Not everyone has the luxury of a supportive community ready to pitch in when it comes to raising children. Parenting can be challenging, yet having extra hands around can make a significant difference. While I have built my own family network through years of friendships and shared meals, many Indigenous cultures, particularly those within tribal communities, embrace a different approach: children are welcomed into families with multiple mother figures. This shared responsibility among women—both biological and non-biological—creates a nurturing environment that extends beyond simply having extra help at home.
In the Kraho village of north-central Brazil, the belief is that children benefit from having multiple mothers. Their cultural framework emphasizes the idea that a true village is essential for child-rearing. Unlike my children, who refer to family friends as “Auntie,” Kraho children address all maternal figures—birth mothers, aunts, and close family friends—using the term “inxe,” blurring the lines between these relationships and fostering a sense of collective motherhood.
Filmmaker Lena Torres, who became pregnant while documenting life in the Kraho village, observed stark differences between family structures there and in Western societies. She shared with the Washington Post, “In each household, there are 15 to 20 people. Each home features multiple mothers and children of various ages caring for one another. When couples marry, the man moves into the woman’s home. All mothers remain together, forming a network where they collectively breastfeed and nurture one another’s children.”
In these Indigenous communities, there is no room for overprotective parenting. Mothers embrace a more hands-off approach, allowing their children the freedom to explore and learn. My own experience during pregnancy classes highlighted the contrast: as a member of a same-sex couple, I often had to advocate for more inclusive language. In one lactation class, the instructor inquired if I intended to induce lactation so I could also nurse our baby—a topic I had not fully considered.
The concept of shared motherhood extends beyond breastfeeding in the Kraho community. Women actively participate in each other’s lives, fostering an environment devoid of judgment. Trust is paramount; mothers know that other women will care for their children, teaching them valuable life lessons through gentle guidance. This communal approach instills a deep sense of respect and responsibility among the children, who grow up understanding that they are supported by a network of mothers.
Moreover, many tribal societies, including the Kraho, have a different relationship with material possessions. Resources such as food and toys are shared freely, eliminating the concept of ownership and encouraging independence among children. They grow up with the freedom to explore their surroundings, learning through experience rather than restriction. Lena’s daughter, for instance, enjoys a more autonomous existence while in the Kraho village—she isn’t constantly clinging to her parents.
The Kraho community holds strong beliefs about home births, ensuring that mothers are surrounded by those they trust during labor. This connection across generations is both profound and sacred.
Imagine a world where expansive spaces are filled with loving individuals supporting both you and your children while embracing a lifestyle free from materialism and the fear of being replaced. This is the essence of the Indigenous approach to motherhood, and it is truly inspiring.
For those interested in exploring various aspects of parenting and conception, you can check out some insightful resources like this article on IVF or learn about products like the home insemination kit and the home intracervical insemination syringe kit for those considering alternative paths to motherhood.
In summary, the collective parenting approach observed in Indigenous cultures, particularly in the Kraho community, provides children with a wealth of love and support from multiple maternal figures. This model fosters independence and trust, allowing kids to thrive in a nurturing environment that prioritizes community over individualism.
Keyphrase: Indigenous motherhood and community
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