The dilemma you describe is so familiar to so many of us. I remember reading about Navaho women whose babies were swaddled to cradle boards. They would tie the board to a tree so that they could work, unencumbered. I looked at my then rambunctious and large baby and decided that we didn’t have a tree big enough! The Snugli was a baby carrier created by a pioneer Peace Corps couple from Africa who observed how babies were carried, contentedly, in that culture. It also freed the moms to work.

Rural Colombia had a beautiful tradition called “La Dieta” to help brand new mothers and babies. During the first six weeks after birth, the mother, no matter how poor, was attended in her home by a relative or friend. That women took over all household tasks and the mother was only to rest and establish a good nursing relationship with her child. Given the labor intensive work of women, this was a very expensive gift to the new mother. It also obligated the new mother to recipocate when the helper needed the same support.

The countries of the European Union offer generous paid paternal leave. I remember how incredibly difficult it was to pass the Family Medical Leave Act in this country. I fear now that it is on the Tea Pary Ax agenda.

I appreciate you thoughts on “keeping ahead.” I would note that in my own case, carefully laid outlines can waylaid because of comments and events which I couldn’t have anticipated.

I wish you well. Please enjoy your babies; blogs are always there.