Not by any means a comprehensive list, but just off the top of my head, these are the go-to books, blogs, and websites I would recommend to new parents interested in natural parenting. Many of these sources helped me a good deal in developing my parenting style, and others served well as support–because when you decide to be a mindful parent, you will likely take a road less traveled, and it’s always nice to have support along the way.
Books
The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff
Diaper Free Baby by Christine Gross-loh (a how-to book for elimination communication)
Diaper Free! Natural Infant Hygiene by Ingrid Bauer (the inspirational book)
Aware Baby and Tears and Tantrums by Aletha Solter (She promotes allowing babies to cry in arms if all their needs are met, rather than automatically plugging them up with a pacifier or breast or distracting them…basically she says that we all need to de-stress by crying sometimes, even babies. It’s about being there and supporting them while they release their emotions. It’s a challenging concept–nobody likes to hear their baby cry–but it’s nice to know that after you’ve fed the baby, burped the baby, changed the baby, held the baby, and done everything else you can think that the baby can possibly need or want, and the baby is still crying, that it’s okay to just hold her while she cries. The second book really helped prepare me for tantrums.)
Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen (I almost think you have to read this one if you read Solter’s books, because while crying is important, so is laughter and play).
Our Babies, Ourselves by Meredith Small (Talks about common parenting practices from different cultures…kind of a wake-up call that no one culture has it “perfect” but there are many options for raising kids…you definitely don’t have to do what is mainstream in your own culture. I personally like to steal ideas I like from other cultures and apply them to my parenting.)
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
I haven’t read these two, but they are popular among natural parents: Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves by Naomi Aldort, and Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn. There is also a booklist compiled by members of The Continnum Concept Forum:
http://continuumlife.wordpress.com/booklist/
Websites/Blogs
Hobo Mama – Everything natural parenting you could possibly think of.
Peaceful Parenting – Lots of posts about circumcision, but other important topics are covered as well.
My World Edenwild – This is my blog. I write a lot about elimination communication and gentle parenting, as well as just life stuff. I have a list of other blogs in my side bar if you want more. Also check out Hobo Mama’s blogroll.
Natural Parents Network – This is a new website, co-founded by Hobo Mama and another blogging mom. Tons of useful articles.
Continuum Concept Forum - If you read the book and decide you like the concept, there is a forum you can join.
Mothering.com A complement to Mothering Magazine (my #1 choice for parenting magazines), you can find lots of great stuff here, including forums.
I don’t read quite as much of the informational stuff anymore. I mostly read blogs whose authors I connect with. So, go now, fill your brain up till it’s ready to explode and then connect with mamas who have similar values and viewpoints, and you’ll feel well-supported. 
Like this:
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
