Holistic Moms Network April 10, 2008

Ever find yourself wishing you had more friends with young children, especially ones who shared your outlook on parenting and natural living?  Holistic Moms Network may be just what you need. 

I recently joined a chapter in my area.  I had been meaning to go for months (ok, more like a year) because they hold monthly informational meetings about quite interesting topics from organic gardening in your backyard to vaccinations, homeopathy, and natural childbirth.  The monthly meetings feature an expert guest speaker and serve as a great way to meet other natural/holistic, mindful mamas in your area.  It’s a truly non-judgmental atmosphere, which makes all the difference. 

Well, it’s been a lot of fun!  I know that the whole point of the network is to meet others who share your way of life and to live and learn as a community, but meeting these people has provoked more than one “I’m not alone!” epiphanies.  Now I’m helping to facilitate a bi-monthly book club and starting to form relationships through socials and playdates.  It’s so inspiring! 

The Holistic Moms Network (HMN) is a relatively new, national non-profit dedicated to connecting parents who are passionate about natural health and green living.  HMN has 120+ chapters across North America. HMN encourages families to parent from the heart, trust their instincts and make informed healthcare decisions.  To see if there’s a chapter near you or for info on how to start one, visit www.holisticmoms.org, or call (877) HOL-MOMS.  
 

A Holistic Children’s Health Resource March 13, 2008

Do you wish you had a better doctor for your baby?  I do!  Our pediatrician is not a bad doctor, but her practice is limited to treating acute illnesses or discussing typical “checklist” questions recommended by the American Pediatric Society.  I wish she had a more holistic attitude towards my child’s health and sought to inform me of issues such as BPA exposure or possible vaccine risks. 

Most parents don’t have access to a holistic pediatrician, one that uses conventional medicine while respecting alternative healing techniques and taking into consideration nutrition and environmental factors.  In my frustration over the complete nonexistance of what I consider a “progressive” pediatrician in my area, I did some searching for a children’s health resource book that might fill that void for our family.

Well, I am just thrilled with one of the books I found, “Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child” by Janet Zand.  This resource is so balanced!  It starts off by explaining the theory and practice behind a whole collection of healing practices: conventional medicine, diet, nutritional supplements, herbal treatments, homeopathy, and acupressure as they apply to children.  This was very helpful for me since I’d never heard of Bach Flower Remedies and never really understood the whole homeopathy concept.  Then, the rest of the book is a comprehensive illness by illness directory.  Look up “ear aches” and you’ll find a description of the illness helpful for diagnosis followed by treatments ideas from all the practices above. 

I appreciate that the book is holistic, but doesn’t neglect or shun conventional medicine.  But, what I was really looking for was all the “alternative” recommendations.  It’s so helpful to consider how diet might affect the problem and how simple herbal teas or nutritional supplements might relieve a chronic health challenge.  I highly recommend adding this children’s health resource to your library!