I'm a Natural Parent - BUT...

Welcome to the "I'm a Natural Parent - BUT..." Carnival

This post was written for inclusion in the carnival hosted by The Artful Mama and Natural Parents Network. During this carnival our participants have focused on the many different forms and shapes Natural Parenting can take in our community.

***

Hours old and never out of our sight.

 I have written before that I hate labels, mostly because they are limiting. No matter what the label is people have certain ideals that they think are inclusive of that label. I believe this to be true for just about all labels; political, racial, social and of course parenting labels. My parenting style is very much in line with principles of Natural Parenting but there are no rules as to exactly how that is carried out. What does that say about my parenting?

To me natural parenting is doing what feels natural to us as a family. It is about parenting with love, gentleness, care, and consideration. If I don't follow all the stereotypes that are considered to be a part of natural parenting, am I less natural as a parent?

Sunday Surf - Mixing It Up

Barbie and McDonald’s Happy Meal Disaster

PhD in Parenting shares how Barbie and McDonald's are sending some is sending some pretty nasty messages to girls. 

Speaking Up For Those Who Can't

Up, Down & Natural Shares how she took a stand for a Breastfeeding mom. 

I have to say she's pretty great!

The Perfect Placenta 

Job Description: Mommy shares so awesome info on the placenta. 
Not to mention some pretty cool pics.

Things To Prepare For A Homebirth

Dairy of a First Child shares some tips preparing for a homebirth. 

Someday I will have a Homebirth.  :)

Labor, Birth, and Babies Sunday Surf

Positions For Labour And Childbirth

An awesome post by Diary of a First Child, it makes me wish I  had pushed for a natural birth even more, it rocks. The pictures are by Joni Rae of Tales of a Kitchen Witch, they are so amazing, they should seriously be in a birthing book! (hint, hint to anyone writing a birthing book)

Trusting My Body: Ailia’s Birth Story

A beautiful birth story by Code Name: Mama.  An unexpected, unassisted, home birth.
(My dream birth)

Alrik's birth story: Sweet surprise unassisted home water birth 

Hobo Mama shares an awesome home water birth. 

(Another dream birth)

I did not Birth a Syndrome

Momma Jorge has a beautiful post on how she overcame the idea of birthing a syndrome rather then a beautiful baby.  I love how she inspires me to look beyond the physical and really look inward.