bundle of joy arriving will help you be better prepared for the issues you did not expect. For the most part, parenthood is an adventure that cannot be planned, but one that is quite unlike any other.
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Parenting with Naomi Aldort – The child is right
www.NaomiAldort.com Every parent would happily give up ever scolding, punishing or threatening if she only knew how to ensure that her toddler would thrive and act responsibly without such painful measures. The book, Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves by Naomi Aldort is the answer to this universal wish. It is not about gentle ways to control a child, but about a way of being and of understanding a child so she/he can be the best of herself, not because she fears you, but because she wants to, of her own free will. Keynotes from BC Parenting conference. authenticparent.com naomialdort.com ParentingTips.com
