Parenting

Breastfeeding- an early learning and montessori perspective

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The first montessori book I read, although a bestseller,was unfortunately not written by Maria Montessori herself. I remember pausing at a paragraph that suggested solids be started for the infant at 3 months, and they be completely weaned off breastfeeding by 9 months.

Disclaimer- I have been asked time and again, if breastfeeding helps in early learning in any way and if it is, montessori. This article is a result of the ensuing research and reflection, for World Breastfeeding Week. The intention of this post is to initiate conversations on breastfeeding for WBW, which is why only this is mentioned in great detail.

The maternal duty of suckling her own children, prescribed to mothers by hygienists, is based on a physiological principle: the mother’s milk nourishes an infant more perfectly than any other.

Maria Montessori

A simple Google search will give any of us the gigantic list of benefits breastfeeding has, for both, the mother and child- physically and emotionally.… Click to read the rest

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The true needs of a newborn- Montessori from birth

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Somewhere in my last month of pregnancy, I started making a list of things the newborn and I would need. As I reflected on the needs of my soon to be newborn,  I realized that we focus on the commercial mundane. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the true needs of a baby that help her adjust to the environment easily. More of a montessori baby essential checklist.

1.Nourishment

I believe that a child comes into the world with the belief that an external uterus that takes cares of her nourishment, exists. Breastmilk be provided within the golden hour and as and when required.
Side note- Close proximity of the mother and child, helps both of them.

2.Order

A newborn is still relating to the environment around her and adjusting to it. It is important that there is an order in her environment. A particular place for feeding, a diaper station, a place to sleep, etc.… Click to read the rest

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Sibling arrival and preparing my first born

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I’ve been asked this often enough and I finally managed to list all the things we did to prep V. a fresh threenager, for the arrival of her sibling. Whether you have a biological baby, or a heart baby, I hope this round-up helps you.

Prepare ourselves

The first thing we had to come to terms with, was accept that there were going to be awkward questions, funny moments and a lot of firsts. My husband and I had to agree to be on the same page, and promise ourselves that we were always going to give V the truth in an age-appropriate manner.

Involve the child

V threading the munari

Although we were advised to wait until 3 months to tell V, the little tyke figured out there was a baby in Amma’s tummy after the very first hospital visit. There were some tangible ways V was involved in the pregnancy.… Click to read the rest

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