Natural Parenting on the Rise; Why I Made My Choice

Is this a new fad that will soon die off the way of the dinosaur, or will Natural Parenting become common practice? I can give you a glimpse into my experience to help light your way. My husband and I tried for over 3 years to conceive. We tried fertility drugs, an HSG ( a painful procedure in which the fallopian tubes are flushed to aid in conception) and several other unsuccessful methods.

Frustrated with the lack of results, I began to learn how my body works and use a more natural approach to conception. It amazed me how complex yet easy to read my body is. I started charting my body's clues, and within 6 months had conceived. Deciding I wanted a home birth and non-medical approach to my labor, I began to see an Obstetrician (OB) and a Midwife. I took the prenatal prescribed by the OB, but became anemic, felt lethargic and had extreme morning (afternoon and night) sickness, made worse when they added extra iron to my prescriptions.

My midwife, (a very inspiring mother of 9) recommended that I stop the prenatal and take alfalfa ( a plant-based multivitamin easily absorbed by the body), control my nutrition and drink a specific tea blend of herbs for pregnancy. A little over one week later my anemia was gone, I was getting sick less and had much more energy. Go figure, my mood improved too...

Most people scoff at the idea of using herbs and homeopathy, feeling more comfortable with prescription medications, but most people also don't do any research, they take the prescription, bring it to the pharmacy and take it without considering there could be safer and more cost-effective alternatives.

Parents who choose to take a more natural approach to birthing and raising their children are doing so, not to defy convention, but because they have researched and take a hands-on approach in every aspect of their children's lives. Some of these include; Natural labor, baby-wearing, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, homeschooling, making baby food, purchasing organic, using child-safe bio-degradable products, and informing themselves on important topics such as vaccination.

Most people snickered when I told them I would be having my baby at home, breastfeeding and using cloth diapers. I was told I wouldn't stick with any of it, that "you'll be running to the hospital when the first contraction hits", and " you'll see it's too hard to breastfeed and use cloth diapers, that won't last long." Of course I knew birth would be painful, just like everyone else I've seen the "crazy woman in labor" on TV screaming and threatening her husband's manhood. I knew by breastfeeding that I'd be giving up those much longed-for occasional cocktails, nights of blissful sleep and anything over 2 hours of alone time.

But by sacrificing those things, I've gained so much more. By being fortunate enough to have a healthy pregnancy and normal labor, I was able to give birth where and how I pictured, then snuggle into my own bed without worry of unwanted guests, tests, interruptions or all the germs that a hospital would have exposed my baby to. By breastfeeding I have more bonding time with my daughter, knowing that I'm supplying what she needs to survive on a very basic level and providing her with the best food possible. Of course the potential for weight loss is a perk (laughs) But I digress...

Breastfeeding has become a hot topic in the media recently .( Just in case you've been vacationing under a rock) Its health benefits for both mother and child are many, and still more and being discovered. This is, overall common knowledge. Yet many women are harassed, given the evil eye or even kicked out when breastfeeding their child. I wonder how this has become such an issue in this country. As far as I know, the U.S is the only country that has such issues with it. (Please, correct me if I'm wrong, I strive to provide accurate information)

When choosing a pediatrician, have a consultation with them first. ( Most Doctors don't charge for a consult visit) Find a Doctor that will answer questions and work with you to choose the best treatments for your child. Keep in mind that you are paying the Doctor, they work for YOU and your child, so if you're waiting in the office for an hour or more and the visit only lasts 5 minutes or less and they're rushing you out, it may be in your child's best interest to go elsewhere.

The number one thing I hear over and over again from these parents is that regardless of what you choose for your child be fully informed. Do your research, ask questions, see what best fits with your beliefs and research some more. After all, aren't we supposed to give the best to our kids?