Attachment parenting.  Extreme parenting. Extended breastfeeding.  Babywearing.  Cosleeping.  Cloth Diapering. What do you think of when you hear those words or phrases?  Do you hear positive words or negative phrases?  It all depends on how you parent I suppose.  I will tell you both sides of my story. Child #1 - Parenting Age - 29:  When my son was born I still considered myself a fairly young parent even though I know I was older than most of you when you had your first child.  I lived in a rural town and didn't have a lot of friends with children.  I knew from the beginning of my pregnancy that I wanted to 'try' to breastfeed my son for at least the first few months.  I was working full time and had no friends or family who I knew that breastfed.  My OBGYNs office didn't provide me with any guidance on whether to breastfeed or offer my child formula but they did give me free samples of formula.  In the hospital I struggled with breastfeeding but the lactation specialist and ... [ Read More ]