Hi all,

I have a 3 month old boy (my first!!). I thought I would be fairly confident at parenting cos I have worked in social services with children for a number of years and I have always found children quite easy to connect with. However when I had my own baby I was completely overwhelmed by my love, my tiredness, his crying (because I can usually connect so easily with children I found this quite tough) I also took a while to be able to read his cues and still do at times.

Anyway I have always believed in being respectful to children etc but most of my knowledge is around working professionally with parents and children (Reggio Emilia, Highscope, Penn Green, Marte Meo). This knowledge is not really that transferable to small babies unfortunately.

I think that AP most matches how I would like to be as a parent but I feel pretty ignorant about it really. Have read Dr Sears breastfeeding and sleep book and the no cry sleep solution. I found all really helpful. I have a few slings etc but sometimes feel overwhelmed with the amount of advice out there regarding not 'spoiling' my child and also the fact that I don't know any other mothers locally who believe in AP.

any advice or comments?

hi
I agree, it is so hard sometimes to follow your feelings and switch off the outside input.
I found my confidence grew with time and an ability to listen to me as the expert on my own children.
Mixing with like minded people also makes a big difference.
Kate

Thanks Kate,

I met a mum today in Stephen's Green baby feeding area who seemed to be very child focussed and was breastfeeding too which was nice and we swopped numbers...it's gas how easy it is to make friends as a mum! Will keep my radar out for mums with similar approaches and go to some sling meets too.

I found that meeting people through LLL groups and places where likeminded Mums were was a great too.

After moving to the UK I also found friends through LLL and AP groups. Was very nice.