so true

I had to smile and nod my head while reading the latest post in a blog I read titled Natural/Attachment Parenting is for the Lazy. Yes, I said it.

It is so true!  Laziness definately played a part in my parenting style.  The only thing on that list which doesn't apply to me is the cloth diapers, I have to admit I did use disposable for all 3 of my kids.  But the breastfeeding, co-sleeping and baby-wearing were all me.  And I found it increased with each child.  By the time Leah came around she was in the carrier and then sling for her first year, and I slept with her almost every night in the spare bed in her nursery (formally the spare room, how handy).

I was fortunate to have no problems at all with breastfeeding, all 3 of my children were exclusively breastfed for a full 6 months, and then we continued well past the one year mark.  I weaned Kyle around 14 months.  When Jillian was born I decided I would let her decide when to wean...and 26 months later she was FINALLY ready.  Leah I also let self-wean, she lasted 19 months.  I have had so many friends and family comment over the years about what a trooper I am, super-mom, etc for not using bottles and extended breastfeeding.  And I've had the same response over and over again...it was so much easier than the alternative!  Yes, I am a fan of the benefits of breastfeeding and I'm very happy I had no problems.  But it also came down to laziness, rolling over in the middle of the night is so much easier than making bottles.  Nursing Jillian for 3 minutes in the evening at age 2 and having her go straight to sleep was so much easier than listening to an hour of crying.  Wearing Leah in the sling meant I was able to volunteer in Jillian's kindergarten classroom, take the kids to the park during Leah's naptime, and attend evening parent council meetings at the school without worrying about Leah screaming because I'm not at home holding her.  And co-sleeping for me was born purely out of wanting to get back to sleep, laying down with Kyle was the only way for me to get sleep so that's what I did. 

Now I have a 10 year old, 6 year old and 3 year old who go to sleep without any problem (for the most part), and spend the whole night in their own beds sleeping peacefully.  It almost makes me forget the 9 years of never having more than 3 hours of consecutive sleep.