The Benefits of Home Birthing, Peaceful Environments, Co-Sleeping, & Natural Remedies for Children’s Well-Being
Introducing Our Newest Sprout!
We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Río, who is now 3 months old! Our hearts are overflowing with love as we embrace this beautiful journey of parenthood, wrapped in a blissful postpartum bubble.
We believe that there is plenty of space for society (and especially those of us challenging its norms) to rethink what we consider "normal" about pregnancy and birth. We are advocates for reclaiming our medical sovereignty and peace by returning to our roots and the varied, ancestral practices of home birthing.
It’s about regenerating our sacred rites of passage and taking control of how we birth our children.
The choices parents make during the early stages of their child's life, from the birthing process to the environment they create at home, can profoundly influence their emotional, physical, and mental health. Home birthing, a peaceful atmosphere, co-sleeping, and the use of natural remedies all contribute to a nurturing and supportive upbringing.
This article represents our opinion, based on our own experience. We invite you to read with an open heart and mind.
Each woman and baby is different, and I was open to birthing in the hospital if there was a medical emergency. However my plan A was home birthing in a blissful, meditative, yoga dance journey, with the finale in a warm birthing pool. I envisioned this for the month leading up the the birth and worked out using my birthing ball, practicing postures to encourage the baby to come head head first and exploring other ways to get more comfortable for birth.
I was blessed to have a baby who worked with me in the home birth as I meditated through the waves of contractions.
As I prepared for a natural home birth, I reached out to four incredible birthkeepers for their guidance and insights. They also joined us for a webinar in our Regenerative Living Webinar series, which I’m excited to share with you!
Lauren Love @wombrewilded Helping Women take control of Their Fertility, Naturally, Natural Birth Control Pioneer, Birth Keeper, linktr.ee/wisewomenschoice
Katie McCormick- Murphy, @bloomlikeamother_Catholic Mama to Four🤍 Home birth support. Homemaking. Homeschooling.👇🏼postpartum, Author of “ 40 Days Book”
Wies & Amanda, @salud_salvaje @hermanas.madres @tambores.semilla Birth Keepers, Herbalists, Mothers & Farmers.
When I was pregnant I read the following books to help me prepare for home birthing and postpartum:
Birth Matters: A Midwife's Manifesta (2011) - Gaskin discusses the importance of midwifery care, advocating for women’s rights in childbirth and the value of personal experiences in the birth process.
Spiritual Midwifery (first published in 1975) - A classic in the field that combines personal stories with insights on natural childbirth and the role of spirituality in the birthing process.
The journey into parenthood is a profound experience, punctuated by choices that shape the early years of a child's life. Increasingly, families are embracing home birthing, creating peaceful home environments, co-sleeping, and using natural remedies. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that these practices can have significant positive impacts on a child's development and well-being.
These practices foster secure attachment, emotional resilience, and a sense of safety that can support children throughout their development. As they grow, the benefits of these early choices will resonate, shaping their identities and relationships for years to come. In prioritizing a holistic approach to parenting, families can cultivate a foundation of well-being that supports both the child and the parents on their journey together.
Home Birthing: A Personal and Intimate Experience
Home birthing allows families to welcome their child into the world in a familiar, comfortable setting. One of the key advantages is the ability to tailor the birth experience to the family's preferences, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with hospital environments.
A calm and relaxed atmosphere during birth can contribute to a smoother delivery and create a strong bonding experience for parents and their newborn. Also, studies have shown that home births, when attended by skilled midwives, can be as safe as hospital births for low-risk pregnancies. This reassurance allows for a more naturally occurring birth process, which can positively influence the child’s immediate health.
The Power of a Peaceful home Environment
Creating a peaceful environment at home is essential for both the parents’ and the child’s well-being. Postpartum, a serene atmosphere promotes healing and emotional stability, enabling parents to nurture their newborn effectively. Calming surroundings help reduce stress hormones in adults, creating an environment where love and connection can flourish. We decided to adhere to the the traditional cuarentena that most Latin American families follow, where we did not go out or socialize outside of essential trips. We had a few close friends drop off meals or share songs with us.
For children, early exposure to a tranquil home can foster security and emotional well-being. Babies are highly sensitive to their surroundings; a peaceful home helps them feel safe, allowing them to explore their world at their own pace. Furthermore, quieter environments can contribute to better sleep patterns, which are vital for a child’s physical and cognitive development.
Co-Sleeping: Bonding and Safety
Co-sleeping, where parents and infants sleep in close proximity, is a practice with roots in many cultures around the world. It offers several benefits, including fostering secure attachment and facilitating breastfeeding at night. The physical closeness helps babies feel safe and loved, which is crucial for healthy emotional development.
Research indicates that co-sleeping can enhance parents’ awareness of their baby's needs, leading to quicker responses to cries and discomforts. Over time, this can contribute to emotional security, better sleep, and even improved developmental outcomes for the child.
However, it is important for parents to create a safe co-sleeping environment to minimize any risks. This includes ensuring a firm mattress, removing pillows and blankets, and being mindful of sleep positions.
Embracing Natural Remedies
In an age where many parents are seeking alternatives to conventional medicine, natural remedies have gained popularity. These can range from herbal teas to homeopathic treatments and essential oils. Integrating natural remedies into a child's routine can promote holistic wellness and reduce dependence on pharmaceutical interventions.
Natural remedies often focus on preventative care and nurturing the immune system, which is particularly important in early childhood when the body is developing. For example, gentle herbal teas can be soothing for digestion, and essential oils (applied safely) like lavender can promote relaxation and sleep.
Additionally, many natural remedies align with a holistic approach to parenting that considers not just physical health, but emotional and psychological well-being. Encouraging children to connect with nature through outdoor play and natural healing can instill a sense of environmental awareness and respect for the world around them.
A few of the Herbs that most supported me during pregnancy and post-partum:
Herbs for Postpartum & Pregnancy Support
Herbs can play a significant role in supporting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Here’s a brief overview of some beneficial herbs that proved especially supportive to me:
1. Fennel: Known for its digestive properties, fennel can help alleviate gas and bloating postpartum. It’s also thought to support milk production in nursing mothers, making it a popular choice for enhancing lactation.
2. Stinging Nettle: A nutrient powerhouse, stinging nettle is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It can help combat postpartum fatigue and support overall energy levels, making it a great addition to a mother's diet during recovery.
3. Milky Oat Tops: The milky sap of oat tops is valued for its calming and nourishing properties. It can help soothe the nervous system and combat feelings of anxiety or overwhelm commonly experienced during postpartum recovery.
4. Chamomile: Renowned for its calming effects, chamomile can help ease sleep disturbances and promote relaxation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also aid in digestion and soothe any gastrointestinal discomfort during pregnancy and postpartum.
5. Motherwort: With its ability to support emotional well-being, motherwort is often used to alleviate feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm. It can also help with uterine recovery after childbirth.
6. Raspberry Leaf: Traditionally used to tone the uterus and prepare the body for labor, raspberry leaf tea is rich in nutrients and can help ease childbirth pains. It’s also beneficial during the postpartum period for promoting uterine health.
7. Shatavari Root: A key herb in Ayurvedic medicine, shatavari is known for its ability to balance hormones and support reproductive health. It’s often used to boost milk supply and promote overall vitality and resilience in postpartum women.
Incorporating these herbs into a balanced diet and wellness routine can offer gentle support during the transformative periods of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before introducing new herbs, especially during these sensitive times.