I have to admit this is a real pet peeve of mine.  While I think it is
true that a lot of cultures have a food=love thing, my old cynical self
says that the placing of importance on male bonding through infant
feeding is really all about control.  It is the one thing he can not do
as well as mom.

There are so many things that daddy can do to bond with tiny ones, not
all of them involving poop and other unpleasantness.  Sleeping.  A good
naked tub cuddle (my boys always loved burrowing in chest hair).  Other
grooming, i.e., dressing in ridiculous outfits, spiking baby hair in Sid
Vicious fashion.  And the walking and talking with eye contact in a
sling is a big success.  Babies love to hear and feel that deep male
vocal register.

I am thinking of some t-shirt motto like "Real men leave feeding to
those who can lactate."  And then maybe a long list of bonding
alternatives on the back.

Well, just a thought.  ;)

Jake

> Marie says,
>
> << Is it really that important to daddy to bottle feed the baby? Do men have
>  bonding issues? And why do the other kids need to get involved? I don't know
>  if I could trust a 2 year old to bottle feed my baby. >>
>
> I suspect it is because in many cultures, but ours especially, food=love.  If
> you eat the food I make, then you love me, and it is a way I can demonstrate
> how much I love you -- by cooking for you and feeding you.
>

--
Jake Marcus Cipolla: freelance writer & editor; student LC and LLL
leader; homeschooling work-at-home mom to Luca (7/94), Nicholas (5/97),
& Aidan (3/00).     mailto:[log in to unmask]
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