You just had a baby! Congratulations. Being a parent is big and incredible stuff. Take it day by day, and truly cherish the gifts it brings. Also, take many breaks if you can — let your partner or friends or caregivers take the load off so that you can recharge when you need to. Get a nap in, take a walk, get a massage, cook or order in a favorite meal. You will need time for yourself.
Building a Secure Attachment
One of the many things you may be hearing about is attachment. But I’m not talking about Attachment Parenting— I’m talking about the theory itself. Meeting most of your baby’s needs (feeding, soothing, bathing), knowing when you need a break, and doing the best you can all of the time is attachment theory at its best.
Healthy and secure attachment thrives on consistency and predictability. So keep caring for your baby, be there when they cry, learn what their needs are with time, and your healthy attachment will grow. Your baby feels safe when they know what to expect (I’ll be fed when I’m hungry, changed when I’m wet, heard when I cry).
Attachment Parenting was coined by Dr. Sears. It says: there are certain things you can do with your newborn in order to develop a secure attachment (on demand feeding, co- sleeping (co-sleeping = room sharing), etc and that ALL of it is necessary to build attachment). But if you can’t meet all these demands, because you are tired, it is okay not to wear your baby all day long, and it’s okay for your baby to cry for a minute while you run to the toilet. You are doing the best you can, you are ALWAYS good enough, and you are not expected to be perfect! You can go back to work, use bottles, and still be a loving parent. And you can also sometimes feel like you don’t enjoy parenting- that’s okay too.
Below you will find more on feeding and nutrition, infant sleep recommendations, adjusting to the new family dynamic, newborn reflexes, and more newborn sleep resources that I love.
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