Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Attachment Parenting

I did a bit of researching, and it doesn't look like it's such a horrible thing if we just keep doing what we're doing regarding her sleep. Honestly, having a baby wake once overnight isn't so bad. I think Ariella is right in the middle regarding how she's doing with sleep. Our pediatrician made me question her progress, but I need to realize that this is the same pediatrician that wanted me to supplement with formula for no medical reason at week 4.

It looks like babies go through phases (one of which is in the 6th month) where they wake in the middle of the night. This can be because of learning new skills or because of the introduction of solid foods. So, it looks like baby sleep patterns are not consistent. Scientific studies have even been done, demonstrating positive long-term effects of sleeping in the same room as your baby. The babies are very independent, less stressed, and well-adjusted.

So, I'm going to continue enjoying those baby cuddles!

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/cosleep.html
http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/longterm.html
http://www.naturalchild.org/james_mckenna/cosleeping.pdf
http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/co_slepping.html

1 comment:

  1. Yay for you. Cuddles are the best!! Even when they are in the middle of the night.
    We have a 6mo old who is waking himself up in the middle of the night all of a sudden now. A hug or sometimes some rocking very rarely a feed is all it takes to get him back to sleep. They won't be this little forever :)

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