Parenting in Philadelphia?

[Kateri]

Hey,

I was wondering what the natural living/parenting atmosphere is like in the Philadelphia area. I actually grew up there but have lived in San Francisco for the past 3 yrs and have done most of my parenting here. I love San Francisco for it's rich homebirthing/homeschooling/ap community and for many other reasons but we're thinking of moving back to the phila area in a year or so. I know the phila area must not have as many ap types as here but as long as there are some, I'd survive.

Thanks for any replies!

[motherkins]

I wouldn't even know where to begin to answer your post. We live in a suburb just west of the city, off of the main line. I have never met a mom here who homebirthed. There is a birth center in Bryn Mawr, and that seems to be where the AP mamas that I've met have delivered. In PA, as far as I understand, CNMs are not allowed to be at homebirths, and I don't know any lay-midwives.
There aren't many organic markets, a small Whole Foods in Ardmore (on the main line), and ????I don't know what to say. I haven't met any great gatherings of AP moms. That or they hiding somewhere :confused:
I use cloth diapers, bought my own because the closest diaper service is in West Chester (about an hour from here). They will come out this way though.
I think you'll probably be in for an initial shock, but eventually you'll find the AP moms--they just won't be as rampant as perhaps they are out there.

[Kateri]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I grew up right outside of Philly--in the Upper Darby area and had my first baby there 4 yrs ago. She was born at home with a CNM which was legal then (I don't know if things have changed or not) I interviewed one other midwife, a lay midwife but decided to go with the nurse midwife. If you're intereseted in any names, let me know. I think there was one other midwife who did homebirths at the time though I think she was further out.

So after moving here and going back for visits, I vowed I would never move back The child-raising atmosphere is just so different there. However, we're starting to rethink our decision and wonder if we should go back. All of my dh's family is out there and some of mine is. That's the big attractions as well as affordable housing.

I was hoping that if we looked around in the Phila area, beside in the area I grew up in, I might find more of a community that I'm looking for but perhaps not... Well I know you guys are out there perhaps just very spread out.

Anyway, if I do move out there, I will definitely try to get an AP group going. Has anybody tried this?

Kate

[menudo]

Every time I reply to a tribe thread it dies, as in the other Philly threada week or 2 ago ( I was the only reply then...) but here goes again. I live in Jersey, but right on the Delaware across from Philly. If I go up the road a bit I can see the Philly airport, so I am in teh area. (I actually lived in the city a year about 7 years ago). I grew up in this area but lived much of my adult life in NYC (the Bronx) and swore I'd never come back-but did. Anyway, even on this side of the river, AP is unheard of as is homebirth, etc. (Hsd 2nd son at BC of Delaware in Wilmington-worth the travel but if I had another it'd be at home!)

Anyway, it'd be nice to find more AP Mamas out here!

[motherkins]

Hey, we live in Drexel Hill--where did you live? We moved here from Pittsburgh and were in Chicago before that. Everything was so unaffordable out there. We have a large 5 bedroom house here and I love having the space.
We have loved our experiences at the Birth Center. I had checked out Midwives of Delaware County for my second pregnancy but they deliver at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and I just didn't want to go that route. I had considered it because it was closer to our house and I went quickly with my first.
I belong to Nursing Mother's Network in Havertown and that's how I found my AP friends. We moved here when I was pregnant and I didn't know anyone so it was a good way to get into the community here for me.
I have to go. I'm supposed to be looking for a recipe for dinner tomorrow that I can cook in a crock-pot. :rolleyes:

[Kateri]

Motherkins,

My husband grew up in Drexel Hill, and I grew up in Yeadon and before that Lansdowne. I'm very familiar with the area. Do you know where Prendie is? That's where I went to highscool and my husband went to Bonner. Well, it's good to know there's a Nursing Mother's Network out there.

Was Pittsburch unaffordable or Chicago or both?

Bebesho, thanks for replying! Have you found any sorts of groups in your area? any organic markets?

Kate

[motherkins]

Kate,
We live on the 400 block of Harper, i would say maybe 1/2 mile or so from Bonner and Prendie. I am from Cherry Hill (I don't know where you are Bebesho2). My husband and I met at Penn, so we both lived in the city for 4 years. He was in the army (ROTC) so we moved around about after that. Upstate NY and Pittsburgh were both very affordable, Chicago was awful. I would never go back (I say that a lot, ever since my husbands company merged with one in Chicago and it could theoretically be an option). They are building the houses right on top of each other out there.
We like our life here. I guess I am finding that the more experienced I get as a mom, the less I need others to be like me.
Helen

[mamabutterfly]

hi there,

Well, my experience has been a bit different. I actually live within the city itself, in the northwest, & have found several wonderful circles of AP parents. One friend of mine who lives in the Mt Airy neighborhood gave birth at home & now has a great playgroup going on there. That area also has a food co-op I've belonged to for a few years. Mt Airy also has both Nursing Mothers & LLL groups that are going strong. Another friend of mine, a SAHD also in the northwest, is looking to begin a chapter of API (Attachment Parenting Intl). If anyone wants to pm me I'd be happy to share more info.

I wouldn't necessarily say philly should be on the top of anyone's alternative living lists, but there is some life out there if you look for it! :hippie

mb

[menudo]

I am in Gloucester County. There are NO organic or whole foods in the county (If I had the $$ I want to open one!!). The closest is Mount Laurel, over 25 minutes North. AP? HAH? LLL is cool but so far I feel like an outcast, I don't wanna go into detail why b/c I am unsure if any of the Moms from my group lurk here and it is an issue that is bothering me. The toll is what prohinits me from going into Philly much, but now that I found a Cherry Hill mama I am feeling better. This area depresses me so much, and I am having quite a down day.

[Kateri]

bebesho2,

I'm sorry to hear that things aren't going well with your local LLL. Is this the main reason you're down? Please pm me if you'd like to talk about it.

Well, it sounds to me that there is more AP life inside the city than outside which doesn't surprise me.

What you said, Motherkins, about the more exprienced you are as a mom the less you need others to be like you is interesting. I can see where you're coming from. I know I'm so much more relaxed/confident with my 2nd than with my 1st. but it really is so nice to be able to hang out with other mamas who share the same parenting values as you. I'd cope without it but I sure would miss it.

If we do move out there, it wouldn't be for another year. but I'd definitely look you all up if it does happen. It'd be great if that SAHD you mentioned, mamabutterfly, did open an API chapter. I belong to one out here and it's been really nice.

[paula_bear]

Wow, I hate to see Philly get such a bum rap! There are lots of mothering-type mamas (and papas) around. I haven't found too many whole-foods or organic restaurants in my area (haven't had the $ to look too hard, tho) but I often go to Whole Foods in Devon, in addition to my local healthy food stores in West Chester and Kimberton.

I'm a bit further out, in Chester County, so maybe things are more different here than on the Main Line. CNM homebirth is legal, to the best of my knowledge. CPM non-nurse midwifery is "alegal" meaning it's OK as long as nothing goes wrong...:( One of my friends is studying to be a homebirth midwife and she knows of many other non-nurse midwives in southeastern PA.

I had a homebirth with my second baby, although I lived in North Jersey at the time. I have found a few like-minded friends at my local LLL meetings. Most of my family are mainstream, but I try to express my views and show by my actions that there is a softer, gentler way to raise children than the methods I grew up (under.)

Anyway, if you decide to move here, I think that a group of Philadelphians from the forums have met on a few occasions. Look back thru the posts to find more info.

Good luck,
Paula

[magnoliablue]

We live a little more toward the shore, about half way between AC and Phila. I shop at a Whole Foods in Marlton, near Cherry Hill.I also am in a coop with friends. I used to be active w/LLL with first two babes, haven't been as involved anymore, most of the leaders have moved on too. I go to Phila. a lot, as my bro and wife live near Doylestown. Also like to take the kids for some culture..not much of that down here. I would be up to getting together sometime. So far you are the closest to me that has posted on the board...if there's somebody closer, give me a holler!

[paula_bear]

I also forgot to mention that there are several farms in my area that sell organic eggs, milk and produce. There is an organic farm that runs a co-op as well. It starts in May and goes through October. I didn't do it last year, but plan to join this year. Personally, I love it here. The scenery is beautiful, the people are kind and friendly, the schools are good. I have found many people I can befriend who share values similar to mine. I'm a postpartum doula, so I have met many wonderful women through my work. There are definitely AP-type and Natural Living-type people in the Philly-metro area. Maybe you can come visit before making your decision.

[Kateri]

Thanks for the replies!

We'll be out there mid-July for a visit and we'll definitely visit with the eye of potentially moving back--checking out different areas and such.

Paula-bear, about how long of a drive is it to the city from Chester County?

[paula_bear]

I live about 40 miles west of Philly - 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and time of day.

[Chantelle691]

Where do you live in Chester County? I'm in Lancaster County, just south of Lancaster city.

I'd love to find some organic farms out my way - and I KNOW there are some, but I'm not sure how to go about finding them!

Chantelle

[serenetabbie]

There is an organic co-op out by Rodale....I think that may be far for you tho Chantelle. There have got to be organic co ops near you in Lancaster county! I am in Lehigh county (about an hour from the Philly city limits). We really like it. It is mostly rural. I have had 2 CNM births (in the birthsuites) and several of my freinds have had homebirths. I used to live right outside of Philly...altho on the other side from you ladies! I lived on the NE side. I know there are loads of mamas who are here on MDC and in the philly area who are just so very cool and AP :) I think that in the warmer weather some of the local philly mdc moms set up outings.

[paula_bear]

Originally posted by Chantelle691
Where do you live in Chester County? I'm in Lancaster County, just south of Lancaster city.

I'd love to find some organic farms out my way - and I KNOW there are some, but I'm not sure how to go about finding them!

Chantelle - I'm not too far from the Lancaster County border. DH and I love to take a drive out thru Amish Country whenever we can. I know of one organic farm that sells produce on Route 10 between Honey Brook (Rt. 322) and Morgantown (Rt. 23), closer to Morgantown. I also know of a food co-op that starts up in May, but it would be a bit far for you. Do you have a health food store near you? They may be able to direct you to near-by farmers. If the staff isn't helpful, ask the customers!

The way we've found things has mostly been by driving around. Take a Sunday drive sometime and see what you can find!

[serenetabbie]

Hey Chantelle~ I just put in "lancaster pa organic co ops" ion the google search and came up with loads of places!
Here's one
http://www.northeastcoop.com/CUSTOMERS/FABC/FABC_PA.html

this link looks like it could be useful to all of us who live in PA, as it gives a list of all of this co ops cities.
Good luck! :)

[paula_bear]

Thanks for the link, Serentabbie. I asked for info on 3 clubs in my area. The only problem I have with that is that the produce is still shipped from other parts of the country. I want to try to eat food that has been grown locally. This is why I think driving around to look for local farms is still the best bet! :yum

[JavaJerri]

I grew up outside Philly, in Yardley. I go back to visit often because all of my family still lives there. I have to say, I don't see much APness while I'm visiting. My Mom and my sister are probably the closest thing I have to my style of parenting. Now I am in Lancaster County, actually Lancaster city. I've met a lot more AP type people here. Homebirths are way more common here! There is one stand at Central Market here in Lancaster that has locally grown organic fruit and produce. I know several people who belong to coops also, but I've never gone that route since my MIL lets us garden on her farm (which has always been organic) I'm sure driving around here would definiately yield some results as there are lots of local farms on the outskirts of the city. It's nice to see someone else in Lancaster!:)

Jerri

[Mavournin]

Hi Philly mamas!

We recently moved back to Philly from NYC. I grew up in S. Jersey, but my husband is from NY. I've found that while most of the people I knew in NY were AP mamas, they are few and far between here. We live in South Philly, and I guess we're lucky because we have two Whole Foods Markets nearby, one at 20th/Callowhill and one on South St. But we joined the co-op out in Mt. Airy and do a fair amount of our shopping there. It's about 30 - 40 min. from our house, but it never really seems that bad.
I actually moved during my pregnancy back to NY to use the birthing center there, but I think I would use the Bryn Mawr Center or more likely homebirth (dh is not keen on the idea. go figure, his mom is a CNM)
It would be really nice to meet other mamas in the area, we moved back here so I could finish school (that and housing is so much cheaper) and I would love to be able to find people who don't cringe when I mention "diaper". (I'm the only student at my college with kids)

-Gillian
Mama to Miriam 15 mos.

[motherkins]

Hi Mavournin. I had both my babies at the Birth Center and loved the experiences. Contact me if you ever want more info about them.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

Well, Dh teases me all the time becuase he says I tend to surround myself with like-minded people and then forget everyone else exists, so take this with that in mind. But I live in Morton (between Swarthmore and Springfield for those who've never heard of Morton, LOL) and I have a lot of AP friends. I met all of them through LLL when my first was born-now we've got the toddler meeting in Swarthmore, so we've all stuck together. We do playgroup eveyr week, and they are all now my best friends. I think that the Swarthmore/Wallingford area has a good deal of ap-types, probably because of the college's influence. I know I've met tons of like-minded mamas just hanging out at the Tot Lot in Swarthmore-it's on Rutledge Ave, behind the Ballet school that's on Park street across from the swarthmore library.

As for markets, I like Selene in Media, their prices are reasonable-way better than Martindale's on Baltimore PIke in SPringfield. Since trader Joe's opened in Wilmington we've been doing trips there every few weeks, usually when we go to Zagara's on Route 1. I love the farmer's near the fresh fields' in devon (I think it's devon, maybe paoli) the farmer's market is on the corner of paoli pike and route 30.

[Wendyesm]

Hi, everybody--
I live in S. Jersey, Haddon Heights. I would love to get together with other "Mothering-types" anywhere in the Philly area (we used to live in Chester County, and before that, in the city itself). I have a FABULOUS midwife who's in Bucks County (does homebirth and hospital birth) and a wonderful doula, a great non-vaxxing pediatrician, a wonderful chiropractor... all in all, I like this area a lot! Granted, it's hard to find other moms like me, but I know they're out there. I'm originally from Boston, and this area is at least more "hippie" than Boston is.

I've got a two and a half year old girl and a six-week old boy. I'd really love to be in an AP group with anybody interested. Please send a note!

Wendy

[shantimom]

Hiya,
We are definitely around- and this is a wonderful place to find us!
Right after my daughter was born I came to this very board and found the woman who was to become my very closest friend. She is an hour away, but I never begrudge the ride!
That was before the LLL/ap playgroup. Now Ive found plenty of mommas within minutes.

Reach out and find your sisters!

[zzmommy]

Hi everyone, I live in Jenkintown, which is about 20 minutes from philadelphia, and I would love to meet/ get together with other ap moms in the area. I have a 3 year old boy and 5 month old girl who I gave birth to at a birth center about 10 minute from us with an awesome midwife. I'm planning on homeschooling and would love to talk to anyone else in the area who might be doing that too !

[tidalwave]

I live in South Philly and there are very few natural parenting types here. It seems there is a cluster of Natural parenting types in the Mount Airy/ Germantown/ Chestnut Hill area.

I'm not sure if you are looking for a homebirth midwife, but I know of a certified nurse-midwife with 23 years experience that accepts most health insurances. Here's a link where you can find more info.
http://mamaearth.com/philaresources.html#healthcare

[treehugginmama]

I'm in NE Philadelphia. THey have a great Homeschool group around here and another wonderful one in Center City.

For organics there is TONS of farmers markets and there is a food coop Local Harvest is one. Fresh Fields is a great store. There are many cloth diapering mommas.

Theres a great birthing center near Holy Reedmer Hospital.

There are so many other things also, I'm just having a brain block at the moment.

[PaMomx3]

My name is Jill, I am a new member...I find myself nodding in agreement with the posts. I live about an hour north of Philly (I actually grew up in the city). I have always been drawn to natural living/parenting but never really had the resources, probably because of the area. I would love to hear from others in the area to share experiences.

[DebraBaker]

Hey,

I live in Chester County as well.

This area isn't known for its ap or natural lifestyles but you can find enclaves of nice interesting people.

In Chester County Kimberton is very cool, mostly because of the Waldorf School and the whole foods market (Kimberton Whole Foods)

Housing is really expensive.

We have chosen to live below our means which means we purchased a nice Victorian twin in a small town (Downingtown) about 20 minutes south of Kimberton.

I had my last baby at Bryn Mawr Birth Center, it's wonderful and provides a lot of classes and interaction with other parents (good for newcomers) I believe the Chester County community desperately needs its own birth center (If I got up some nerve I'd do something about it) because we're 45 minutes west of Bryn Mawr and 45mins-1 hour south and east of Reading (another birth center)

The laws are pretty relaxed here (as are the vax laws mainly because of the Amish community) Homeschooling laws are pretty relaxed as well.

If you want to know more give me a pm (some of my family is in the Bay area :thumb )

db

[headlongamy]

Hi Philly area moms and potential Philly area moms,
I live in South Philly right near the Italian Market (an outdoor food market) and love it. My kids, 1 and almost 3, play almost every day at Seeger Playground at 10th and Lombard. There is such a great community of like-minded parents there -- it is really inspiring. People keep asking me when we are going to put our older daughter into pre-school, but one of the many reasons I don't want to put her in preschool is that she has such a great group of friends at Seeger.
I love Philly for lots of reasons -- I'm a choreographer and my hubby is a musician and Philly is cheap to live in but with all the amenities of a big city. The only thing I miss is nature, so we are planning to move to South Jersey (40 minutes away) next year. I'm too much of an earth momma to raise my kids on concrete for their whole lives. But I think if you are going to live in a city, Philly is it! Lots of cool parents doing their own thing.

[treehugginmama]

Originally posted by headlongamy
The only thing I miss is nature, so we are planning to move to South Jersey (40 minutes away) next year. I'm too much of an earth momma to raise my kids on concrete for their whole lives. But I think if you are going to live in a city, Philly is it! Lots of cool parents doing their own thing.


You can move to North East Philly. I have Grass!!! I make sure to plant lots of flowers. I'm origianlly from a farm town so I take pride in my lawn. My in laws live on Girard ave and have nothing but concrete. They have a pool though right on their concrete. When I first saw that I thought it was very odd.

[kate_t]

I had to blink when I saw your post...my name is also Kateri and I am an AP mom in Philadelphia...

To answer your question (I know you posted this awhile ago but I'm going to answer anyway), in Center City, where we live, I know of many moms who cloth diaper, a few who gave birth at home, many who family bed, and plenty who attend LLL meetings. There are at least three large natural food stores in town that I know of, and probably more smaller ones that I don't know about. I've also heard that there is a strong homeschooling community, but I haven't encountered any homeschoolers personally since most people I know have children who are not yet school age. Most of these epople seem to be concentrated in the Queen Village or Art Museum areas.

That being said, step outside the city and you've warped back to 1960. Bottle country. Especially in New Jersey.

[momoftworedheads]

Hello!

I have lived in Philly all of my life and I think that there are a lot of chances to meet other natural/AP parents, you just have to look for them. I live in Northeast Philly and have been surprised by the number of moms I have met that BF, use the family bed and I have even had a woman convert to CDing. I belong to LLL here and am a BF counselor for Abington area Nursing Moms chapter. I think that you have to decide what area of Philly works best for you and your family. :)

As far as Natural foods go, there is a Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Zagara's about 20 minutes from my home. I know of a great food co-op that my friend belongs to in Glenside!

Just remember, you make the home you live in! So, moving to Philly or near Phiily, you can still live the way you want, you just may have to travel a bit for what you desire!

Good luck!!!!!

Take care,
momoftworedheads, wife to my DH mike, Bf, CDing, sewing Mama!

[Kateri]

Thank you so much for your replies! I really appreciate it. We'll be in the area for the first two weeks in August and would love to get together with any and everyone who would be up for it. Let me know if you're interested and we can start thinking about it...

Please keep the info coming. It's been really helpful!

[DebraBaker]

Kateri,

Try to understand August is very hot and humid in the Phila. area. It's nicer other times of the year.

If you're ok with a sauna then we should all get together (perhaps Valley Forge Park??)

db

[Kateri]

Thanks, db, for the advice! I did grow up in the area so I am familiar with how nasty the summers can be (yuck!). Would love to hear some input for cool places to hang out.