Motherhood and the Natural World

By: Kassie Leachman

Every autumn as the leaves begin to change and the air starts to feel a little nostalgic, I’m reminded of motherhood and its connection to the natural world. 

I always have found a symmetry to the season and the expansion of a family. Autumn is a time of shedding and turning - the leaves falling to the ground and creating a soft landing and a home for life all around it. We shed some of our old self and walk into our new self especially as we become a mother. 

In the winter there is a hibernating of sorts, a wintering. Even without winter weather, the winter season brings a slowness, a pause to reflect. This dormancy mirrors the early postpartum period: a time to heal, rest, bond, and find our “new normal”. Honoring this period of slowness is crucial to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and its effects can resonate for years to come. 

Spring ushers in new growth and emergence, both in nature and within ourselves. As the earth awakens, so do we. We step into a new phase with greater confidence in our capabilities and a renewed eagerness to reconnect with our community. As we walk into summer with its abundance and longer days, we come back to ourselves a little more evolved. Nature has a way of guiding the pace of our lives. Even in parts of the country where the seasons are less evident, our bodies move through the seasons of the year with the natural world. 

We instinctively know that being in nature rejuvenates our mental and physical selves—the feel of fresh air, the ground beneath our feet, the rhythmic sounds of waves or rustling trees, the songs of birds, the scent of the earth, the warmth of the sun, the nip of the cold, and the crunch of snow underfoot. All these things expand and feed our senses. “Go outside” is one of my best tips for new parents. Whether it’s the baby who is struggling to calm down or the mother whose anxiety ramps up as night time draws near – “go outside”. For example, a walk around the block to clear your head before you start the bedtime routine (alone or with baby), or a step onto your balcony to feel the briskness of the air for a colicky baby allows nature to act as a reset and a reprieve. 

As we journey through motherhood and watch our children grow, nature continues to be a source of comfort and learning. The boundaries widen for our children: free play and encouraged exploration help to build confidence and instill independence for our children, as well as ourselves. Nature allows them to test their limits and find balance in the natural world. A walk on a trail in the woods with a child can strengthen our connection and leave space for communication in the quiet. By making a commitment to be in nature all year, we teach our children resilience and patience with each season that comes – as well as remind ourselves. It is often said because it’s so true that “motherhood has its season”. By reflecting on Mother Nature’s natural cycle, we also can assure ourselves of those seasons – as well. The shedding or turning over, the hibernating or pause, the growth and the abundance. When we listen and observe nature, we can learn its lessons that translate to motherhood, such as acceptance, patience, and flow.

So as you move forward, remember that nature is always there, offering its quiet companionship. Whether you’re in the midst of shedding, resting, growing, or flourishing, the natural world reflects and supports your journey. Motherhood is a profound transformation, and just like the changing seasons, it is beautiful in all its forms. Take solace in this truth, and allow nature to be the constant, grounding force as you continue to evolve.

Kassie Leachman is a certified doula and childbirth educator and is trained in integrative lactation and feeding support. Kassie supports many families on all walks of their reproductive journeys, and creates a safe space for families to grow, by providing them with the most intentional and compassionate evidence-based care. Kassie lives in Winnetka with her husband and two children, with whom she loves exploring nature!