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Rebecca, from Bending Birches, has a treat for us today and I would like to start off by warning the reader that the contents of this post may make one broody... very broody indeed. In fact, the picture Rebecca paints of the Waldorf baby is so enchanting that I wouldn't be surprised if, nine or ten months from now, we are all introducing our new little bundles of joy to each other...
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Waldorf Baby by Rebecca
....'and so together they traveled over the rainbow bridge
and down the spiral staircase until they came to a big gate.
The child felt a little anxious about leaving his wonderful home,
but with courage in his heart and his Angel beside him,
he went through the gate and
a little baby boy was born upon the earth..'
and down the spiral staircase until they came to a big gate.
The child felt a little anxious about leaving his wonderful home,
but with courage in his heart and his Angel beside him,
he went through the gate and
a little baby boy was born upon the earth..'
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge
Barbara Patterson + Pamela Bradley
Barbara Patterson + Pamela Bradley
Welcoming a new baby is one of life's most precious and exciting milestones! As our children slowly wake up to the world around them, we come to understand that the first year of a baby's life is truly sacred, and we should treat it as such. Our children become our ultimate inspiration; we long to give them the best life possible....this begins with a strong foundation in the first year.
Waldorf education and lifestyle has been a warm, shining beacon in many of our lives. The following are suggestions to consider while enjoying your magical first year with your little angel...
Mind the first 40 days...Embrace your "babymoon!"
Traditionally, most cultures had rules about this time - this is the time of the post partum doula, and when women relatives would care for other children as well as the new mother/baby couple. Some anthroposophists advocate that the newborn remain in the same room for the duration of these 40 days. How realistic is this, you may ask? Make it work for you and your family....wear your baby close to you in a wrap or other soft carrier. Let him be close to your heart, where he belongs. Let him feel your inner rhythms as you go about your day;. singing, dancing, walking, and speaking. Breastfeed on demand, avoid watching the clock. During naps, a deep colored muslin or piece of gauze can be placed over the baby's sleeping space or window to filter bright light. During the night, baby can share sleep with you, helping him pick up on circadian rhythms. Baby nurseries can be warmly painted and decorated in a minimalistic fashion; abstaining from any loud toys or mobiles.
According to Steiner, infants' sense impressions "ripple, echo, and sound" throughout the whole of their bodies. From this perspective, what infants take in as impressions affects their life forces, how their bodies develop and the ability of their organs to function rhythmically.With this in mind,try your best as to not expose your little one to the modern hustle and bustle of life during this precious time. Babies take in their environment without discrimination. Imagine a baby's impression of a loud, brightly lit shopping mall or supermarket. During this time, we must be protective barriers for our babies! Try 5...or 10...or 40 days of peace and calm with your baby. Imagine how you'll feel afterwards!
*Sing your heart out!
Your voice is a "homebase" to your little one....she has listened to your voice resonate in your body for the past 9 months! Singing is a lovely way to soothe your baby. I remember singing my baby to sleep as he nursed in my arms during the first few months...I found that it has a calming effect on mother, as well! Don't worry if your voice doesn't sound "top notch" to you....your baby loves it all the same!
The importance of Warmth.
Steiner taught that warmth supports life and is, therefore a foundation of all health and development. With this in mind, we understand that infants do not generate or maintain their own warmth as well as an adult would. These fragile infants rely on our care and effort to keep them warm through body contact, appropriate clothing, and blankets.
Take care to swaddle or dress your baby in layers of wool or natural wool blends. Make sure feet are always covered, as well as his head. Seventy percent of a child's body heat is lost through the head, so hats become very important in maintaining warmth. A pair of wool underclothes for the winter is a smart and sound investment! In fact, in Europe, there is a folk saying that all the months ending in "R" are months for babies to wear tights or long stockings made of wool or silk. By protecting the infants' small body from cold, we are proactive in making sure that they don’t have to waste precious energy and calories trying to keep warm!
A few of the many benefits of WOOL:
*Wool is highly durable, so woolen clothes generally last a long time! Consign your outgrown woolens and use the money to size up!
* Wool provides warmth, yet it breathes to maintain a comfortable temperature. So even in warm environments, wool maintains a comfortable temperature next to baby's skin. And wools natural fibers breathe, unlike synthetics.
As I mentioned above, one of the best ways to keep your baby warm, close, and calm is to wear her in a soft baby wrap. Check for proper positioning, making sure that baby's chin does not touch her chest, as this can hinder her breathing. Baby's head should be close enough for you to kiss! While there are some babies who only prefer to be worn "facing out", please take care to protect the senses.....wear your baby facing your chest. A baby worn facing outwards can not turn away from stimulation.
*Simplicity is key.
When it comes to material things, what does a baby really need? Presently, a baby registry at a big box store, such as Babys R Us, lists 70 "must have " items for welcoming your new little one. For a first time parent, this is more than overwhelming and not necessary!
A few "sleeping gowns" made from natural fibers, some warm blankets, and diapers are all a breastfeeding and co-sleeping baby really needs for her first few weeks. Lambskins for napping, playing and sitting upon are soft and lovely. They are a sound investment! In my opinion, everything else is very expensive and will end up at a yard sale!
I recently came across advice from an experienced mom that resonated within me: babies should be dressed just as such: a baby! An infant dressed in adult-like clothing swarmed with logos, lots of buttons, snaps, and ties seems spiritually disrespectful. I am a big fan of sleeping gowns and bonnets, even for baby boys.
Toys can be kept simple...a handmade knot doll, some wooden blocks, playsilks, and plenty of pots and pans will do! Limiting or abstaining from television is ideal. You can cover the TV set with a rainbow silk instead!
A word about diapers....if you can, diaper your baby's bottom in cloth. Research has shown a myriad of potential dangers in the chemicals involved in manufacturing disposable diapers, including burns to the sensitive skin surrounding the genitals. Why risk it? Cloth diapering is safe, effective, and fun! Many options are available, making cloth diapering affordable on nearly any budget.
Respect Milestones
There is nothing more amazing than watching your sweet little one reach milestones. Savor these moments, and take care not to rush them! A child "knows" when they are ready to begin crawling. They know when they are comfortable being upright. When they are ready to accept solid foods, they have ways of showing you! Pay close attention to these cues, and above all, respect them.
Hello, Rhythm!
Establishing a rhythm while caring for a newborn may seem impossible, especially if you have other children. Relax and enjoy your minutes, hours, and days with this new life and the rest will follow!
A rhythm is about the "flow" of your day, rather than a harsh schedule. Begin shaping your rhythm simply; establish waking and bedtimes first, as an "anchor point." Once these are established, begin to go about life with your new little one... eat breakfast, do some housework with baby in a sling, go for a relaxing walk outside.
Bed time rhythms can be especially helpful for both mother and baby. A warm bath, a baby massage and a softly sung lullaby will let your baby know that bedtime is coming. As a co-sleeping family, I always preferred to nurse my baby to sleep. Thirteen months later, this is still our rhythm!
Of course, some days your rhythm will seem "off" as you deal with fussiness, visitors, and other normal factors of life. Remember that you can always return to your rhythm, and this too, shall pass! Before you know it, your wee one will be walking and doing so much on his own. Embrace this precious time...record your thoughts and feelings in a special book. You could also write descriptive journal entries to your baby! The first few months of "babyhood" are fuzzy in my memory already...but when I look back at my journal, the emotions come flooding back to me, as if it were yesterday.
Above all, cherish these days as you weave a nest for your growing family. As mothers, we feel our children before we meet them on this earth...we experience their movement and activity; we dream of them at night. We are shaken and humbled as we feel them move through us as they arrive to meet the rest of the people who love them. Their smell intoxicates us; our hearts grow larger and fuller by the minute. Take care to savor every moment; let your children become who they are in their own time. We may be their first teacher, but they will always be the best guide!
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Oh, Rebecca, how this makes me want a baby! Everything you wrote about seems so natural to me... you have described my mothering instinct so well and yet, to think how hard I tried to suppress what felt natural to me in favor of what I was told was 'the right way to do things'. If I do it again (and there is a distinct possibility that this may happen) , my baby will be a Waldorf baby for sure :-)
Rebecca writes a wonderful blog called Bending Birches, a gorgeous space I visit often. I so enjoy reading about her sweet, sweet baby and seeing her beautiful photos. It's such a peaceful, calm and loving space and I urge you all to visit her there.
Here are the other posts in the Discovering Waldorf Series.
Blessings and magic to you, Rebecca, for sharing today.
Donni
