Until recently, our culture valued, as my grandmother phrased it, “training babies to be independent from day one.”
Here in the U.S. we feel it is our parental duty to ensure that our children grow up to be independent, self-sufficient adults.
However, as we learn more about infant development, responsive caregiving more appropriately meets the developmental needs of infants and young children.
It also instills confidence in children that their needs will be met. This results in more independent children.
That parenting style has been called Attachment Parenting (AP) because it is based on the attachment theory in psychology.
Dr. William Sears has come up with the 7 Baby B’s to help you remember what AP is all about:

1. Birth Bonding
Close attachment after birth allows the natural, biological attachment-promoting behaviors of the infant to mesh with the intuitive, biological, caregiving qualities of the mother.
2. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding helps you read your baby’s cues — the first step in getting to know your baby.
3. Babywearing
Carried babies fuss less and spend more time in the quiet alert state, the state in which babies learn most about their environment.
4. Bedding Close to Baby
Sleeping within close touching and nursing distance minimizes nighttime separation anxiety.
5. Belief in the Language Value of Baby’s Cry
Responding sensitively to your baby’s cries builds trust. Tiny babies cry to communicate, not to manipulate.
6. Beware of Baby Trainers
AP teaches you to be discerning of advice, especially rigid and extreme parenting styles that teach you to watch a clock or a schedule instead of your baby. These restrained parenting styles keep you from becoming an expert about your child.
7. Balance
The key to putting balance in your parenting is being appropriately responsive to your baby -- knowing when to say “yes” and “no,” and having the wisdom to say “yes” to yourself when you need help.
AP is a responsive, not passive parenting style.
The most important point is that you listen to your own heart and intuition when it comes to raising your child.
Some “baby training” books can make parents feel like failures by assuming that all babies fit into a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
As the parent, you are the expert when it comes to your baby.
I am not proposing that you become a strict Attachment Parenter. But I recommend that you follow your heart and your baby in your parenting decisions.
Attachment parenting is an approach, rather than a set of rules. Use only what works for you and your family.
Attachment parenting is not a miracle parenting practice that will solve all of your problems and promise the happiest, smartest baby in the world.
But I encourage you to give it a try, despite the frowning of your Mother-In-Law.
You may discover a rewarding way to raise your child.

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Breastfeeding may be simple and natural, but every expecting or new family needs straight information and accurate help to get started.
With books, videos, baby clubs and Internet websites, blogs, and listservs, families have more sources to turn to on breastfeeding. Not all of that information is useful, appropriate or even accurate.
Staff members from the Breastfeeding Support Services Program at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department have compiled the following list of reliable breastfeeding resources.
Local Lactation Consultants
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the health professionals for breastfeeding. They can be found at hospitals, public health departments, and in doctors’ offices.
Most hospitals that deliver babies in Central Kentucky have lactation consultants on staff. To find an IBCLC, contact your hospital, your local health department, or the International Lactation Consultant Association (www.ilca.org or 859-288-2348).
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Area hospitals that deliver babies generally offer breastfeeding “how to” classes for pregnant families through their childbirth education programs. Contact your hospital to get a schedule.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Mother-to-Mother support groups give expecting or new moms an opportunity to meet other mothers and chat about the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding and parenting. Meetings are free and open to families in Central Kentucky.
La Leche League
Lexington: Meets twice monthly at Baby Moon, 2891 Richmond Rd. Info: Sara at 256-0026 or 502-863-748.
Frankfort: “Milk Mommies.” Meets twice monthly at the Franklin County Health Department. Info: 859-492-4697 or visit http://www.breastfeedky.com.
For other groups in Kentucky, visit www.lllofky.org or call 1-800-La-Leche
The Internet                   
Kentucky Breastfeeding Webpage http://www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/ach/ns/breastfeeding.htm
La Leche League International www.lalecheleague.org
Find A Lactation Consultant www.ilca.org
Promotion of Mother’s Milk www.promom.org
American Academy of Pediatrics breastfeeding information http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm
Breastfeeding and Jury Duty in Ky. http://familyfriendlyjuryduty.org

For guidance on better products to choose, call the local Health Dept.’s Breastfeeding Answer Line at 288-2348.

Doraine Bailey, MA, IBCLC, is the Breastfeeding Support Services Program Coordinator at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Dept. Contact her at 288-2348 or at dorainef.bailey@ky.gov.

Another barrier for breastfeeding mothers has recently been removed.
A new law, signed in March, will allow breastfeeding mothers to defer their jury service as long as they continue to breastfeed.
No longer will new mothers have to frantically seek childcare for their breastfed infants at the last minute, nor make arrangements to pump milk at the courthouse.
A breastfeeding mother choosing to postpone her service must merely inform the judge in writing that she is currently breastfeeding.
This new law creates a consistent practice across all of Kentucky’s state courts. It does not apply to Federal courts. It takes effect in mid-July.

Info: visit http://familyfriendlyjuryduty.org.
-- Doraine Baile

Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital may be best known as a nationally recognized leader for providing physical rehabilitation for traumatic injuries. However, Cardinal Hill continues its original mission of serving children.
Cardinal Hill Pediatric Center provides comprehensive physical rehab services for children. Some of the services provided are physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, preschool, play groups and pediatric wellness.
The experts at Cardinal Hill offer these guidelines for parents with a new child.

BIRTH to 6 MONTHS
What to expect of your child
Makes gurgling, babbling, cooing sounds, and responds to voices.
Smiles in response to a smile from others, and reacts to emotions of others.
Responds to own name.
Explores with hands and mouth.
Uses gestures and expressions to communicate wants and needs.
How to support development
Hug your baby often to help the child feel loved and safe.
Talk or sing to your baby while doing everyday activities.
Talk face-to-face and use your child’s name often.
Play on the floor with your child.
Make scheduled well baby visits to your baby’s doctor and make sure your baby has all of his or her shots.

6-12 MONTHS
What to expect
Prefers mother or regular caregiver to all others.
Shy with strangers; cries when parent leaves.
Responds to simple verbal requests.
Imitates gestures; tries to imitate words.
Repeats sounds or gestures for attention.
Walks holding furniture or independently.
Feeds self with fingers.

How to support
Hold your baby often and talk to him or her about everyday activities.
Read books to your baby every day.
Encourage your child to imitate gestures by playing games such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.
Provide a place for your child to crawl.
Introduce your child to other children and adults.
Continue doctor visits and shots.

12-24 MONTHS
What to expect
Begins to show defiant behavior.
Shows more independence but has periods of separation anxiety.
Begins make-believe play.
Recognizes names of familiar people, objects and body parts.
Says several single words by 15 months; uses two- to four-word sentences by age 2.
Seeks out and enjoys other children.
Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted.
How to support
Respond to and initiate your child’s pretend play.
Help your child use words to describe emotions and express feelings.
Find time for your child to interact with other children.
Try to have family meals, naps and bedtime at the same time every day.
Continue shots and health check-ups.
Keep holding and hugging your child and read with your child every day.

For information about Cardinal Hill or its services, call 254-5701, or visit www.cardinalhill.org.