Carry Me! The Continuum Concept and Babies

by tedgar | More from this Blogger

21 Sep 2009 03:23 PM

Up, mommy! Perhaps your newborn is too small to talk, but if my daughter had been able to talk at one month, I'm sure that's what she would have been saying. She was an enormous fan of being held - a surprise to not-so-cuddly me.

When my daughter was a newborn, I read a book called The Continuum Concept. This book has been lauded by many parents as a valuable addition to their parenting ideas, and it certainly was for me. Jean Liedloff wrote the book as an observation of the culture of indigenous people in the South American jungle. Yes, it does idealize their culture, but it also provides some valuable insights into natural parenting.

What practices does Liedloff advocate?

• A baby needs to be held almost constantly, whether it's with a sling or in arms. Before a baby begins to walk, she has a need to be held and be close to her mother or another caregiver.

• Babies should share a bed with their parents.

• Babies should nurse on cue rather than on a schedule.

• Caregivers need to respond to a baby's needs right away.

• Babies should not be the center of attention. Rather, they should be allowed to observe what is going on as their parents and community members go about their lives.

• Babies are fundamentally social beings, and people should address them as a welcome part of a cooperative community.

When my daughter was a newborn, I read so many parenting books. Mostly I was trying to figure out how I could possibly get her to sleep! I read schedule-centered books and I read attachment parenting books. I read The No Cry Sleep Solution and The Happiest Baby on the Block. Each one helped form my parenting philosophy.

What did I take from the Continuum Concept? The parts that applied best to my North American life were:

• Holding my daughter in a sling - my daughter wanted to be held almost constantly.

• Bed sharing - it was the only way my daughter could sleep, since she was a snuggly kid.

• Relaxing my focus on my baby. I focused on her, but I didn't stress about playing with her all of the time. We baked, we cooked, we went on walks. I talked about what was happening. I felt good, she felt good!

• Creating a community of people around me to support the two of us. In our lives of modern convenience, we often neglect to create connections that support us. As a parent of small children, it's essential to have that support!

Have you followed any of The Continuum Concept's principles? How did they work for you?

Learn more about tedgar

Tricia Edgar is a mom of one lovely daughter. Before her daughter was born, she decided to be guided by the needs of her child, and this led her to attachment parenting philosophies.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Pattie Hughes (7652) 02 Oct 2009 08:21 PM

The Continuum Concept is at the top of my list of favorite books.