Five years ago, in December 2019, we made the big decision to leave the suburbs and move to the farm. Just a few months later, the world went into lockdown due to the pandemic, but looking back, it couldn’t have been better timing. While the rest of the world was cooped up inside, we were able to roam free on our expansive farm, finding solace in the fresh air and wide-open spaces. For more about how our farm life has shaped us, check out my post on navigating change and embracing new challenges in motherhood from Are Those Your Kids.
For my children, the farm became a sanctuary in a time of chaos. They thrived in nature, learning lessons they couldn’t have learned from a screen or in a classroom. And for me, living on the farm has not only changed how I live but also how I approach my work as a postpartum doula. It’s shaped the way I support mothers, offering them the same grounding and peace I’ve found in nature.
A Safe Haven for My Kids During the Pandemic
When the pandemic began, my kids missed school, their friends, and the structure of their lives. But as they roamed our farm, interacting with the animals and exploring nature, they found a different kind of peace. They’d spend hours cuddling chickens, playing with piglets, and helping with the farm chores. While other children were stuck inside, my kids found a sanctuary in the open fields and fresh air. And I got to teach them on a blanket under the trees, making the best of what we had.
These days, they still help with the animals and collect eggs, but those early days of finding peace in nature have stuck with them. And it reminded me how much grounding can come from something as simple as being outdoors. The simple act of walking barefoot in the grass with my kids was both therapeutic and emotionally nourishing. Little did I know at the time, I had already been practicing what my birth doula shared with me: that walking in grass barefoot is a form of grounding, with profound physical and emotional benefits. Who knew that this simple habit of mine was actually helping me cope with everything happening around us? If you’re interested in more about grounding and how it can impact your postpartum journey, I’ve shared some helpful tips in my article How to Stay Grounded as a New Mom.
Farm Life and Grounding: A Surprising Discovery
That same grounding principle has become a part of my doula practice. Just like walking barefoot on the grass offers a sense of connection to the earth, I help mothers reconnect with their own sense of balance during their postpartum journey. It’s easy to forget to care for yourself when you’re in the throes of new motherhood. But nurturing yourself—whether through nature, fresh meals, or just finding time to breathe—is so important. As a doula, I encourage moms to reconnect with their own well-being, just as I’ve reconnected with nature on the farm. If you’re struggling to find ways to reconnect with yourself during postpartum, I recommend reading my blog post 5 Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body After Birth.
Fresh Eggs, Fresh Knowledge, and Fresh Support
One of the joys of farm life is our daily ritual of collecting fresh eggs every evening. My husband, who took an egg candling class (yes, it sounds a little boring, but trust me, it’s fascinating), has become an expert in eggs. His endless knowledge about the freshness of eggs used to bore me, but it stuck with me when I learned that most eggs you find in grocery stores have already been sitting for at least 45 days before they get to you. Our eggs, however, are gathered every day, ensuring they are as fresh as they can possibly be. I love sharing knowledge like this with my clients, especially when discussing how fresh food can help in the postpartum recovery process.
This is something I love sharing with my clients, particularly when talking about nourishing their bodies during the postpartum period. Fresh eggs, packed with nutrients, are a great example of how simple, whole foods can support new moms. I often share our farm-fresh eggs with clients, reminding them that nourishment doesn’t have to be complex—sometimes, the simplest ingredients can make all the difference. For more insights into postpartum nutrition and how to make self-care meals at home, check out my Postpartum Nutrition Guide.
From Farm to Table: Teaching Fresh, Simple Meals
One of the most rewarding parts of living on the farm is knowing exactly where our food comes from. We visit the local farmer’s market regularly, and I love using fresh, local ingredients in my meal planning. When I’m helping my clients meal plan, I love showing them how easy it can be to cook with fresh ingredients instead of reaching for the processed options we’re often accustomed to. It doesn’t take hours of prep; it’s about using what’s available, embracing whole foods, and making cooking part of the self-care routine.
I know life is busy, and it’s tempting to grab a quick, processed meal, but I also know how much better we feel when we nourish our bodies with fresh ingredients. When we make time for whole foods, we feel better physically and mentally. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of farm life—the ability to live with intention and share that intention with others. If you’re interested in more tips on simplifying meal planning and making healthier choices for your family, my Meal Prep Tips for Busy Moms might help!
Why Living on the Farm Makes Me a Different Kind of Doula
Living on the farm has changed me, both as a person and as a postpartum doula. It’s taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and connection—to the land, to my family, and to myself. These lessons are ones I bring into my work with new mothers, offering them not just advice but a genuine connection rooted in understanding and empathy.
I encourage my clients to take small steps to nurture themselves—whether it’s grounding themselves in nature, nourishing their bodies with fresh food, or simply asking for help when they need it. Motherhood can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Just as I rely on the farm and my family for support, I want every mom to feel that same level of care and encouragement during their postpartum journey. If you’d like to learn more about my approach to postpartum support, feel free to check out my post Why Every New Mom Needs a Doula for more insights.
Let’s Connect
Have you experienced the benefits of fresh, simple meals or grounding yourself in nature? I’d love to hear about your own experiences. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!
If you’re interested in more of my thoughts on parenting, postpartum support, and my journey with my multiracial family, check out some of my other blog posts at Are Those Your Kids. You can also see my work featured in various places online, including my feature in WebMD’s article on postpartum care, where I share insights into navigating early motherhood (read the full interview here: WebMD Postpartum Interview).
Want to see what my day-to-day life looks like as a school counselor, farm wife, doula, and mom? Follow me on Instagram @FarmDoulaCounselor, where I dive deeper into how farm life intertwines with doula care, and other pieces you can find through my online presence. Let’s keep sharing and growing together!
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