I have been greatly inspired by the natural, instinctual style of parenting that seems to logically follow when one is able to have a natural pregnancy and childbirth (natural meaning "the way nature planned" -- i.e. free of medical intervention). My partner and I have been fortunate enough to have three dear children who came to us this way through midwives and homebirth -- although we also very consciously chose and planned this route.
While pregnant with our first daughter I was led to read about attachment parenting (Dr. Sears' The Baby Book) and it really resonated with me. After she was born it seemed there was no other way than to keep her in-arms, sleep with her, breastfeed her on demand, and respond promptly to her.
From there I read The Continuum Concept, which further affirmed for me that babies are biologically programmed to thrive when cared for in an attached way. TCC also spoke to me about the importance of "tribe", i.e. a network of support for parents -- be that extended family, friends or neighbors. It also demonstrated the importance of treating all "tribal" members as worthy and welcome; advocating a non-coercive, respectful approach to dealing with all people, children and adults alike. I really came to see how in our current Western society we have come to treat children as lesser people in many respects.
Early on in our first daughter's life, I also learned about and began practicing elimination communication, a further extension of natural parenting and respectful communication with babies.
For the first two years of motherhood I was fortunate enough to be able to telecommute full time so I could stay home with her. Working a full-time job with no child care was a bit tricky at times, but looking back I wouldn't have had it any other way. Then, we moved to Vancouver Island, where our second daughter was born gently at home six months later.
My partner and I now find ourselves consciously working towards a lifestyle where we can both be at home, self-employed and incorporating our children into our lives as fully as possible. Our girls are now 6 and 4 and baby boy turned one in January 2010!
Continuum Family fulfills several things at once for me:
- it allows me to share some of the most important parenting knowledge I have learned in the hopes it will inspire others to explore a similar path;
- it allows me to engage in one of my favourite hobbies (sewing) while giving me the satisfaction of knowing I'm creating things that promote attachment within other families;
- it allows me the independence and flexibility of being able to stay home full-time with my children, while still helping to financially support my family.
Please browse our site and feel free to contact me with any feedback you may have -- I'd love to hear how we can make Continuum Family serve you better!
