A Return to Natural Instincts

In modern society, the natural practice of attachment parenting has become a subject of both admiration and skepticism. Most people argue that mothers wanting to hold their babies all the time is an issue, yet it is actually one of the most important parts of healthy childhood development.

What if, instead of questioning new moms who are following their heart, we recognized responsiveness and attachment as a fundamental expression of our natural instincts as humans.

Human mothers, by nature, are designed to stay close to their infants.

We are, after all, carrying mammals. The need to keep our babies near, to respond promptly to their cries, is not a flaw; it is a built-in instinct that has kept human babies safe and healthy for generations. The simple act of responsiveness and attachment has been crucial for the survival of our species.

The problem, it seems, lies not in the desire to hold our babies, but in a societal structure that urges a rapid separation of mother and child, pushing mothers back into the working class as swiftly as possible.

This separation contradicts our natural instincts, setting the stage for potential challenges in both physical and mental health for both the child and the mother.

Attachment parenting, grounded in the understanding that closeness fosters emotional security, has been linked to better health outcomes in childhood and adulthood.

Physical and mental health are deeply influenced by the early relationships formed through attachment parenting. On the other hand, a separation-based parenting approach, forcing independence on a child before they are ready (most common in todays society), can lead to mental health problems and attachment issues persisting into adulthood.

It's time to listen to our instincts as mothers and drown out the noise from a society that may be more dysfunctional than nurturing.

Rather than rushing the process of independence, we should let the natural course of development unfold. Just as a flower needs time to bloom, children require the nurturing embrace of their caregivers to flourish into resilient, emotionally secure adults.

Attachment parenting is not a modern fad; it's a return to our innate wisdom as caregivers.

By acknowledging and embracing the natural instincts that guide us as mothers, we pave the way for healthier, more connected generations. It's time to redefine our parenting norms and prioritize the well-being of both the child and the mother over societal expectations. The bonds we form during these young years last throughout a lifetime, shaping the individuals our children become.

My advice to you, mama:

FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS.

— With love, Carlie Foessel