In the U.S. it’s common to breast feed only until six months, and stay in diapers until three yrs old. In more indigenous cultures it’s the exact opposite. They breastfeed until three years old and babies are potty trained by six months. Hmmmmm...
I understand much of this comes from convenience. In less developed countries they don’t have the financial resources to buy disposable diapers, so of course they are paying attention and responding to when their babies need to eliminate. In the U.S., disposable diapers mean less diaper changing than cloth because it wicks away the moisture (and creates more diaper rash since the baby sits in their pee).
I’m also aware many women in the U.S. must return back to work at 3-6 months (I’m feeling my own heartache about this) so I imagine breastfeeding becomes more of a hassle.
"My heart hurts that these moments of deepened intimacy and communication with our babies gets lost due to first world ‘conveniences’."
My heart hurts that these moments of deepened intimacy and communication with our babies gets lost due to first world ‘conveniences’. Are these short term ‘conveniences’ a trade off for long term inconveniences regarding overall well being and connection to our bodies, our health, and perhaps even the greater connection to our Mother Earth?