Attachment parenting resources

In my article, “The science of attachment parenting,” I discuss the scientific research in favor of sensitive, responsive parenting. Here I offer a list of attachment parenting resources to interested parents.

General information

William and Martha Sears (M.D. and R.N.)

Attachment parenting is perhaps most popularly associated with this book written by William Sears (pediatrician) and Martha Sears (registered nurse and breastfeeding consultant), the couple who coined the term “attachment parenting”:

Sears W and Sears M. 2001. The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby. Little, Brown and Company.

Aimed primarily at parents with new babies, the book offers the reader advice, moral support and reassurance. The authors, who have raised 8 children themselves, cover such topics as:

  • getting to know your newborn
  • breastfeeding
  • babywearing
  • sleeping arrangements
  • “crying it out”
  • setting limits and avoiding parenting “burnout”
  • attachment fathering

Although this book (like most parenting books) doesn’t cite scientific references, many of its claims are supported by scientific research.

Attachment parenting resources for feeding

Parenting Science

Does your mother-in-law equate feeding on demand with “spoiling the baby?” This article reports the anthropological, evolutionary, and clinical evidence that human babies should be fed “on cue.” It may come in handy if you want to bring your relatives up to speed.

La Leche League

La Leche League offers information about breastfeeding, including support groups and breastfeeding legislation.

Attachment parenting resources for nighttime parenting

Parenting Science

Whether or not they choose to co-sleep, “attachment” parents are sensitive and responsive to their children’s sleep difficulties. These articles can help you solve sleep problems without resorting “cry it out” methods:

James McKenna, PhD

Anthropologist and sleep expert, James McKenna, Director of the Mother-Infant Sleep Laboratory at Notre Dame University, provides a wealth of information about safe co-sleeping practices. His articles are published on the Lab website. You might also want to check out his book about co-sleeping with babies.

Attachment parenting support groups

International

Attachment Parenting International was founded to “educate and support all parents in raising secure, joyful, and empathic children…”

The organization hosts an online forum and provides information about local support groups. To date, most of these are in the United States.

The United Kingdom

The Natural Nurturing Network offers a newsletter and online forum for members to share their experiences with attachment parenting. Members also hold local meetings.

Attachment Parenting Australia

Attachment Parenting Australia provides information about attachment parenting and attachment parenting support groups–including online support groups–within Australia.

Attachment Parenting Canada

Attachment Parenting Canada offers articles and other resources, including contact information about several local support groups.

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