Tests in sleep labs by Dr. James McKenna, PhD showed that co-sleeping babies slept lighter which in itself may protect a baby from SIDS and also showed that babies usually coslept facing their mothers and they communicated during the night matching their breathing patterns giving better quality sleep.

Closeness is also a great benefit during co-sleeping, People who practice attachment parenting spend all day close to their baby and why should it be any different at night. A baby during the day will know mum is there and when cosleeping theres no need for him to cry for mum if shes right there beside them.

Feeding baby is much easier when cosleeping. Babies arent designed to sleep through the night from an early age and need to wake to be fed, a much easier task when baby is right there beside you

It has been said in some reasearch that cosleeping babies are more secure thann babies who are left in the crib and they have lower levels of cortisol, they behave better in school and are more well rounded independent children

Please remember to follow safety guidelines if you choose to co-sleep with your baby

Elimination Communication is a toilet training practice devised to be used on babies from as young as birth. A parent or carer gives cues or looks for signals that the baby wants to eliminate waste.It can be started at birth but is known to be effective on babies of any age.
The goal of Elimination communication is to partially or completely negate the use of nappies and to enable the childs parent or carer to tune into the baby’s inate rhythms and tune in to the need to urinate and defacate
The term Elimination communication was inspired by the nappiless societies of less industrialised countries or hunter gatherer communities

Origins of Elimination Communication

The terms elimination communication and natural infant hygiene were coined by Ingrid Bauer and are both used frequently in her book Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene (2001). Bauer travelled to India and Africa where she noticed mothers carrying nappyless babies on their backs without any elimination accidents. A vast difference to the western culture of using nappies fromb irth and going through the rigmarole of potty training at about the age of 2-3.
Bauer practiced this method with her own children and decided to let people know about it via her book and website earlier publications on this subject were
Conscious Toilet Training, by Laurie Boucke (1979)
Trickle Treat: Diaperless Infant Toilet Training Method, by Laurie Boucke (1991)
Elimination Timing, by Natec (1994)
Infant Potty Training: A Gentle and Primeval Method Adapted to Modern Living, by Laurie Boucke (2000)

How To Do Elimination Communication

There are four main components to Elimination Communication and you generally use all of them at the same time. They are timing, signal, cues and intuition.
Timing
This refers to the timing of the infants need to eliminate. Newborns will urinate every 10- 20 mins whereas when they get to 6 months its not uncommon for them to go an hour without. it also is dependent on when the baby eats and drink. The need to ‘poo’ will vary greatly from child to child.
Signals
Signals are the babys way of ‘informing’ the parent or carer of the need to eliminate. Some babies give clear signals wheras in others the signals may be subtle. Signals include facial expressions, a cry, a sudden fussiness or grunting and passing wind.
Cueing
This is the parent or carers way of ‘telling’ the baby that he/she is in the appropriate place to eliminate, it encourages the 2 way communication of the process and also teaches the baby to associate the cue to the relevant action for example the word ‘pee pee’ or ‘psss’ can be used to encourage urination and a grunting sound could be used when you want the baby to poo.It is helpful when you start to make these sounds while you’re baby is eliminating to help them make the association and help them ‘catch on’.
Intuition
This refers to the parent or carers unprompted thought that the baby may need to eliminate, many say that you are responding subconciously to the cues from the baby, but many parents find this an important componant in Elimination Communication Training.

People who use Elimination communiation may also choose to use nappies , its just the way in which they use them that is different , they may choose to use just in public or just in case, some people only prqactice EC when at hoime.

Advantages of Elimination Communication

Elimination Communication reduces cost as you wont be buying nappies whether disposable or cloth
Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections
Promotes a better bond between parent and child
Reduces the risk of bedwetting in older children
Encourages the development of a trusting relationship with children through communication about a basic human need
Doesn’t require a lot of equipment or supplies.
Conventional toilet training starts with learning to “hold it” while elimination communication starts with learning to “let go.” This can make a big difference in a baby’s perception of elimination and of life in general.
Removes the risk of a conventional potty training struggle later

Disadvantages of Elimination Communication

Elimination communication can be messy whilst you are ‘learning’ your babies cues
Some people regard Elimination Communication as nothing more than very eary potty training, therefore putting undue stress on both parent/carer or child
Elimination Communication can cause frustration between carer and child should the cues and signals not be picked up
There is the privacy issue should your child decide they want to eliminate in a public place
It is difficult to get someone to continue this should you need to leave your child with anyone as they wouldnt understand your child signals and your cues.

Extended breastfeeding lies within the term Attachment parenting and leads a parent nicely into baby led weaning and as is known Baby Led Weaning simply means weaning your child when they are ready rather than following the traditional puree weaning route.

Most paediatricians agree that there is no set number of years that you should breastfeed your child. After one year your milk doesn’t ‘go off’ or pass its sell by date. Breastfeeding a toddler has all the same benefits as breast feeding an infant such as:- beneficial fats, proteins, carbohydrates immune boosters, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and hormones. There is also the fact that breastfeeding a child gives comfort and security for your baby, why shouldn’t you provide that for your toddler as well?

There are a few common misconceptions about extended breastfeeding one of which is that doing this and following baby led weaning leads to co-dependent brats and not independent people how can this be so? A baby who is breastfed until they want to wean is having its needs met. Each child has a different set of needs and will self wean when ready, just like potty training, some babies will take longer to wean that others.

Another myth is that extended breastfeeding is teaching your child how to manipulate. Children and babies cry when their needs need to be met, if they are hungry or in pain it is a nothers natural instinct to feed and comfort. What better way than to offer a breast feed.

Others may say by continuing to give your child access to breast milk after a certain age is somehow spoiling them, another misconception, studies reveal that a baby who is breastfed until self weaned is more secure which, in turn leads to a more independent baby.

Extended breastfeeding may not be for everyone, but no mother should be made to feel guilty or dirty for doing what is essentially best for her child. If you do decide, ignore the questions from others such as “don’t you think she is a little old?” and “when are you going to wean her?” simply enjoy the unique and special bond you have with your toddler.

You need to drink more when you are Breastfeeding

This is untrue, your body is fantastic at regulating its own reserves to keep up your milk supply. You may have been told to drink lots of water when you are feeling your baby but the reality is you only need to drink when thirsty. Drinking slightly above or below the amount your body normally needs is not going to have an advesre effect on your milk supply. However the oxytocin released when feeding your baby may cause you to feel more thirsty.
If you think you may not be drniking enough you can easily tell by the colour of your urine. When you are hydrated your urine should be a pale straw colour and if you are dehydrated the urine will darken and smell stronger.

Myth 2

You can’t drink any alcohol when Breastfeeding

WHO(world health organisation) guidelines change regularly on this but at the moment it is suggested that 1 or 2 units a week of alcohol a week isnt going to be detrimental to your babies health. The w.h.o suggest that what is a safe amount in pregnancy is also safe whilst breastfeeding your baby.
It is a good idea to remember that alcohol enters your bloodstream and breastmilk at different rates and drinking more water resting or ‘pumping and dumping’ wont get rid of it any quicker. Agood idea if you are planning to drink is to feed your baby then have a drink and by the time your baby needs to feed again a few hours later the alcohol level in your milk will have dropped.

Myth 3

You can’t diet whilst breastfeeding

Whilst its unadvisable to follow a strict calorie controlled diet when breastfeeding, theres nothing thast says you cant follow a healthy low fat diet. Losing about 2lb a week shouldnt have any effect on your milk supply. Breastfeeding itself can help you lose the weight you gained whilst pregnant and its also safe to take gentle exercise to help move the pregnancy pounds.

Myth 4

You need to eat more when you are breastfeeding

There is nothing to say you need extra calories when breastfeeding, your body is highly efficient and has layed down fat stores whilst you were pregnant to keep up your nilk supply. It is best to be guided by your appetite as there isn’t a set number of calories you should consume. This varies from person to person depending on body size and activity level.

Myth 5

You can’t drink herbal teas whilst breastfeeding

Most herbal teas are safe to drink whilst breastfeeding as they are made from things you might use in everyday cooking such as fennel, citrus, peppermint and chamomile. However the same cant be said for herbal suppliments, not enough research has been done in this area and the effects on the baby are unknown.

Myth 6

Lots of foods are banned when breastfeeding

This is untrue. all foods in moderation are safe when breastfeeding. Some foods when you eat them may cause your baby to be unsettled and colicky but these foods will be different for every baby. What makes one baby colicky may be perfectly fine for another baby. It is advised that common sense is used when breastfeeding and if you think a food is unsettling you baby then cut that food from your diet to see in symptoms improve and if not move on to another thing yuo think may be causing it. It used to be advised to aviod peanuts whiles breastfeeding but this is no longer the case. If there isn’t a history of peanut allergy in your family then it is safe to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet

Breastfed babies are at less risk from:-
gastro-intestinal infection

respiratory infections

necrotising enterocolitis

urinary tract infections

ear infections

allergic disease (eczema and wheezing)

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

sudden infant death syndrome

childhood leukaemia.

Not to forget Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child allowing you to be both more physically and emotionally close to your baby

Babies that are breastfed for the first 6 months have better neurological development than bottlefed babies.

Other studies that have been carried out suggest breastfed babies are at less risk of certain diseases in later life these include:-

cardiovascular disease

multiple sclerosis

acute appendicitis

tonsillectomy

Breastfeeding isn’t only beneficial to the baby, mums benefit too the benefits for mum include a lower risk of:-

breast cancer

ovarian cancer

hip fractures and bone density

rheumatiod arthritis(in later life, although more research is needed is this area

Breastfeeding mothers also regain theuir pre-pregnancy figure much quicker than bottlefeeding mums

Constant physical contact with its mother(or other well known caregiver.)
co-sleeping.
Breastfeeding on demand.
being carried in arms or other caiier whilst adult goes about day to days tasks.
cries being immeadiately responded to without judgement or displeasure.

In contrast to this babies in the modern western world usually experience:-

Traumatic seperation from mother at birth due to medical intervention and placed in a crib in a ward with other crying newborns.
scheduled feeding.
sleeping alone after crying it out.
Caregiver belittling or punishing crying.
being excluded from day to day activities by being placed in a crib, cot or playpen.

It is said that children whose continuum needs are fulfilled during the early, in-arms phase grow up to have greater self-esteem and become more independent than those whose cries go unanswered for fear of “spoiling” them or making them too dependent.

Baby carriers fall into 4 basic categories, wrap around slings, pouches and ring slings, mei tais and soft structured carriers. There is an overwhelming choice within these categories and parents can often find themselves addicted to trying out new slings!

The wrap around sling is by far the most versatile type of carrier, and can either be stretchy or woven. They are long pieces of material which are wrapped and tied around the baby and parent. Stretchy wraps are easiest to use and are a great starting point with newborns. Once your baby is older and heavier it is best to move onto a woven wrap as they are far more supportive.

They can be quite difficult to master and can be used in a variety of different carrying positions on the front , hip and back. You tube has a wealth of instruction videos posted by parents to help you learn how to wrap. Its best to try and master one carrying position before moving onto the next, most parents find the front wrap cross carry to be a good place to start.

Popular manufacturers or wraps include, Kari-me, Moby, Calin Bleu, Hoppediz, Didymos, Girasol, Ellaroo, Ellevill, Lana and Storchenwiege.

The Mei Tai, also known as Asian Style Carriers, consists of a shaped piece of fabric to hold the baby’s body with long straps at the top to tie around the adult and a strap at the bottom that ties around the waist. It’s a very versatile carrier that’s easy to master, it can be used from newborn to toddler and on the front or back.  Manufacturers of Mei Tais include Babyhawk, Napsack, Joey Sling, Kleinsmekker, Bamberoo and Beanslings to name a few! Lots of companies also offer custom Mei Tais for you to choice your perfect carrier or you can have a woven wrap converted into an Asian Style Carrier. The possibilities are endless.

Soft Structured Carriers are very similar to Mei Tais, but instead of long fabric straps to tie around the body the straps have buckles that clip into place. They are excellent carriers that evenly distribute the weight of the baby across the adults hips and shoulders and often have a very comfortable padded or structured waist. They are great for quick up and down carries and can be used from around 4 months well into toddlerhood.  They come in a range of styles from plain fabrics suited to dads to beautiful custom designs. Manufactures include, Ergo, Manduca, Connecta, Sleepy Nico, Calyx, Patapum, Babyhawk Oh Snap, Angelpack and Beco Butterfly.

Pouches are only long circle of fabric which is worn across the body like a sash and creates a pouch for your baby to sit in. They are made to fit the wearer and it is important to get the right size for your body, it is unlikely that parents would be able to share the carrier. They come in a variety of different fabrics and patterns and can be used from newborns to toddlers. They fold up really small or perfect to fit in your changing bag when out and about. Popular manufactures include Hotsling, Peanut Pouches and Rockin Baby.

A Ring Sling is one long piece of fabric with two rings at one end in which the other end of fabric is threaded through to create a circle. Unlike the pouch the ring sling is very adjustable so can be worn by both parents. They can be used from newborn to toddlers in a variety of positions on the front hip or back. The rings of the carrier sit just below one shoulder which places all the weight on one side which may be uncomfortable for long periods of times. Ring slings come in a wealth of fabric and colour choices and you can even convert a lovely woven wrap into a Ring sling. Many woven wrap manufacturers also produce Ring slings such as Didymos, Hoppediz and Storchenwiege.

Do not co-sleep with your baby if :-

You have had any alcohol,drugs or medication- It is important to have nothing impairing your judgement and your ability to ‘feel’ your babies presence in the bed.

Do not use adult sized duvets or bedding- Any type of bedding or pillow poses a sufocation risk to your baby so is to be avioded. You should dress both yourself and the baby warm but not too warm and cover yourself to the waist if needed with a light sheet keeping the baby as high up as you can away from it. Overheating is also a risk with you use of adult bedding this is why its also suggested that the bedding be removed from your bed should you choose to co sleep.

Do not allow your baby to co-sleep with another child or pet-The person most likely ‘in tune’ with the baby is the mother, anyone else might not have the same sense of presence

Make sure there are no spaces or cracks your baby can roll into- This one is pretty self explanatory if theres a gap between the bed abd the wall or the headboard and bed this is a safety risk

Do not smoke- The fumes you continually breathe out as a smoker are a proven facor in increasing  the risk of SIDS . Co-sleeping puts your baby in even closer proximity to these fumes.

Don’t co-sleep if you are exhausted-you are lesss likely to ‘feel’ you baby

Making Co-sleeping safer

Co-sleeping can be made safer by following these tips:-

Place the baby between the parents or between the mother and a bedrail.

Consider creating more space using a cosleeper crib or attaching the cot to the side of the bed sidecar fashion.

Dress youself and the baby warm enough that you dont need blankets.

Fill in all gaps and crevices where baby can fall

Use a bed rail to eliminate the risk of baby falling off the bed

If baby is sleeping between parents consider using a ’safe sleeper’

disclaimer- this is based on research ive done myself and read please be sure to research what is a safe sleeping environment for your family

• Babies who are worn cry less: Research has shown that the more babies are held the less they cry.  In western cultures we are led to believe crying is the norm, but crying realises stress hormones which can be damaging to the babies long term development. In other cultures where baby wearing and co-sleeping is the norm it is noted that babies only cry for minutes throughout the day as opposed to hours in western society.

• Good for development: If babies spend less time fussing they have more time to learn from their environment.  A baby worn in a sling will have more social interaction and stimulation, a baby in a pushchair spends most of its time looking at people’s legs! Slinging is also great for emotional development as the baby will grow up feeling secure and attached to his mother.

• Great way for dads to bond:  Dads may often feel left out if mum is the primary care giver and breastfeeding. Slinging is a great way for dads to bond with their babies and experience closeness.

• Healthy for mums: Not only is slinging a great way to exercise but it is also great for emotional well being. Increased interaction and closeness with the baby will help mums overcome feelings of depression and baby blues.

If you want to have your labour and birth to be as least like a medical procedure as possible then hypnobirthing may be for you! the concept is based on the work of DR Grantly Dick-Reid author of the book Childbirth without fear.

It is possible to practice hypnobirthing in a hospital setting for that ‘just in case’ peace of mind should intervention or a c-section be necessary.

Hypnobirthing is deeply relaxing and effective and allows your body and mind to work in harmony just as nature intended. There is far more to it that just self-hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Its about empowering both mum and her birth partner to feel in control and relaxed

Hypnobirthing eliminates the fear-tension-pain syndrome associated with childbirth both pre and during labour allowing the mums muscles to relax therefore crating a more comfortable labour.

using the relaxation techniques and positive mindsets can significantly reduce the need for chemical pain relief, reduce fatigue in the first stage of labour and in some cases reduce the length of the first stage of labour.

How its done

The mother and birth partner learn and utilise specific breathing and deep relaxation techniques. Self hypnosis is also learned to acheive an altered state of conciousness

The mum will be alert but deeply relaxed interpreting her contractions as sgtreching , pressure or numbness rather than the conventional thouht of labour pains. The ability of the mum to enter this deeply relaxed state enables the pelvic musckles to relax and open to let the baby pass through more easily