9 Tips for Parenting in the 90s from The Nursing Baby
Getting your infant off to a healthy and secure start:
- Breastfeed. There's no doubt about it, your baby deserves breastmilk. Breastfeeding your baby from birth develops a strong maternal attachment, gives your baby all the nutrients he or she needs, plus delivers many infection fighting agents, hormones, and more.
- Wear your baby. Research has shown that babies that are carried for most of the day cry up to 50% less than babies who are not. Wearing your baby makes frequent breastfeeding easier, and frees up mom's hands for other duties. 9 months in the womb, 9 months in arms is a good rule of thumb.
- Consider a natural childbirth. Most women who have given birth naturally describe their birth as empowering. Research the kind of birth that you want, and work with your healthcare provider in order to get it. A good childbirth experience can help prevent postpartum depression and make the transition to motherhood a little bit easier.
- Have Dad stay home, too, at first. Having the father or other support person home with mom and the baby in the initial weeks really promotes family bonding and a greater understanding of the difficulties of life with an infant for the father. Plus, mom is less overwhelmed.
- Consider staying home & if you work, keep nursing. Baby's first year is critical to his or her development, and many mothers find when the time comes to return to their jobs, they'd prefer to stay home. Take a look at your finances and be open to the possibilities. If you do work, you'll be surprised at how good it feels to continue the bond of nursing despite the time away from your infant. Consider pumping your milk for your baby as well. Many mothers do not resent the time it takes to pump (5-20 minutes), knowing that they're doing something for their baby that no other can. Check out The Working Cow for more information on combining working and nursing.
- Share sleep with your baby. Also called cosleeping and the family bed, sharing sleep is great for giving moms and dads a good night's sleep, along with their baby. For millennia sharing sleep has been the human norm, and only recently has separate bedrooms been practical. Sharing sleep can make nighttime parenting a breeze (and a joy in the morning!)
- Delay solids. At the turn of the century, doctors recommended no solids for the first year. 20 years ago, many recommended solids from birth. According to the WHO, solids should not be introduced until after 6 months, and then only in addition to breastmilk.
- Pay attention to your baby's cues. No education programs are necessary, and it isn't necessary to flash cards at your infant or otherwise try to increase his or hers intelligence. Simply watch your baby and take turns leading each other into play.
- Take your own advice. No one knows your baby like you do. Listen to
the baby experts if you want to, but remember, YOU are your own baby expert.
These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
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