We understand the idea of going diaper free can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, or even seen anyone else do it. Kind of like breastfeeding or using a wrap for babywearing. Watching a video or reading about it doesn’t come close to having a friend stop by and actually help you figure things out.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is find a real-life support group for your EC’ing and natural parenting journey. There is nothing as valuable to a new parent as having friends who share your basic principles about caring for the earth and nurturing our children! In addition, there are also online support communities where you can find virtual support and connect via technology to other families going on a similar journey.
- Diaper Free Baby is a national non-profit membership organization specifically dedicated to supporting families who practice Elimination Communication (EC). Through a partnership with Go Diaper Free, they organize local chapters as well as provide a wealth of online resources and training opportunities to become an EC Mentor in your community.
- Holistic Moms Network is a membership organization for parents interested in green living, alternative health options and conscious parenting. Many HMN chapters have EC’ing moms as members, and the organization is all about tolerance and accepting others’ parenting decisions. Join HMN or find a local HMN chapter.
- Attachment Parenting International is a network of local support groups and a central group of volunteers dedicated to research and education about the importance and benefits of attachment principles in parenting. Its also a group where you are more likely to find EC’ing parents even though elimination communication is not specifically part of the groups’ focus. Join API or find a local API chapter.
If you cannot find any local support groups, there are lots of online EC forums and support groups. Online support can make up for a shortage of real-life support, and reading about experiences other parents are having and having a group of people to ask questions to can be very helpful and inspiring. In addition, there are a lot of bloggers writing about their Elimination Communication experiences.
If you know of additional support groups, or have other tips for parents just starting out on their EC journey who may be looking for support, please leave a comment below.