Natural Birth

Multiple sources define "natural parenting" in slightly different ways. Having read several of them, I think of natural parenting like this: It's a way of nurturing and relating to your child that maximizes his or her inherent strengths and abilities as well as your own. Rather than looking to outside sources to protect, educate, or endoctrinate your child, it asks that we first look within at our own physical, mental, and spiritual resources. It's a form of self-empowerment that usually turns out to be physically healthier as well. While it doesn't condemn mainstream society, it does encourage free thought, and it gives children the right to claim their own voices, ask questions, and forego traditional wisdom when they sincerely believe it to contradict what they know to be best for themselves.

In my opinion, the following list sums up general characteristics of natural parents and their children:

1. We take a holistic approach to health care and are well-versed in alternative medicine. Even though we sometimes deem medical doctors necessary, we support natural childbirth, resist mandatory vaccination, and use a combination of healthy eating, gentle exercise, meditation, supplementation, and alternative therapies to treat and prevent most illnesses.

2. We practice green-living and enjoy spending time outdoors.

3. We build a family-like network with people who may or may not be related to us by blood. As a result, we frequently volunteer at community events and invite others into our homes. We may plan regular gatherings and open community centers or non-profits. When we travel, we typically make a point to connect with the locals instead of sticking to tourist attractions that could appear anywhere.

4. We have a deep appreciation for music, literature, and art. We encourage our families to create.

5. We take a non-traditional approach to education and home school our children or send them to private schools that reflect our personal philosophies.

6. We have a deep sense of spirituality; however, it's typically too rebellious for the confines of organized religion.

For more information about natural parenting, explore the links below.

Natural Childbirth

The Vaccination Question

The Big Push for Midwives

Mothering.com

Birthing Right Midwifery

Bradley Classes with Rachel Lieberman

A note about these links: As both a parent and school teacher, I understand the vastness of daily choices that we make in regard to the lives of young people without really knowing which are for the best. We do what we can, and then pray to whatever God we know about the rest. However, I personally believe with all my heart that two of the most important things we can do for our kids is to keep drugs out of their precious systems, especially when they are vulnerable and young. That is why I support natural childbirth and, at a minimum, delayed vaccination. Despite deep-seated cultural norms that tell us otherwise, there is NO hard evidence that either of these standard medical procedures actually benefits the child. However, there is MEDICAL EVIDENCE that avoiding both of these procedures improves their physical health. I believe that clear minds result from healthy bodies, so, hopefully, my simple choices regarding my kids' early health will give them the foundation they need to live strong adult lives and bounce back from any damage that anyone, including me, may do along the way.