Baby has been earth-side for three weeks now! Wow! While the days might feel long, the weeks are flying by! You’re three weeks into the fourth trimester, or what Montessori called the Symbiotic Period. At this stage you and baby are two separate bodies but who still very much need one another.
Building Attachment & Developping Eyesight
Baby continues to build attachment and confidence in this world that is still new to him. This is done through many things: touch, responding to baby’s needs, as well as interacting with him. You may already be doing this spontaneously, but talking to baby, singing to him and reading out some of your favourite stories, allows them to be soothed by your voice. You can also give your baby massages. With baby n°1 I joined a mama-baby massage group. This allowed me to be in contact with other parents while learning some neat baby massage tips.
Much like last week, baby’s eyesight is continuing to improve: he can see objects up close quite clearly but only sees in black and white. If you notice that baby’s starting to track movements, you can begin introducing the Munari mobile, if you haven’t already.
Out and About
If you like to go for walks or want to move easily around the house without having to worry about baby, here’s something that worked well for me: baby-wearing. I loved using a baby wrap carrier. Not only does it allow me to keep little one close, it’s comforting for the both of us, and it was so useful for me to get things done, get places, and baby slept really well.
If you’re using a Montessori topponcino, don’t hesitate to take it with you when you’re going somewhere (eg. visiting family). Remember that it creates a secure and familiar environment for your little one, especially when they’ll be held by others or be placed down in a new environment.
Feeding, feeding & more feeding
Another thing you *may* notice around this time, is that baby’s feeding a lot more. I know it can feel like it’s never-ending and that it may feel like that’s all your doing with your days: feeding baby. It’s likely that he’s going through a growth spurt, and therefore needs a lot of energy. It can be exhausting, but it’ll pass soon. Again, don’t hesitate to ask for support around you if you need it.
How have you been feeling this week? What’s been a highlight so far? What have you been struggling with?
Would you like more out of this blog series? I’m inviting you to join “The Audio Diary“, a private podcast, in which you can have an exclusive look, week-by-week for an entire year, into how a Montessori expert and mother navigates creating intentional spaces for baby, integrating Maria Montessori’s philosophy, while experiencing normal parenting challenges.
