Holistic Moms Discover New Ways of Healthy Living

A group of “Holistic Moms” gathers each month to discuss new ways of healthy living and parenting in a fast-paced world, led by Jennifer Peters of

The group is a national nonprofit with more than 120 chapters across the country. Shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Annabelle, who is now two years old, Peters discovered the Holistic Moms website.

“I contacted them about starting one up here in January of 2010 and we launched in May of 2010,” she said. “It’s an official nonprofit with a purpose to generate national awareness, education and support for holistic parenting and to provide a nurturing, open and respectful community for parents who share these ideals.”

In the group of about 15 local mothers, it’s all about taking charge of their families’ health, research and ideas.

“We provide an environment where people can come together and share those ideas and be respected and supported,” Peters said. “A lot of moms in our group may choose some nontraditional choices for their children, so often their families or current friends may not be that supportive. Here, no one is judged.”

Holistic Moms meets on the fourth Wednesday of very month at the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library. Different topics discussed include green living and the environment, cleaning and making your own nontoxic products, the controversy around vaccinations, homeopathy, acupuncture and energy therapies, extended breastfeeding and more.

Cloth diapering, the importance of whole foods and natural childbirth also have been topics of discussion.

“It’s about everyone being on the same journey and respecting where everyone else is,” she said. “It’s very warm and welcoming.”

Peters said she gets a chance to learn from other mothers and their own experiences as well.

“Through the course of pregnancy and childbirth, I became much more focused on a going back to basics natural form of raising children and health, and just wanting to create a healthy environment for her to grow up in,” she said of her daughter.

In a world where issues of health are not always at the forefront, being involved in the group is important to her on a personal level. Other issues discussed include home schooling and other school choices, healthy eating for kids and making food fun, holistic dentistry, and more.

“There’s so much disease everywhere and modern lifestyles are complicated,” she said. “Going back to a simpler way is going to be how we can recover some of our essence and even reconnect. With technology, it’s about disconnection and with creating these kinds of community groups, it’s all about reconnecting. You want to make the best choices you can with the knowledge you have.”

Co-leader Ashley Cosner is moving next month, and Holistic Moms is looking for a new leader. For more information or to get involved, contact HMNpittsburgh@gmail.com or visit pittsburghpa.holisticmoms.org.