The Power Of Attachment Parenting

Yesterday morning I witnessed firsthand the overwhelming power of attachment parenting.

Over the past two months Gretchen has been battling a virus which left her with what we now know to be a minor chest infection and an asthma like chronic cough. For the last 21 nights I have been up every night with a coughing babe who couldn't sleep and my heart was just breaking for her. The warm eucalyptus baths before bed, the elevated mattress, the vapourizer, the rosemary oil, the baby massages -- these all helped a little, but nothing could stop the cough. Our doctor said to give it time, but as time went on with no improvements, I scheduled another appointment.

Yesterday morning I took Gretchen back to see our doctor who then ordered a chest x-ray. I took my daughter down to the lab and after a bit of a wait, we were ushered back to meet the nurse. She warned me that "all babies scream bloody murder" when put into the x-ray restraint (which looks like this, if you've never seen one). I was a little nervous as I took Gretchen's onesie off.

To help the nurse put her in the restraint, I held my babe's arms up so that the contraption could be secured around her. I continued to hold her hands to keep her still.

Gretchen stuck her lip out and made the tiniest little whimpering sound.

The nursed stared at me and said "umm... all babies scream in this thing... we actually want them to cry because it gives us a better x-ray," while Gretchen held my hands & looked confused.

The nurse stopped for a moment and waited for the crying to start. Eventually she gave up, shrugged and took the x-rays while Gretchen sat confined & oh so quiet with her little pouty mouth.

As she opened up the restraint I lifted Gretchen by her arms and the nurse took her so I could take off my lead apron -- only then did my kid let out a cry because the nurse had freezing cold hands. Ha.

To me, this is a huge testament to the way that I parent. The attachment parenting philosophies come very easily to me -- even though I sometimes find myself faced with those who disagree with them. I know myself, my family & my daughter -- and I do what I feel is right for us. That moment in the x-ray lab, when Gretchen was expected to feel fear & anxiety, tested the bond between us & proved just how strong a bond it is. At just over nine months of age my daughter must trust me enough to stay calm in a situation where even medical professionals are sure she'll panic. I feel honored to have that trust.

Later in the evening we got a call with the results of the x-ray & a prescription.

Last night, for the first night in TWENTY ONE NIGHTS, we slept. No coughing, no hours of nursing and rocking and walking and sighing. We slept & I'm grateful.

My fingers are crossed that tonight we shall sleep again.

Goodnight.