Friends,
All of this recent discussion sparked by the scheduling books has made me
think about (in huge generalities) culture here in the US, maybe other
places too.  I've been reading the posts and started thinking that as little
as 75 or 100 years ago folks would have thought these books rubbish (well,
some of us do now too).  A new mom would be in close proximity to other
female relatives (I keep thinking of a no-nonsence grandmother) who would
help with the housekeeping, but also with learning new baby care (like how
often to feed the baby).  Certainly this wasn't the best possible system,
not all families fit this mould and not all grandmothers were kindly.  I'm
sure there were lactation failures, higher mortality rates, etc... but I
feel so sad that we've had scheduling books replace human relationships and
feel the need to quantify every little thing.  I know there are great books
out there too, but for many it is not at all reassuring to hear, trust your
instincts, listen to your baby, relax and enjoy motherhood.

Dawn Martin
Austin, TX
remembering her grandmas and great aunts who who would've thought scheduling
babies was the silliest thing they'd ever heard.

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