AP in Australia/ Elimination Communication.?

Rachael - posted on 09/26/2010

I havnt yet found any networks in victoria which is a bit annoying all though im going to join ABA and they have a bf mums group close by. Im a young mum in 19 ill be 20 in november and i have never really got along or had the same views as people my own age and the ones i do socolise with have no idea why i love AP, quite annoying i cant really discuss anything without being looked down upon.

Geralyn - posted on 09/25/2010

Lucienne (one of the moderators) is from Australia. Are there any AP networks in Australia that you could hook up with?

Rachael - posted on 09/25/2010

Hi Tameka, i am the same im looked down upon for raising my son with AP. i had the same reaction last week about breastfeeding my son how wierd it is since he is to old now and should be on formula. im constantly being told i should formula feed now.. although i have alot of support from my family that really helps.
Sleep from 7to 7...i dont know anyone that sleeps for that long without waking at least once. I just dont see why people think loving your chil is so wrong! oh the thing that got me was a comment the other week a girl said she felt sorry for my son, i hold him to much and will make him into a sook! i was furious!
Thanks for the support its hard to find Aussie AP mums.

Tameka - posted on 09/24/2010

I'm from nsw and I am the only one I know of who does AP. I get lots of criticism from family and I over hear comments as I walk through town (yet my baby never cries while I'm around...). Not even my paediatrician supports me. He told me about a month ago that I should put my daughter to bed at 7pm and only get her out of bed again at 7am the following morning. Still fuming about that. Grandparents from both sides keep telling me to stop BF so much and to give more solids. I even get asked when I'm going to give her a bottle and stop BF altogether (ZOMG!!). Some people I know are even repulsed by the fact that I continue to BF after she turned 6 months. I've found that AP here in Australia is not easily accepted. Well done for being an AP mum!! You are doing what feels right for you and what is right for your baby.

Vicki - posted on 09/24/2010

Rachael you might have details already, but just in case... You can find your local ABA group at www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

Rachael - posted on 09/24/2010

@ Vicki, Hi thanks ill definatly look into it.! its hard not having anyone that knows what AP is and i have been told im raising my son like a text book by following AP..? (said by a mother who would leave her 2month daughter on the floor all day to make her independant...)
It wouldnt be great to have other mums who have the same views. It must just be where i am no one seems to want to breastfeed or have gentle parenting style its all about smacking and CIO here.

@ Lisa, Hi thanks i will definatly being joining that page! I had read a couple places its a bit more of a challenge starting later on with EC, thanks for your tips! we will give it a go if we suceed or not : ) i dont know a whole lot about it and having slowly researching it and definately no expectations since mummy doesnt quite know what she is doing.!
I had seen the Ergo it looked a little bulky but thats the one everyone is saying is fantastic i may have to splash out and invest in one, i had been looking at the breeze baby sling as well, it looks like it would be good in summer you can take it in the shower/ pool and dries quickly.

Thanks Ladies : )

Minnie - posted on 09/24/2010

I'm not from Australia, but I thought this might help you connect with other mamas in your area: on Facebook there is a page called 'Earthy Motherhood.' Lot's of AP going on there, and the person who maintains the page is Australian- and many of the fans are.

I do EC- have since my second was six months old. There are ups and downs, especially when you start with an older baby- it's best to start at birth. I've found that it has made her very aware of her body and at nearly two she is nearly potty independent. Tips- try not to fixate on how many pees and poos you catch. It's a journey for you two. No expectations. And if your son goes through a phase where he DOES NOT want to use the potty or wherever you bring him, it's ok. No big deal. I came up with a sound to associate peeing with and it works really well.

About a carrier- I use and Ergo and it's wonderful. They're a bit pricey, but they're super rugged and distribute weight beautifully.

Vicki - posted on 09/24/2010

I'm in WA and know plenty of AP and breastfeeding Mums. After small boy was born I joined my local
ABA group. I'm also on the forums for Joyous Birth and met fantastic AP mums in real life. There should be both these groups in Melbourne as well. I hope you find some like minded mums, it really makes a difference for me.