Portland Neighborhood for Young Family

[ahoffelt]

You'll fit in just fine here. I have a 5 month old and am fully immersed in the whole baby scene. You can breastfeed anywhere and nobody will give it a second glance. Lots of slings, cloth diapers, make your own baby food, etc. There are tons of mom's groups and playgroups and I can give you more specific recommendations if you ask. There are are also many stores specializing in baby products that you'd probably have trouble finding elsewhere, especially if you cloth diaper. There are probably more doulas and birthing centers here than anywhere else and home births aren't uncommon at all. Even the hospitals cater to natural births more than most, and midwives are the norm in many hospitals for uncomplicated births.

As far as neighborhoods, I think you should look towards Alberta or Belmont. I don't know what the rent is in those neighborhoods, but you might be able to find something.

'Crunchy' where you live is probably just regular here.

[Sweet Cola]

I am so glad I found this thread. I nursed my son until he was 15 months and then he stopped - I think the hormones from being pregnant made the milk taste weird to him - we cloth diaper and I wouldn't survive without my wrap/sling! We are going to be searching for a midwife there also - we have one here, planning on relocating in mid-October. I would love to know the mom groups/playgroups you are referring to ahoffelt! I'm stoked to be around people who don't look down on my for nursing in public and who share our holistic views on medicine!

[philwithbeard]

Try Web site for Meet Up dot Com for the Portland area:
Meetups near Portland, Oregon - Meetup

Should be 6 or a dozen groups of young mothers trying to connect up with others for support.

Note of Caution: YMMV, different groups / different success rates.

Phil

[ahoffelt]

Here are some of the starting points for meeting other moms:

Providence hospital hosts a new mom's group on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can attend even if you haven't delivered at Providence. It is fantastic and a great way to meet others. I think you'll find the views and information to be in line with your belief system. Look on their website for more information. The group goes until 6 months and then you become part of a smaller, long term group.

Milagros has lots of groups and information sessions for baby wearing, cloth diapering, meeting other moms, etc. There are both La Leche League and Nursing Counsel meetings and events. Most of the local library branches host Book Babies each week, which is a song and story time for babies up to a year. They have times for older kids as well. There are lots of options for baby swim classes. There are support groups for elimination communication, if you are into that kind of thing. Zenana Spa holds lots of classes and is affiliated with a midwife group.

These are just a few that I can think of at the moment. Trust me, you won't have any trouble finding things to do or people to befriend. The Urban Mamas website has lots of information, especially pertaining to childcare options and events.