Special thanks to Lisa Hoang, Windwardskies Photography
for taking this impromptu picture at our recent play date.
I’m not sure how it came up, but the term “hippie mom” was thrown out there in a recent conversation and it got me thinking: what exactly defines a hippie mom? I’m not talking about tie-dye shirts, peace signs, and Woodstock here. It seems that a hippie mom usually feels strongly about the following: natural birth (no drugs, instead opting for use of doula or midwife, homebirths, water births), breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, homemade baby food (extra points if it’s organic!), and stay-at-home parenting.
There may be some qualities missing from the list, but that’s what comes to mind. I hit 6 out of 7. I failed on the first point. Sorry, but I simply cannot fathom having a baby without the assurances that if there were complications, that my baby (or I) would be able to get immediate assistance by a team of medical professionals in an environment equipped to handle such emergencies. I’m just paranoid like that. Baby Champuru was delivered by my OB/GYN in a hospital, induced using Pitocin (she was overdue), and I was numb from the waist-down thanks to an epidural. I tried to go for a drug-free delivery, but quickly caved in when the doctor informed me that they were hooking me up with an internal monitor and suggested that an epidural would make it less unpleasant. In hindsight, I don’t regret the decision to have the epidural. But, I digress.
I’m not sure when I turned into a hippie mom, but to me, it’s all about doing what’s best for baby. Even if it means donning a psychedelic tie-dyed shirt and bell-bottom pants. Um, okay. Maybe I’ll stop just short of that. Besides, I’m sure there’s some independent research study out there that reports that tie-dye is damaging to a developing psyche anyway.
What do you think defines a “hippie mom”? Are you a hippie mom? I am – and proud of it. 
Ha! I prefer the term “crunchy” (as in granola) and I know that I am the crunchiest mama in my playgroup, by far. But I don’t think I’m that crunchy. Plus, I live in NorCal and worked in Berkeley which is hippie heaven. Compared to them, I’m so totally mainstream! I (still) breastfeed, (still) co-sleep, (used to) cloth diaper, and (always) babywear but for some reason, I just don’t think I’m as crunchy as other mamas who do all that but go farther — like elimination communication and homebirthing. I like not getting peed on too much to try EC’ing and am much too much of a wimp for home birthing
oh, oh, oh what a totally adorable picture!!!
What was the topic now? LOL
you soo described my sister-in-law (7 for 7)! she’s due today, and she has her home birthing plan ready. our whole family rolls our eyes when she talks about stuff like that. hehehe. i think i’m maybe 2 out of the 7? i give you credit though. some of that stuff takes a lot of work! =)
love her laugh, she looks so happy in the picture!
i guess i’m a hippie mom by your defn, i hit 5 out of 7, altho for point #1, i did have a doula to help me but ended up getting induced and then getting an epidural b/c i was too exhausted. Epidurals are the best thing ever, in my opinion. Point #7, i know i will always go back to work after a year or two…but maybe part time instead. still mulling it over.
i’m with you: whatever is best for baby, that’s what i’m doing.
Okay, back on the subject. I am (was) so NOT a hippie mom. 1.5 out of 7. I made my doc write in my chart (in case I was too incoherent to ask) that I wanted the Epidural, don’t even bother to ask. I initialed it too, to make it official. LOL Baby wearing (wasn’t even a term back then), cloth diapering: no and no, Co-Sleeping (another not yet invented word): no, altho’ her crib was in our room for a couple of months. Baby food: Gerber but I did steam and mush some foods (no fancy food makers back then either), SAHM: no, altho’ I had the luxury of staying home for 9 mos. Breastfeeding: yes.
So, 1.5 (half point for the steam ‘n mush method).
With each generation comes products and beliefs that are new, fun, cute, practical, and not so practical. But one common denominator. This beautiful life that we brought into the world brings us amazing joy.
And she is soooo squooshy cute!
I got all but one, also – but the one I missed was making baby food. When mine were babies I discovered Earth’s Best and that was all I used. Organic and delicious!