According to sociologist Jean Liedloff in her book The Continuum Concept, in order for a baby to completely develop properly mentally, physically, emotionally and socially, they need constant physical contact with their mother. Have you seen folks walking around with baby slings on? Some of them are not just wearing those in place of using a stroller, but are practicing this concept, in which mothers literally strap a baby to them constantly until the infant begins to crawl (including sleeping with the parents at night!) Liedloff came to this conclusion by watching primitive tribes in South America and the ancient ways they reared children, and by noting the lack of emotional problems they had in comparison to people in modern society. It is an interesting theory – what do you all think? It sounds hard and weird to Western eyes, but could this be a lost primordial practice that needs to be reintroduced into society, or is it just too impractical for today’s world?
I was, and am in many ways still, a proponent of being very attentive and wearing your baby. I have two children who I wore a lot when they were small. However, I have learned that there is a balance to this philosophy. There was tremendous guilt for me when I simply needed a break from my babies. I didn't understand that it is healthy and right for me to occasionally put them down and have a private moment to myself. By doing this, I was staying in touch with myself, not only as their mommy, but also as a woman. I think I returned to my children healthier and with more joy to offer when I took breaks from them. I think it is easy to romanticize the cultures that have worn their babies for centuries, but these are also cultures where women have not developed as fully as individuals. Their identities are very limited in many ways to being mothers and working. I think our societies have grown in a positive way by coming to the realization we are also women with other thoughts and things to contribute in this world.
ReplyDeleteVery well put, Lori. I firmly believe that you have to find a balance with everything, and a healthy mom equals a healthy baby. Thanks for your comment!
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