I am just not a Crunchy mom and if you’re not familiar with the term I’ll explain it. I had no idea what it was until I started blogging. A Crunchy mom is one that practices “natural living.” Here’s a list of things a Crunchy Mom will likely do…
- They cloth diaper
- They go for natural remedies
- Amber Necklaces
- Breastfeeding
- Breastmilk to cure things
- Natural birth at home
- Making everything
- Co-Sleeping
- Essential Oils
- Baby Wearing
- Organic
- No Vaccinations
- No Plastic
- Homeschool
- No Spanking
- No Television or Screen time
- Consent for things like circumcision.
- Home Birth
I won’t touch on each of these but I will start with there are a couple things I do, a bit. Let me just explain. I don’t have time to worry about all of this. There are more concerning matters in life. And I just wanted to touch base on some of these things and how I don’t care to do it the crunchy way.
Breastfeeding
I breastfed, but I only breastfed both of my kids for about four months. The decision to transition them was easy. They did not fight formula, they did not fight the bottle, and I was just utterly exhausted. It may be a slightly selfish reason but I just could not do it any longer. I have a lot of respect for moms that breastfeed through the first year.
I did co-sleep.
When my babies were both really little, new born, they hated the crib, they hated the swaddles, and they just wanted to sleep on mommy’s chest. So I let them. This was again just for the first couple months however. They moved on to the crib and their own bed shortly after.
Cloth Diaper
Ya, NO. I actually considered cloth diapering before my oldest was born. I even bought quite a few cloth diapers and never used them. The work it takes in cleaning, doing laundry, washing, washing, and washing shit. I had a come-to-earth moment right away and realized I was being unrealistic. It just was not going to happen. Disposable diapers all the way baby for me.
Natural Remedies
I have dabbled in finding some natural remedies. We used Gripe Water a lot for my son when he was a few months old. I did use coconut oil a lot on their skin and rashes. I have looked into essential oils before helping my daughter calm before bed (but they didn’t help). But this does not mean I’m against other remedies as well. I’ll buy normal cold medicine and cough medicine. I’ll buy drugs if the drugs are what will help and have been proven not to harm when used in moderation.
Vaccines
I’m sorry for anyone reading this that’ll be upset by this statement, but not vaccinating your child is a detriment to them and EVERYONE they come in contact with. My children are and will continue to be vaccinated. My children will have the vaccines at the recommended schedule and that’s just the way it is. I do think it’s good for my children to be exposed to illnesses. I do want them to build their immune system but trying to have them do that with deadly viruses like polio is not something I’m okay with. They can spend time with the kid sneezing and get their cold, that’s how they can build their immune system. They’ll still get their vaccines.
Baby Wearing
I did baby wear. I, again, did not for very long. Why? I have BIG kids. I’m 6ft and my husband is 6ft 4. I cannot carry them any longer without killing my back. Also, baby wearing is hot. Having the body heat and wrap around myself and my child is HOT. I did baby wear my daughter for a bit longer then my son because she was born in the winter. It was cold out. It was not too hot to baby wear. My son was born at the end of May. I really don’t remember wearing him much at all.
Organic
I do believe Organic is better but I don’t focus on it. Why? It’s expensive. I don’t have the money to. I try to make sure my kids eat natural foods as much as possible, but it can be hard while on a budget. Buying organic is not on the top of my priority list.
Plastics
I do not bring reusable bags to the grocery store, I don’t really have any, I try not to take a bag when I really don’t need it. But sometimes I do and I buy so many groceries at once I just don’t have the money either to buy that many reusable bags. I do always take the pile I end up with at home and take them back to the store to be recycled. Does that count?
Homeschooling
I know homeschooling is the best choice for some. I have many things I don’t agree with when it comes to homeschooling, so I will not be homeschooling my children.We may for preschool, again due to money, but not because I think it’s best. If I could I would put both in preschool.
No Spanking
I was spanked as a child and I don’t think I was irreparably hurt. I do think spanking is an option in certain cases and it always depends on the child. Some children will be traumatized and you have to know your child. Some children do not listen to other discipline tactics and sometimes your child does something life threatening. Like running into the street.
Screen Time
My children get screen time. I am amazed at the judgment I get for this. My daughter and son love watching movies. They love Boss Baby right now. My daughter loves playing with the iPad. She loves youtube kid videos and you know what? She learns from them. So yes my kids watch movies and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. My daughter is allowed to play on the iPad for a limited time everyday and I’ve seen so much growth in letting her do so.
Circumcision
Yes my son was circumcised. The day after he was born at the hospital. I don’t really want to give an explanation for this it was my husband and my choice.
Hospital Birth
I don’t really even think home birth is an option. I feel much safer the closer I am to doctors.
Silky Mom
So do you know what kind of mom I probably fit into better? Yes there’s a name for it. I’m more the silky mom. I bottle fed most the time, I use disposable diapers, I trust medical professionals (especially our doctor, I love her) and I don’t pay a ton of attention to labels. I buy products out of convenience.
What kind of mom are you?
Sarah
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