Parenting out of fear

Love > Fear ?

Is anyone else tired of being told to do things that don't feel right for the fear that your kids wont turn out?

"You have to let your baby cry it out for his own good..."
"A person's sleep habits are determined by seven months..."
"You'll never get to have sex with your husband as long as you co-sleep..."
"Don't let your baby fall asleep while nursing, being rocked, sang to, or any other pleasurable activity..."

Where is the fun in parenting?  No wonder us moms complain so much.  While all the magazines talk about how poor stressed out moms are making it why are we depriving ourselves of the joys of having a baby because of fear?  Can't we just love our kids anymore?

If we honestly love our kids and honestly communicate with them when they need to learn a lesson don't you think they have a fighting chance?  Instead of looking for solutions we can BE the solution our children need.

EC Clothes

Having clothing for your baby that comes off easily and quickly makes ECing much more enjoyable.  Trying to wrestle your baby out of overalls, or an outfit of pants, onesie and diaper can take a long time.  In the winter you need to make sure your baby is warm but if possible try looking at these options for clothes.

Gowns

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117398270/hand-appliqued-personalized-infant-baby?
I loved these, all you need with it is a pair of socks.  You can even add a pair of leg warmers too if you like.

Leg Warmers

Here is a great tutorial on making your own: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/baby_leg_warmers_aka_baby_legs

Wool Longies

http://www.etsy.com/listing/118287828/custom-upcycled-wool-longies?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=wool+longies&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
You can make these yourself or order them custom made for the same price as a diaper cover!  Wool is amazing - you can use it as a diaper cover, or on its own when making the transition to diaper free.  They can be used as a cover (dried between each wetting) until they start to smell.  I've never actually waited that long to clean mine, I usually let them be used around 5 times.  I do think lanolizing is pretty darn neat, it aids a lot with wicking!  It is especially great when you get a scented lanolin like blueberry.  :)

Resources that I've actually used and recommend

My favorite site for EC help: http://theinfantpottytrainingsite.blogspot.com/

This EC site has some great forums and help but takes a little longer to navigate: http://tribalbaby.org/http:/tribalbaby.org/category/elimination-communication
This site is vast - you can find EC shops, you can buy used from other mothers in the forums, there is a ton to look at.  I recommend only coming here when you have a bit of time on your hands to really get into it.

If you are having a boy, are Christian, and considering circumcision take a look at this: http://www.udonet.com/circumcision/christian.html

Newborn cries translated: http://robin.hubpages.com/hub/Why_is_my_baby_crying
For us this was amazing.  We really only were able to hear the hungry precry but this is so useful!

Education for your child: http://www.toolsofthemind.org/extendedcampus/toolsofthemind/