I'm going to be a busy mom. I might go back to work a year after birth but will go back to school three months after birth. Even when I'll only be a part time student I'm looking into ways that I could use some of the Attachment Parenting even as busy as I might become?
Do what works for you and your child. Don't get wrapped up in the idea that you absolutely have to bedshare/cosleep, babywear, do baby led weaning, cloth diapers, or whatever. Do those things if they work for you and your baby, not because you feel you must do them. Respond to your baby in ways that make him or her feel safe and loved. That is true attachment parenting.
I think attachment parenting really lends itself toward the busy parent. *Babywearing means you're able to get so much more done, since you can tend to your baby, hands free, while doing other activities (such as studying or working at a computer or household chores)
*I didn't bedshare, but it can be a good time-effective way of maximizing your sleep.
*Breastfeeding is a time-suck, but so is mixing formula and feeding bottles.
And most importantly, whatever route you take, don't be afraid to ask for help where you need it. More than any specific style of parenting, what a busy mom needs is support.
Seconding PPs. I went back to work 4 days/week at 3m, and I think I'm still pretty AP! Things that worked really well for us are BFing and baby wearing (can't deal with a stroller on the subway at rush hour!), but we rarely co-sleep. If pressed, I'd just say remember that AP is a philosophy, not a checklist - as PP noted, it's about you, and YOUR baby. So don't stress out
Thank you! I'm so happy that it seems that you believe that mixing parenting styles is good. I hope to baby carry at home mostly because I'll be able to be there but also study. I think I'll stick around the message board.
I've spent many hours breastfeeding my son while working on the computer, or carrying him in the ergo bouncing on an exercise ball while on the computer. AP can actually be quite handy for us busy moms!
Re: Busy mom but would like to use some "Attachment Parenting".
*Babywearing means you're able to get so much more done, since you can tend to your baby, hands free, while doing other activities (such as studying or working at a computer or household chores)
*I didn't bedshare, but it can be a good time-effective way of maximizing your sleep.
*Breastfeeding is a time-suck, but so is mixing formula and feeding bottles.
And most importantly, whatever route you take, don't be afraid to ask for help where you need it. More than any specific style of parenting, what a busy mom needs is support.