Increasingly Crunchy?

I promise I will get on the Tyson updates and photos too, but one observation I have made of myself since becoming a Mom is that I am becoming slightly more crunchy (read: hippy) more and more each day. I used to think of Attachment Parenting (AP) as a little strange, but I am finding myself following the philosophies without even really knowing it, except for the co-sleeping part.

There are 8 Principles of AP:

1. Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting
2. Feed with Love and Respect
3. Respond with Sensitivity
4. Use Nurturing Touch
5. Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
6. Provide Consistent and Loving Care
7. Practice Positive Discipline
8. Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life

Now, in general most AP moms baby wear. Tyson absolutely loves the sling and he calms and/or falls asleep immediately when he's in it. I'm trying to convince Ryan to wear him too. Depending on what type of carrier we buy, I think I may have him convinced to at least try it, especially when T gets extra fussy. AP moms most often breastfeed and for an extended period of time. When they formula feed, they do so in a way that best mimics the closeness of breastfeeding. Despite our struggles with supply issues, we are still going strong with the breastfeeding at 3 1/2 months. A lot of AP moms also follow baby led weaning, which is a whole different way of feeding a baby and one that I have not quite convinced Ryan to try.

There are some crunchy philosophies that I don't think I will ever follow: the aforementioned co-sleeping and any type of natural childbirth (water birth, hypnobirth, homebirth). The other AP principles will come with time, but other than those two, it seems like a pretty amazing way to raise a happy, healthy and well-adjusted child. Stay tuned.