September Book Club-Modern Attachment Parenting
This past month, several of my friends celebrated their babies first birthdays and several other friends welcomed their new babies into the world. There is something so special and magical about babies. This month, I was inspired to read Jamie Grumet’s book Modern Attachment Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Secure Child. Grumet is probably best known for her 2012 cover feature in Time Magazine where she was photographed breastfeeding her three-year-old. She is a strong advocate for Attachment Parenting and has been featured on several TV programs and blogs.
First off, you might be asking yourself what is Attachment Parenting?
“Attachment Parenting is a style of caring for your infant that brings out the best in the baby and the best in the parents. Attachment Parenting implies first opening your mind and heart to the individual needs of your baby, and eventually you will develop the wisdom on how to make on-the-spot decisions on what works best for both you and your baby.
A close attachment after birth and beyond allows the natural, biological attachment-promoting behaviors of the infant and the intuitive, biological, caregiving qualities of the mother to come together. Both members of this biological pair get off to the right start at a time when the infant is most needy and the mother is most ready to nurture. Bonding is a series of steps in your lifelong growing together with your child.” (Dr. Sears)
Grumet’s book reads just as you would expect a guide to be. Each section is clearly labeled, it includes lists, charts, a glossary and an extensive list of resources. The book is based on Dr. William Sear’s seven “Baby B’s”:
1. Birth Bonding
2. Breastfeeding
3. Babywearing
4. Bedding close to baby
5. Belief in the language value of your baby’s cry
6. Beware of baby trainers
7. Balance
Which Grumet has grouped into four categories:
1. Bonding
2. Nutrition and Nurturing
3. Contact
4. Communication
Within her four categories she covers topics such as myth and misconceptions about attachment parenting, benefits of attachment parenting, bringing baby home, when things don’t go as planned, babywearing safety tips, co-sleeping, understanding your baby’s cry and finding balance in your life. In general, this is a great first look at Attachment Parenting with a modern spin. I recommend this book for first time parents about to bring a baby home or with a newborn.
It is important to note that Attachment Parenting is not for everyone. However, I encourage parents to seek out a variety of resources, learn from the resources and use what works for them and their children.
Attachment Parenting Resources:
Nonviolent Communication by: Marshall Rosenberg
Hold on to Your Kids by: Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté
Attached at the Heart by: Barbara Nicholson, Lysa Parke
https://www.attachmentparenting.org/