Healing the Earth starts with birth

How can birth be such a powerful moment that it could change the way we relate to our planet? The truth is, it isn't just the moment of birth that can make such a maginficient change but all of the time we spend preparing our bodies and minds.

We all want the best for our children. In pregnancy, women start to re-evaluate their lives right down to the very foods going into our bodies. This usually brings up the thoughts about local, organic foods versus the conventional ones that are genetically modified and exposed to herbicides and pesticides. Since everything we take in goes to our growing babies, food is a perfect place to start thinking. If you are planning to get pregnant or are already growing your new baby, getting a variety of fresh foods is important as these are the building blocks your body can use for your baby. One way to get to know your community and get connected with our foods is to head out to the farmer's market! Meet the farmers who are tending to the foods you are eating. We have lost so much connection with the land we are living on, taking the time to say hello to these people who are labouring hard for our nutrition is a small thing we can do. Many families also hang out at farmer's markets. Take the one at Evergreen Brickworks for example - they even have activities around the same time or trails you can walk.

Our mindsets also change as we approach birth. Most women I work with don't want to be told what to do and follow "orders". They want to know what is being suggested, why it is being suggested, and what else might be a consideration. When we start to question like this, we are putting thought into our choices...all of our choices. We start to think about what products we are purchasing, if we should take our car, and really weighing the pros and cons of our options. With so many Earth-friendly options that are out there these days, it is beginning to be an easier task to find "green" products, like cloth diapers and buckwheat nursing pillows.  

If you are looking for some ways to connect with green products and services, you may want to consider LiveGreen Toronto card. It gives you discounts for different services and other incentives to check out green options.

The most profound way I see this healing happening is that we share these values with our children. We bring them into the world in ways that are filled with informed healthy choices and we teach them to do the same.

The Earth is also healing us too...spend sometime outside with Mother Nature. Especially now in the spring, watch how she grows and changes. Sometimes she acts quickly, others much slower. The lessons are there if we take the time to observe and listen.

What has she taught you?