However, they also likely have some statistics to back up their point of view. I never thought I would be but I'm a total attachment parent, hard core granola momma. This is the crux that nearly all other aspects of crunchiness fall unto. Wipe warmer. It can be prepared in raw form, which needs to stay in the freezer, but use caution because a lot of women react to this potent form of the organ. There is a common misconception about natural lifestyle parents that touts they resist modern medicine and will put their children in harms way just to forego having to go to a hospital or use an antibiotic. I will though try to list some of things crunchy parents do to give you a better idea of what being a little crunchy means. I tossed my white strips and bleach trays long ago for more environmentally safe and health conscious methods of teeth whitening. Likewise, babies are often turned to the forward-facing position far too early in life. Every crunchy Mom definitely does not abide by this ritual. But now it's also a term of endearment used by modern moms who want to show they care. Alright, there might be a few chunks and bits left at the bottom of the glass, but who doesnt love a placenta smoothie? Even a little bit of breastfeeding can help babies get ahead in life; no formula can exactly match the tailor-made breast milk that moms make. In fact, some researchers dont believe holistic medications work at all. See the full disclosure in the privacy policy. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Simply Well Balanced with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Stick to the facts, not opinions; thats what crunchy moms do. Contracting the natural chicken pox virus isnt without risk, but the risks posed by the vaccine are now known to be greater. Crunchy mommas dont think theyre better than everyone else. It's a crunchy mom'. She prefers organic foods and maybe even clothing, and cloth diapers are preferred over disposable ones. Families all have different needs and are comfortable with different ways of homesteading, from cultivating a small family garden to living off the grid with ducks and no dishwasher, as per The Prairie Homestead. This acts as a barrier while also leaving an opening for Mom or Dad to sleep right beside baby. I am saddened that you felt this article included any judgement whatsoever. In-your-face crunchy moms look at formula as if it is poison, and wont hold back their feelings about the evils of formula feeding. One can always pull a Kim Kardashian and sear it in a pan of its own juices. And for the record - that's a-okay! Part of the confusion between the terms organic and GMO stems from the cloud of mystery surrounding GMO foods and the further obscuring by bad actors like Monsanto. +1 (724)322-1683. We often feel the need to help our kids play but often they can benefit from being allowed to lead the play themselves. As a result of cross-pollination, even farms that are non-GMO struggle to stay that way. Pento Homecare Agency. The crunchy mom recognizes this; not that other mothers do not, but babywearing is a pretty solid staple of being crunchy. 12 Ways "Crunchy" Moms Are So Annoying It's Actually Hilarious, Preaches About Co-Sleeping As She Pours Her 10, She Thinks Moms Who Use Strollers Are Ruining Humanity, She Rants About How Baby Diapers Are Bad For The Planet, It's A Sin To Let Children Use Technology, She Thinks Essential Oils Cure Everything, She Won't Let Pacifiers Near Her Children. Buys their foods from farmers markets, grow it themselves, or from health food stores. The problem with the ascendancy of conventional medicine is the dismissal of any alternative pathways to health, limiting the scale and scope of studies that could tell us more about how essential oils can be effective and how to avoid any adverse effects. Why? She feels that it creates an incredible bond between her . Improvements on diaper covers and styles have made this old-fashioned diapering process more convenient and hygienic, according to Mama Natural. No! Crunchy moms assert their desire to make informed choices, not simply trusting what they're told, but not blindly and blithely going off in their own direction without regard for safety. If you had one, your parents were more focused on nature, walks, scenery, and activity, rather than TV, sweets, and more commercial things. They are okay with using modern and natural methods when taking care of themselves and their families. Simply Well Balanced, 2021. Laboring without pain medication or planning a home birth should be based on your health and your own personal situations, but many moms and babies benefit from a less medicated and clinical birth experience. Family cloth is often made of rags or absorbent fabric that often resembles the toilet paper roll but could also just be a stack of folded cloths. No one in my family or circle of friends did things this way & were talking pre- internet explosion. This one is a little controversial and certainly doesnt apply to all crunchy mommies. Its the same thing and can indeed turn your stomach if ingested, though, so use with that in mind. After earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Penn State, Danielle made good use of her writing talent and went on to work as a copywriter, providing marketing content on healthcare and drug research to facilities around the globe. Heres a look at some of the ways that crunchy moms can be so incredibly annoying that it actually makes us laugh. Not-so-much. After having my now sixteen-month-old, I joined a few different "crunchy" mom groups because that is what I thought I was. A scrunchy mom is a new phrase used to describe moms who are party silky and part crunchy. @ReallyVeryCrunch is Emily Morrow, a 33-year-old mother of two living in Paducah, Kentucky, and she is indeed crunchy. crunchy of granola parents, most often referred to as a granola mom, is a buzzword you will. Only 2 percent of women are truly unable to breastfeed. Baby towels and wash cloths, baby bathtub (Believe it or not, you can bathe with your baby until they are old enough to sit in the tub alone!) The only place to satisfy all of your guilty pleasures. The answer is: almost everyone. Everyone loves to pinch the chubby cheeks, watch the toddling, For many of us, the holidays mean travel. The crunchy mama movement is grand when you consider that our generation of mothers is helping to lessen society's carbon footprint. Women who opt for natural childbirth are less likely to need interventions to speed labor along or more serious interventions if labor fails to progress, according to Baby Center. You recycle what you can and even reuse household items, like old t-shirts as cleaning rags or packing materials when shipping things to friends and family. Pacifiers. From a young age, youve been exposing your kids to the outdoors. It makes them feel secure, makes it easier to breastfeed, and can even help to strengthen your bond; however, theres one thing that crunchy moms who are all for co-sleeping will never admit: How flipping exhausted they are! Coconut oil does smooth frizzy hair, moisturize the skin, and make a great deodorant base, but it should not be solely relied on for sunscreen, it can't banish stretch marks, and it's not the weight loss wonder food many women claim. You might use essential oils, herbal remedies, or what you find in your pantry to treat minor medical issues and sicknesses. You believe itll give them a better education than what they would get in a public or private school. A crunchy mom will, without a doubt, use a baby carrier or a sling to tote her little one around. Crunchy Moms Use Homeopathy And Essential Oils, Crunchy Moms Are All For Extended Rear Facing, Creating A Bond With Baby Before They Are Born, Ultimate Guide For Pregnant Women, Biden Launching New Plan To Help Pregnant Women With Addiction, What To Look For When Shopping For Bedside Sleepers. I think this article tried to tag that on at end but unfortunately I think it missed the mark by not acknowledging that not everyone can make choices; some people have to simply live with the resources currently in their path. They just want to do better than what the mainstream society and profit industries encourage. Sources: Parenting, CNN, La Leche League, British Medical Journal, Danielle Lasher is a writer, mother, and women's health advocate living in Western Marylandjust outside of Washington DCwith her fiance, their four kids and two dogs. Babies who go through a natural childbirth experience tend to be more responsive and have less respiratory issues. One who may formula feed, and vaccinate as well as hospital birth but may use cloth diapers and make their . Many blogs will insist that crunchy moms must homestead, whether out in the country or on an urban plot that has been cultivated within an inch of its life to totally self-sustain the family. 50 Mom Memes Mothers Will Find Hilariously Relatable. In lieu of risking neurological damage and death at the hands of the shot which doesnt work for everyone and wont provide lasting immunity for those is does work for they deal with a week of the itchy skin rash and set their kids up for lifelong immunity. Pockets, All-In-Ones, Covers, Flips, All-In-Twos and so forth, I proved that an old okay Im not that old dog can learn new tricks. Of course, there are benefits aside from comfort, too. I did spend the better part of a year making our laundry detergent. She cut the only career cord she'd ever known and spontaneously changed gears, and she hasn't looked back since, contributing to several online publications, such as BabyGaga, Hot Moms Club, and the Organic Daily Post. Research has found that the effects of sitting in front of the boob tube or using a tablet for hours on end can be devastating for children. In fact, they may even get all up in formula feeding moms business and list all of the ways that breastfeeding is the only option and how they are disgusted that a mom would ever even consider feeding her baby formula. We lived in a rural location . Balance. Crunchy mommas that choose natural childbirth may also share some of those reasons. Sorry, crunchy friends! She says: Hello I am a 31yo mo https://t.co/HzlZGG5Ycw. The crunchy mom movement is quickly becoming mainstream way of raising your children. Alright, the regulations are a little slow, but theyre getting there. Many moms have also gone to extreme lengths to make every aspect of parenting as natural as possible, leading others to believe in the process that moms who don't follow their lead are somehow lacking the will to give their children the best. Plus, the great thing about muslin is that it's a safer alternative to other fabrics to protect baby from overheating. Its all about what you do and what feels right for your family. Whether it really does or not is up for debate. Most kids are introduced to solid foods at the age of six months, but those who practice baby-led weaning believe that there is no need to start solids before a babys first birthday. A crunchy mom is a parent very much unlike a silky mom. Moms who have preexisting back or knee conditions prior to pregnancy could struggle with constant babywearing. You encourage them to get up from their screens every once in a while for some screen-free outdoor playtime.. Crunchy mom's parenting style often includes attachment parenting. However, while being a crunchy mom is just fine and dandy, some of these mamas can take it to the extreme, shoving their parenting style down other peoples throats and thinking that their way is the best the only way to parent. I feel like a failed crunchy mom. You use them for cleaning, treating minor skin irritations, and even to help you relax after a long day. In lieu of being able to breastfeed, donor milk is an amazing option that most crunchy moms would jump at being able to use before succumbing to formula. Giving so many vaccines to a small, very young baby just feels so risky to many crunchy moms, who opt to delay or entirely forego the vaccine schedule. What makes someone crunchy? Crunchy moms feed their families all organic food and don't use disposable diapers because they're bad for . References: Today, Evolving Wellness, Huffington Post, Real Milk, ABC News, National Vaccine Information Center, The Growler, The Prairie Homestead, Today's Parents, Going Zero Waste, Motherly, ABC Kids Inc., Live Science, Mother Earth Living, Mama Natural, Crunchy Moms, Maternity At Home, Live Simply, Mama Natural, Mama Natural, Baby Center, Breast Milk Counts, Intaction, Crunchy Moms, Danielle Lasher is a writer, mother, and women's health advocate living in Western Marylandjust outside of Washington DCwith her fiance, their four kids and two dogs. All crunchy moms know that babywearing is the only way to get aroundstrollers are taboo. Im talking about your pearly whites. Listen, while it may be beautiful to have a homebirth, free of any medical intervention, its not for everyone. For the foreseeable future, pads and tampons are going to rule the world of menstruation. While no mom should feel ashamed if she is unable for whatever reasons to breastfeed, experts agree that the nutrition in breast milk is best suited to baby's digestive and developmental systems, according to Breast Milk Counts. That and the inability to control for the dose any one person receives through the water supply is a potential health hazard. However, Ive also met post-menopausal women who spent every decade of their reproductive years hating tampons and paper pads and had no clue there was anything else. You avoid over-the-counter and modern medicines whenever possible. Point blank, they feel they know too much to vaccinate. You see, it is clinically proven that vaccines do not offer lifelong immunity and they actually have more side effects and cause more deaths than the illnesses their aim to protect against. I was lucky, as, Children are a huge part of the joy at family holiday gatherings. Essential oils, ginger root, turmeric; these are all supplies that a crunchy mom has in her medicine cabinet. The crunchy mom movement has grown exponentially in recent years. I like to call this game, You Know Youre a Crunchy Mom If. This could mean breastfeeding until they were six months old, a year old, or even longer! Theres tons and tons of literature out there that supports limiting the amount of screen time children get. For example, the parents who research vaccines also tend to be more likely to research food sources, antibiotics and so forth. Co-sleeping is common around the world, but its not quite as popular in the US. Traditional school isnt what you want for your children and thats why you plan to homeschool them. Crunchy mom. These natural mamas are all about being eco-friendly, holistic living, are big advocates for natural childbirth and attachment parenting and raise their children to be the same way. Bottle warmer, bottles, liners, nipples, bottle brush. There are so many different parts to it and yes, it looks a bit different in every home. Being able to drink milk is a recent genetic adaptation only some people have. They may have also readpersonal accounts from people who have had terrible reactions tovaccines which have cause a host of problems from skin disordersto brain damage. A moisturizer for the skin, as an oil pulling agent, or a deep conditioning treatment for your hair you love the stuff! What was once a relaxing car trip, is now a battle to keep confined, Sensory Processing Disorder: A Moms Story, Its Here: The Astonishing Truth about Toxic Fluoride, Eleven Reasons to Refuse Standardized Testing for Your Children, Miracle or Hype: Cooking with Coconut Oil. You limit what electronic devices your kids can use on a daily basis, and what theyre allowed to watch on TV. Its not weird or uncomfortable or dangerous. Your email address will not be published. My new motto: "one can never have enough diffusers!". 'It just feels hilarious and surreal because I am the most awkward person ever and also the . Touted as beneficial to the teeth and a necessary component of toothpastes, mouthwash and the very water that we drink, fluoride came to be a household name in the 1940s when it was added to city water supplies across the county. Newsflash: FED is best! They're open to hearing other mothers' experiences, realizing that we all have good information that can be shared for an overall better parenting experience. Probably not, but Id be willing to bet a lot of people still dont understand what it is and why its important to know. So here are some things you MUST do in order for people to truly believe that you are indeed granola. A lot of moms dont have the time or the stomach to deal with it. Crunchy moms like to allow their kids to have experiences and develop naturally, and thats totally awesome! What is ironic is that many crunchy moms assume they are just making decisions that are well-aligned with living a natural lifestyle. Gave birth at home (by choice). The Struggle of Being a Scrunchy Mom. And . Wow, if this article hurt your feelings then you need to toughen up. So what sets them apart from the rest of the population? Encapsulation is the most popular method of repurposing the placenta for consumption. I also really liked being in my own environment and having the freedom to do whatever was comfortable to me during labor. Little arms and legs stab you in the middle of the night, your pillows are repeatedly stolen, and you eventually end up sleeping on a tiny little corner of a king-sized bed while the little prince or princess is sprawled out. Babywearing is about far more than attachment parenting and trying to raise children who arent comfortable more than one foot from their mothers which isnt what its about at all. What does this research entail exactly? Crops with organic certification have been grown without any chemical pesticide use but could be either a conventional or a GMO crop. Not every woman is at a place in her life where she knows how to harness that kind of control over herself. Scrunchy moms dont subscribe to one parenting style, but instead, use what works for them on a case-by-case basis. This [poop emoji] is truly fucked.". These seizures are most common after MMR or the combined MMR-chickenpox vaccine, occurring in up to 300 of every million children vaccinated (which equals 0.03%). Some crunchy moms bed share instead of co-sleeping. Fluoride is a drug by classification and has been linked to muscular disorders, impaired thyroid function, cancer, impaired immune systems, infertility, dementia, arthritis, bone fractures and more. Likewise, not every woman knows how to let go and trust her body well enough to endure childbirth naturally, either. Many doctors encourage circumcision because the risk of urinary tract infections and skin infections is slightly greater, but other doctors note that teaching parents and young children how to clean gently and effectively can reduce the risk significantly. Pharmaceuticals. What does it mean? Makes their own jams, jellies, breads, etc. There are a few reasons you have chosen to do this- the first being that you believe cloth diapers are better for the environment, and the second being that they reduce your babys exposure to chemicals found in disposable diapers. If you cant get out of your own head and prepare for a natural birth in advance, its not terribly likely to go over well. This could mean going on walks in the park, taking nature hikes, or even just playing in your backyard. Amy Mejias. Should you pull out an iPad at a restaurant or tell her that you let your kids watch a cartoon (an educational one, at that,) while you are getting dinner ready, watch out, because you are going to hear a mouthful from the anti-technology crunchy mom. Crunchy moms are all about making their own organic food. If it hasnt been researched, its not crunch-worthy. So if little Timmy down the street comes down with chicken pox, you can bet that his crunchy momma might see that as an opportune time to have a playdate with her other crunchy mom friends. Activated charcoal is. Crunchy mamas believe in natural soothing. These extreme crunchy moms may give you a look of utter disbelief when you pull out a pre-packaged snack and give it to your child. ORGANIC. I felt a little clueless at first, and when I joined some groups specifically designated to cloth nappies, I was completely overwhelmed. One could almost say that being crunchy exists on a spectrum. There's a sense of judgment and guilt over how natural an experience a mom gives her child. Try some cups and see what happens. While there is no initiation process for the Crunchy Mom Club, there are many parenting choices that are considered to be more natural and therefore may earn you the label of crunchy mom whether its warranted or not. Whos crunchy? She is accepting of unorthodox approaches, and has a willingness to learn about unfamiliar cultures. Follow at your own risk. The most important message I want crunchy moms to know is, no matter what silky moms do regarding their parenting choices (whether you perceive them to be good or bad), it . I convinced my husband, signed us up for babywearing and breastfeeding classes, and off we went. Every parent, every family, and every circumstance is different. But a "scrunchy mom" is what you get when you mix a silky and a crunchy mom . Sure, it may be great to have your child sleep in your bed with you. My ideas and advice has been shared by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Women's First.Read more about me! Some naturally assume this on their own when things get rocky, too. 1) Crunchy: I've had two homebirths and will likely do it again with a future kid(s). She lets them go to bed when they say theyre tired, she doesnt have scheduled meal times, and she might just let them go about their day however they see fit; they tell her when they want to do things, and she happily obliges. I hate to say that, but it isnt. Its so crucial that the hospital wont let you leave without seeing the car seat installed properly first. The Five Times Crunchy Moms Actually Rock It! Does that mean theyre out there looking for ways to get their kids sick? The traditional Chinese medicine form is dehydrated and combined with herbs to lessen the blow and is probably more practical for most women. Using labels leads to division and judgment, which isnt helpful to anyone. The most important thing we can do as moms is to support each other no matter what. These moms might lecture you on your decision to use a stroller and present a long list of the benefits of babywearing. Researchers agree that breast milk is better than any formula when feeding a baby. Rational changes don't tarnish the crunchy mom cred. A lot of crunchy moms are anti-vaxxers, and those that take being a crunchy mom to the extreme will go on rants about the evils of vaccination. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. - I am deeply interested in learning how to communicate with my child in a way that makes sense and also helps me guide and teach her in a gentle way. Crunchy moms are at their best when they are empowering themselves and passing on their knowledge and inquisitiveness to others. And to see that all children deserve quality, nutritious food; education that sparks learning for the sake of learning; time in nature because children who love and respect the outdoors grow into adults who do the same. Crunchy moms have a reputation of being a bit touchy-feely and, well, we are. Your home is chemical-free and you do what you can to keep it that way. "There is a difference between 'crunchy' and neglect," a commenter interjected. I'm 100% in support of breastfeeding except when the mother is unable to and believe it should last longer than 3 months. I am re-training my mind to be patient enough for sewing, something I had no interest in for 15 years until I suddenly had to make my own breast pads and baby bowties last year. I do have the means for these things, and I do consider myself crunchy in general even before motherhood, but I define that as aspiring to be a person who has an open mind and strongly attempts to see things from another POV. Crunchy Mama Shirt, Modern Hippie Mom. What information do you ladies have to share? I joined these groups because I felt often judged and alone in the world due to what are generally "crunchy" parenting practices such as . The term 'crunchy mom' was once a reference to those hippie-dippie type moms who make their own (crunchy) granola and breastfeed for years and do all sorts of other natural living type things. While passionate about women's birthing choices and informed consent, she is also slightly obsessed with city living, genealogy and cooking. While many moms today are purchasing store-bought purees for conveniences sake, those who choose to make their own from scratch using fresh ingredients typically do so out of concern for what exactly is going into their babys body. So I created the Facebook group Crunchy Skeptics in 2013 as a forum for parents like me who also preferred things like baby-wearing, extended breastfeeding, and using reusable bags but still want . Whether its breast milk of formula, as long as the baby is being fed, thats all that really matters. So, do you love me the way I used to be, or should I freshen things up again? As a stay-at-home mom of two children, the 23-year-old is very clear about how things will go because she is taking full control. GMOs are linked to digestive disorders, autism, infertility, allergies, advanced aging, immune system disorders, organ damage, cancer and more. There is no single product can fix every malady, despite crunchy claims otherwise and not all coconut oils are created equally, according to Evolving Wellness. The individuals who profit from Roundup use on crops, like Monsanto, are practically in bed with the people who are overseeing these studies. Here are 30 things moms can easily purchase on Amazon that'll change their lives. From earaches to diaper rashes, crunchy moms only use holistic medications to treat their kids ailments. Anyone can say they want to avoid plastics, but very few fully understand the pervasiveness of plastics in all our lives. Word to the wise: Try not to get powder everywhere. Emergencies can arise and medical intervention is a necessity. Required fields are marked *. Mothers these days seem to wear more hats than ever before. So, instead of telling you that a crunchy mom is someone who does this or doesnt do that, lets define crunchy mom Read More. They think that parents should always be there for their kids, no matter what. Even just a little exposure to the chemicals present in plastics can cause lifelong serious health concerns. By. You might even avoid microwaving food in plastic containers or using straws and utensils with BPA. Choose fluoride-free and if youre smart SLS-free toothpastes and mouthwashes. Try to remember: crunchy does not mean judgy. Fears aren't totally unfounded; many GMO crops are designed to respond to specific weed killers. Being a mom is a joy, that goes without saying. One of the weirder areas of pregnancy cravingsespecially for women who avoid or totally abstain from meatcomes with red meat. Example: That crunchy mama is breastfeeding in public again! This safeguard is important because many babies are injured or killed each year in automobile accidents that werent strapped in correctly. You also love the anti-fugal and anti-viral properties of this all-natural ingredient. In many ways, crunchy moms were once seen as doing everything parenting the hard waytoiling away on homemade remedies, refusing modern medicine at . Should You Baby Proof for Holiday Guests. After earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Penn State, Danielle made good use of her writing talent and went on to work as a copywriter, providing marketing content on healthcare and drug research to facilities around the globe. The cramps they had for decades seem to vanish. Crunchy folks know what they are doing and they know why they are doing it. April 6, 2020. But her true lovethe world of mothers and babieswas lying in wait. You know what goes into each plant that grows in your garden, and you can be sure that theyre pesticide-free. Lets not side-eye or dismiss or condescend to moms who make other choices because they might not be choices; they might be just trying to survivedomestic abuse, past trauma or abuse, poverty, a husbands porn addiction, a narcissistic MIL, living paycheck to paycheck, a child or spouse with a disability, fighting an insurance claim, being sexually harassed by a boss or landlordpeople are dealing with heavy issues in this world. Breastfeed past 6 months. They've read somewhere aclaimthat more people are being killed by vaccines than by the measles, mumps and so on. Today we will explore what it means to be a crunchy mama and discuss how this parenting style compares to other modern parenting philosophies. Theres A LOT of conflicting information out there, and ultimately, its up to a mom to decide whether or not she wants to have her child vaccinated.