Crunchy Mamas: Let's Get This Straight

I've been seeing a lot of bloggers posting about how crunchy moms are. Frankly, I find it offensive. Most of the ones I've seen aren't crunchy in the least bit.. and they are the ones that are talking about how we're doing things because they are easy.

Uh, no. 

There are very few things that we do that are easy. So, let me tell you why crunchy mamas are awesome.

First of all, how many hippie mamas have you seen that aren't hot? I mean, seriously? We're all pretty damn attractive. After all, breastfeeding does wonders for weight loss. 

We spend countless hours researching before we make a decision for our family. Vaccines seem to be the common subject that is brought up and questioned by others. We don't take these things lightly, I promise. We've all spent hours upon hours researching adverse reactions, ingredients, vaccine schedules, detoxing methods, and so much more. And no, we do NOT get our information from Jenny McCarthy. 

My oldest, Brenna. Vaccines are yucky!

Babywearing. Oh, no.. I promise that our children will learn to walk, even though they are always in the wrap. This is probably one of those things that can be filed into the easy category. It's so much easier to wear baby than it is to unpack a stroller, set it up, strap baby in, and hope that the sun isn't glaring on their face. 

Breastfeeding, it's not easy. Period. Breastfeeding takes work. If you think we do it because we want to be better than you, that's stupid. We're often ridiculed and insulted for giving our baby the best nutrition possible. If you have something stupid to say, I'll squirt you with the boob juice. Got it? Good.

My youngest, Marlee. She loves her mum-mums.

Organic, unprocessed food.. PLEASE, tell me what is easy about that. We read labels, we cook for hours, we wash fruits and veggies, we spend more money feeding our kids something that isn't terrible for them. It would be so much easier to go to McDonald's and grab a Happy Meal. 

An organic apple is a great snack.

Baby led solids. Because, who wants to eat runny goop for dinner? I can control what my kid is being fed if I make my own. So, excuse me while I bake a sweet potato and cube it for the little human.

Dominic enjoying an organic breakfast.

Cloth diapering is awesome. Period. But, it's not easier by any means. Extra laundry, figuring out what detergent isn't full of chemicals and fillers, making sure you have the right wash routine. I mean, what is easy about that? 

Marlee with a fluff butt.

Bedsharing encourages a healthy milk supply, can reduce the risk of SIDS, regulates baby's body temperature, regulates their breathing patterns. Babies NEED to be touched. Bedsharing promotes efficient functioning of their immature organs and nervous system in general. 

Bedsharing with Dominic and Marlee the morning she was born.

Nautral birth isn't easy. Holy hell, it's not easy. It's definitely in my list of top accomplishments. I'd certainly do it all over again. Recovery from a natural birth is generally a lot faster. It's beneficial for both mama and baby. We have to deal with the criticism from SO MANY PEOPLE when we mention that we're going to have a natural birth. "Oh, you'll want that epidural for sure. It was fabulous!" Yeah, of course it was. But, it's not free of risks. Not for you and not for baby. And if you're having a home birth, be prepared for that person who knows a friend that knows a friend who has an aunt that had a complication and needed an emergency cesarean all because she tried to birth at home. I'm in NO WAY saying that complications don't arise during a home birth. They most certainly do. But, chances are slim that any emergency that arises at home wouldn't happen at the hospital. 

Our first moments with Marlee. She was born in the water at home.

I know that I didn't cover every topic out there. There are so many, if I did cover them all in one post, you'd be reading for a year. I just wanted to clear up the rumor that moms who are crunchy are following a trend and that they only do these things because they are easy. Feel free to add any additional information in the comments!
And please, share your kombucha starter. *wink*