I live in Washington state. This means that the majority of mothers here consider themselves "Green Parents" or another term I have heard is "Crunchy." Whatever the hell that means. I am all for doing healthier options for your children, but some of this crap is just ridiculous. Before I begin my crazy momma rant I will add that I am more likely to pick Organic healthier options for my boys then random sodium full options. I am also for breastfeeding and cloth diapering. Why? Because they save a shit ton of money.
Before I had my second son in November 2012, I was added to a Facebook group for moms in my area by a good friend. Like I do after joining many groups on Facebook, I sit back and observe the crazy that usually happens. The majority of the moms fall under the "Crunchy" category and include posts about Pox Parties, Breastfeeding until age 4+, Vegan/Vegetarian and Gluten free only for infants, Co sleeping, Vaccinations, etc. As you can see, the majority of these are very hot topics. I am aware that most adults have varying opinions on each of these topics, the problem that I have with these is how extreme some mothers are about them For example, recently a mother explained how she is VERY anti-vaccination. "They are pointless, and just because your vaccinated doesn't mean you won't get the disease." No freaking shit! Yet, this same mother is willing to attend a pox party so that her baby can get them while still young. Seriously? Your going to expose your vulnerable baby so the chicken pox, which without the vaccine, can kill your child? I know, I know, the vaccine does not mean it will prevent the pox from coming or will prevent your child dying from it, but it sure as hell will help.
Now Co-sleeping. When you over coddle your child and prevent them from self-soothing because you think CIO or sleeping alone will tramatize them, do NOT then complain about how your child will not sleep through the night or that your daycare provider cannot offer the special attention your child needs at nap time because she can't fall asleep by her self. Sometimes in the beginning, I admit, having your baby in bed with you helps significantly. But after the first 2 months, baby needs it own bed.
Breastfeeding until at least age 4+. Are you freaking kidding me? I breastfed my second son until 8 months and then my supply was just not cutting it anymore. If it had lasted he would have been breastfed until no more then 1 year. Going above that is just insane to me, going until 4 is just freaking ridiculous. I can't believe that the nutritional value is that great for them after 1. At this point, your just doing it because you can't come to terms with your baby growing up. Seriously, STOP it. Its just creepy. If you MUST do it, why not just give them the breastmilk in a sippy cup? Why in the world do you need to whip out the boob and let your 4 year old suckle?
