Meet one of our READERS…

Lately I’ve had the pleasure of getting  to know a reader, and I really wanted to give her the opportunity to share her experiences…

Katie Mae is my name, and I am the mama to a young girl named Radley.
Together we are tough, feminine, passionate Scorpios, connected to
each other and to the earth we are made of. She prefers going up and
down inclines, sitting on dogs, and pushing things. I prefer long
quiet walks, journal writing, and hand stitching. We both enjoy eating
apples and bananas.

I was never much of a cook, so going raw has been such a relief! My
philosophy during this transition is to be practical and gentle. So
far our favorites are green smoothies, flax crackers, raw hummus, and
salads with sprouts. There is so much to learn and so many new foods
to try, I am determined not to get overwhelmed and am comforted by
simple-sweet carrots. Our greatest challenge has been dad buying corn
chips and cheese slices, but even he gets down with my kale smoothies!

Raw food is just one ingredient in my recipe towards happiness, peace,
and enlightenment. I am an artist, a dreamer, a reader, and a critical
thinker. Instead of being satisfied with my right handedness I am
teaching my left hand to print and sew. I am learning how to open my
body and release old tension. Someday I will remove television from my living room and really really live there. Radley teaches me everyday how to be patient and to act in the name of love. Love life, this curious, amazing, rhythmic moment.

Bare Bottomed Baby by Katie Mae

My daughter is 14 months old and diaper-free!

Our method is very simple: when my daughter needs to eliminate, I am there to assist her so that she does not have to soil herself. Sometimes she likes the big toilet, and other times a small potty. Usually she enjoys squatting outside because she prefers to do everything outside. At night and in the mornings I hold her over a small bowl held between my legs. There are many ways that I can tell she has to go. We use timing, hand signals, a little language, and intuition. For example, she will always produce the goods upon waking (most babes do). Then, if she hasn’t already told me by patting herself or walking to the bathroom, I’ll check the time. Usually it’s about forty five minutes between each pee.  Sometimes I’ll just sense it. All day, everyday, we do this potty dance, and it is as routine as eating or napping.

Elimination Communication (EC), is the formal name for infant pottying. There is a lot of literature on the web and in books that cover this topic in detail. Many families are finding that it compliments other facets of natural parenting like co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and babywearing. That is why I want to share my knowledge with all the raw moms out there! EC is economical, ecologically sensitive, and empowering! My family has saved hundreds of dollars on diapers, buying only a small quantity of cloth that we still use as rags. Do you know how many tons of diapers (along with the waste inside of them) are dumped in our landfills? Using this method greatly reduces the amount of waste your family will toss in the dumpster. Most of all, I love infant pottying because I am encouraging my daughter to be engaged with and aware of her body. We talk about pee and poop without shame. She understands the sensations associated with her need to eliminate and can act on them. It is truly amazing to see her sit on her little potty and pee-all on her own.

If you find any of my story interesting I encourage you to give EC a try. Start upon waking or after nap time. Hold your babe over some type of container and make a sound that your little one will associate with eliminating. “Psssst” or “SSsss” are common “cues” but you can choose any simple sound that comes to you. Try letting your tot go diaper free for a while, and communicate with them when they have gone. Try not to get discouraged, and always stay positive. Remember this is not traditional toilet training, but a practice of communication.

I read Christine Gross-Loh’s Diaper-Free Baby while I was pregnant. This book takes on a very practical, non-threatening approach to EC. Check out diaperfreebaby.org for links, gear, literature and support. There are many blogs, youtube videos, and web groups that also discuss infant pottying. Do some research, catch some pees, and most of all: have fun!

Thank you Katie Mae, that was so wonderful!  YOU are so wonderful! Xo Shannon