Natural Parenting

The fundamentals of natural parenting are following your maternal instincts and respecting the child’s emotional and physical well-being, developing and enjoying a strong bond between parents and child. They are advocates of breast-feeding, due to its health and other benefits, and consider nursing acceptable whenever the baby demands it (rather than working towards scheduled feedings.) The natural parent does not agree with weaning until the child is ready (known as “child-led weaning.”) This often means breast-feeding well beyond babies first year.

A natural parent strives to eat nutritiously, during and after pregnancy. The mother, desiring a natural birth, may decide on home-birthing if it is possible, or request to room-in if the delivery is at a hospital. The health and well-being of the baby is of utmost importance when in the womb. As the child goes from breast-feeding to the introduction of solid food, the natural parent is concerned with offering the healthiest food choices.

                                                                                                Natural parents usually strive to have a stay-at-home parent because of the positive affects this has on the child’s happiness and comfort. They do not agree with the idea of spoiling, but feel you cannot give your children too much attention. This style of parenting believes in respecting the child as an individual and not attempting to control their children. These parents are so devoted, they prefer not to utilize baby-sitters, being inseparable with their child.

Natural parenting has been referred to as instinctive parenting and also attachment parenting. Attachment parenting is a natural parenting style which believes in the importance of parent and child bonding. Bed-sharing - baby wearing, in a carrier/sling - consistent focus on the child’s physical and emotional well-being, including; frequent VERBAL, i.e., singing, talking and SENSORY, i.e., massage, reading,