Thursday, October 22, 2009

Support and Acceptance

It is human nature to desire to be different....yet, it is also human nature to conform. We want to have our individuality, but we want to have people that agree with us and support us. Women, especially, have an emotional need for support and acceptance. That is why women like to go shopping together, have social gatherings, gab with others, blog, etc. Women like to have a group of women that will listen to and agree with all their joys and woes. Sometimes blogging can satisfy this desire. Sometimes, you really need a group of women that are there for you in real life.

I guess I have been feeling a little discouraged lately. (It happens every now and then...I like to blame it on hormones, because it is an excuse that my husband seems ready to accept.) I have surpassed my human desire to be different. I am definitely my own unique person. I have broken societal norms and I haven't looked back. But, even without looking back, I am looking around and feeling very lonely.

Where are all the mothers, young and old, that are passionate about pregnancy? About natural childbirth (including *gasp* unassisted birth)? About breastfeeding, even into toddler hood? About baby wearing? About not vaccinating? About not circumcising? About bed sharing? Are these all lost arts? What is wrong with just leaving things simple? Why are there so many people who think it is wrong to be a "crunchy" parent? I am continually trudging through the crowd of all those who think I am doing things wrong.

I don't want to be a hypocrite. I am often verbal about what is wrong with other parenting styles. (Usually after I feel attacked...which is probably more perceived and less real.) But science is giving more and more support in saying that natural parenting habits are actually BETTER than the parenting styles that have become more mainstream. How can there still be so many people that are completely ignorant about this? How can there still be so many people who blatantly reject this? Parents have become lazy. They don't want to learn, they don't care to learn. They choose to rely on "experts" instead of scouring for the knowledge themselves. Is there anything wrong with being self sufficient in more ways that growing your own vegetables?

What is wrong with being a "crunchy" mom? And if there is nothing wrong with it, why are naturally minded mothers lacking support? And why aren't more mothers delighting in the knowledge and ability to be an intuitive mother?

Bring back the art of mothering! Listen to your body. Listen to your babies and children. If they want to be held, hold them! If they want to nurse at your breast, nurse them! Keep them close, day and night. Protect their health, their bodies, their minds. Women are strong. Women were divinely created to be mothers. Our bodies were created to give birth without complications or trauma. Our bodies were made to nourish our children. Our hearts have the ability to love and to cherish our children, and give them exactly what they need. There is such great joy in simple mothering. It is an art that has nearly been lost in the Western culture. Bring back the art of mothering!

6 comments:

Jenni said...

http://brightonwoman.blogspot.com/2007/02/why-is-modern-society-so-backwards.html
published when my baby was a month old. :)
You are definitely not the only one.

Jenni said...

or this one
http://brightonwoman.blogspot.com/2008/03/intervening-with-nature-and-bringing.html

:)

Mimi Collett said...

While I don't qualify as a crunchy mom, I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with you being one! :) You are an amazing mother, and Bug is a lucky guy to have you!

Jennifer said...

I don't feel like you're alone! I think there are lots of crunchy moms! Or at least I feel like I know quite a few! I'm excited to be a mom.. sorry though, not sure about unassisted birth, haha! Maybe after my first when I'm feeling more comfortable!

Oh, and I showed you osme linky love in my post today! :)

vanessa said...

Yes I love this LISTEN to yourself!!

Heather@Women in the Scriptures said...

Amen!!!!! I feel this way too sometimes. It is hard to live passionately, but very worth it. I've come to realize though, that lots people don't actually think I'm as weird as I think that they do. :)