because the parent mediates between both for the well-being of the child.
It is Parental Assessment that brings balance to both. Here are some of
the benefits of the PDF approach:
- PDF with Parental Assessment provides tools to recognize and assess
two potential problems with infant feeding: a) A child who feeds often,
such as every hour, may not be getting the rich hind milk. With PA you
not only respond to the cue by feeding the baby, but are alerted to a
potential problem with the feedings. b) When the cue is not present, the
clock serves as a guide to ensure that too much time does not elapse
between feedings. It is also a protective backup for weak and sickly
babies who may not demonstrate the necessary hunger cues. - When the hunger cue is present, the clock is submissive to the cue,
because the hunger cues, not the clock, determine feedings. - In the end, PDF promotes breast-feeding, healthy sleep, and healthy
infant weight gain. So we ask parents to consider which feeding
philosophy makes the most sense? The one where the baby decides? The
one that a clock determines? Or the one that parents assess and direct?
What will it be for you?
Questions for Review
- During this century, what were the two predominant views of
infant management? What did they emphasize? - What is the birth-trauma theory? What does it require from a
mother? - Explain the difference between attachment parenting and the