"She doesn't actually NEED me, she just WANTS me..."
"She doesn't actually NEED me, she just WANTS me..."
What's the difference in the eyes and heart of a baby?
Mama, you are your baby's world. Her Northern Star. The centre of her universe.
Babies have simple needs - they need food, warmth, shelter... But they also need love and touch.
They need security - to know that someone will come if they call, in the night when it's dark and scary as well as in the daylight.
To know that they are safe. It's easy to forget how big this world must seem to a small baby - they need to know that they won't get lost or forgotten.
So with all this considered, I'd say she actually does need you. And want you. And that's okay. That's normal. And that won't last forever.
So rather than denying or fighting that need - indulge it. Meet it without guilt. Build that relationship of trust and security with her now, so that when she is old enough that she doesn't actually need you in that way anymore... She will know in her heart that her mama will always be there for her, no matter what.
Georgina Dowden is a mother, midwife and lactation consultant (IBCLC).
In her day to day life, she looks after her two beautiful children and also supports other families on their parenting journey.
If you would like to get in touch for breastfeeding or sleep/settling support, please email:
Skype/FaceTime consultations available OR home visits if you live in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
