I'm often surprised by how early some people leave their infants OVERNIGHT.
I left my son for the first time overnight when he was 3 and still haven't been away from my almost 2 year old daughter overnight. I think that we are meant to be with our infants. If a mom is breastfeeding, she is naturally connected to her baby. Baby needs HER--not just a bottle.
A related topic is that recent partying of Britney Spears, a mom with TWO young babies. I'm sure she has a nanny, but even if I had all the money in the world I would be home with my newborn baby (at least at night!)
I would like to say the pendulum is swinging back in the other direction as I continue to meet more and more moms who practice attachment parenting, but when I hear stories like these I'm discouraged a bit.
I know of a mom through an online group who took a vacation for more than a week in another country when her baby was only 9 months old. Makes no sense to me...During that first year, they need mama most!
I agree Jan. Some people may think I'm too far on the other extreme, but I won't even leave Bella (9 months) with anyone other than my husband, mother or oldest son (15 years) and that's only long enough for me to take a shower! I turned down an invitation to my niece's baby shower because the invitation didn't include Bella. I can't conceive of leaving her in another country. She's MY baby, I feel like unless it is absolutely necessary (and so far it hasn't been) I should be the one caring for her.
I just hope that precious baby girl is in the care of someone who truly loves her.I pray Danielynn finds her true forever family soon.
Cyn