[The following is a condensed version of the first Principle from Attachment Parenting International (API). Learn more about attachment parenting by contacting your local API Leader, listed at the bottom of this page.]

The remarkable journey of new life is a positive, transformative experience. Pregnancy offers expectant parents an opportunity to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for parenthood. Making informed decisions about childbirth, newborn care, and parenting practices is a critical investment in the attachment relationship between parent and child. Education is a key component of preparation for the difficult decisions required of parents and is an ongoing process as each stage of growth and development brings new joys and challenges.

When preparing for the birth of a child, it is easy to get caught up in the material things associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. Tiny infant clothing, the latest maternity fashions, and baby gear can all be part of preparing for a baby, but the lasting investment of preparation involves becoming informed so that you can create a peaceful, loving environment in which to grow, birth, and care for a new life.

Pregnancy Bellycast

Preparing for Pregnancy & Birth

-Reflect on childhood experiences and current beliefs about parenting

-Explore parenting philosophies

-Work through negative emotions surrounding the pregnancy

-Prepare physically for pregnancy; eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, avoid stress when possible

-Explore different types of healthcare providers and birthing options. Consider reading "Ten Questions to Ask" and "Ten Steps" by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (www.motherfriendly.org), and visiting the Baby Friendly Initiative website (www.babyfriendly.org) by UNICEF.

-Recommit to a strong, healthy relationship between expectant parents

-Educate yourself about breastfeeding

-Be alert and physically active during childbirth

-Research all aspects of "routine" newborn care, such as bathing, circumcision, eye drops, blood samples, collecting cord blood, etc. Document your preferences and share them with health care providers.

-Prepare to have extra help in the first few weeks after birth

-Consider a birth and/or postpartum doula (www.dona.org)

-Be prepared with questions to ask should unexpected birth or newborn situations arise

• What are the benefits of this intervention, and what are your instincts telling you?

• What are the risks and possible outcomes if I choose to do this or if I choose not to?

• What are the other options?

• How long do I have to make the decision?

Preparation for Becoming a Parent

-Continuously educate yourself about developmental stages

-Set realistic expectations for both parents and children

-Discuss concerns before they become crises

-Remain flexible!

-Become educated about educational options

-Come to terms with your own childhood, seeking professional help if it involved abuse or neglect

Greater Grand Forks API, North Dakota/Minnesota

Meets the third Sunday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at McSparron Family Chiropractic, 1027 5th St. North Grand Forks (a block south of the Gateway Dairy Queen -- see a map at www.DrMcSparron.com). Topics vary each month, and occasionally the group will meet at a different time or place (e.g. pumpkin patch, Santa's workshop, etc.) so feel free to contact Erin for upcoming meeting information or to receive a monthly newsletter via email with meeting and community information.

Erin & Joshua McSparron 218-779-9984 emcsparron@msn.com

API of Minot www.orgsites.com/nd/apiofminot (information only, no meetings)

John & Christine J. Mehl 701-412-5088 apileader@yahoo.com

API of Moorhead, MN/Fargo, ND www.orgsites.com/nd/api (information only, meetings to start April 2008)

John & Christine J. Mehl 701-412-5088 apileader@yahoo.com