What is Natural Parenting?
"Natural Parenting" is caring for your baby in ways that are personal and simple, with practices patterned on the parenting style called "Attachment Parenting." Natural Parenting is a philosophy of parenting that has been developed by first observing children's needs and advocating those parenting practices that best meet those needs, emphasizing those practices that are personal and rely on the simplest technology. Christian parents do not train their child for this life alone, but prepare him with his eternal destiny in mind. Natural Parenting upholds the inherent value of each human life and therefore, treats each child with the respect due to one who has been created in the image of God and is God's child.
In the beginning of the newborn's life, his most significant relationship is the one he has with his mother. Therefore, Natural Mothering includes breastfeeding the baby at mother's breast, if at all possible, something that is vitally important for his physical, emotional and spiritual growth. This relationship is important to the baby throughout infancy and early childhood and it is best if nursing is gradually replaced with other sources of nourishment and comfort. Keeping baby close to Mom day and night helps baby to develop a sense of security and forms the beginning of his trust relationship, remote preparation for his ability to trust that God will be there for him, whenever he is in need. And what of Natural Fathering? In the beginning, the father's role is also important as the one who provides the secure foundation for his wife and child. The loving father supports and protects his wife, if need be, so that she is able to continue this loving relationship with her child, in a culture where such intimacy is discouraged. Over time, the father grows in his influence in his child's life and can form an equally strong, though different, attachment to his young child. While Natural Parenting is not preferred or even possible for all families, we believe it provides a wonderful start for babies and should be encouraged whenever possible.
Want to learn more about Natural Parenting?
We discuss more about Natural Parenting in our
Couple Nights postpartum classes. Find out more about these and other classes by clicking on the link.