Our Tits Up guest today is Psychologist, Dr Levita D’Souza, and we are discussing ‘Attachment’ versus ‘Attachment Parenting’ – what do we really know?’

Levita takes us on a really insightful and surprising journey in this episode as we discuss, what is attachment? What impacts attachment and how the label ‘Attachment Parenting’ has been ‘stretched’ to include practices that have nothing to do with attachment.

Being a psychologist and researcher specialising in early life development, you’d reckon she’d have it all ‘down pat’ for her own experiences of motherhood. But there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to a baby and their Mum, and Levita is no exception!

As a specialist in attachment, Levita has experienced many aspects of infant communication including: separation anxiety (yes, it’s almost always normal), crying distress tolerance, the difference between responsiveness and proximity and the cycle of ‘rupture and repair’.

Attachment styles can last a lifetime, so consider your own if you are seeking help.
Pick people who make you feel as safe and secure as you would like your baby to feel.

Dr Levita D’Souza is a Mum of two daughters and a registered counselling psychologist and lecturer within the Faculty of Education at Monash University in Melbourne. She worked in public and private settings before commencing a career in academia. Her research interests are in the area of perinatal psychology, transition to parenthood, and how ways in which we have been parented including our attachment styles influences our parenting practice.  She is also undertaking research on cultural and other influences on parenting choices in relation to infant sleep – in particular cosleeping.

See Levita’s Website: www.psynapsetherapy.com.au