Seattle Observer

Is it normal that my baby wants to sleep all day? Is it normal that my baby wants to eat all day? Is it normal that my baby poops all day?
These and all other questions relating to newborns are discussed during the “First Weeks” drop-in at the Community Birth and Family Center on Eastlake.

It’s great: you get to go between 12 and 2pm (drop-in, so you don’t have to feel bad about being late, because it’s such a challenge to get anywhere on time with a new baby), and you talk with other new moms about what’s going on in your lives! The sessions are facilitated by a professional nurse and certified lactation consultant, and there’s no fee, just a suggested donation of $5. Judy is a lovely lady, now grandmother herself, who started “First Weeks” 10 years ago.

You notice that you’re not alone in many things that you are experiencing, and you get advice from the other moms and the nurse. At the end you get the list of all the moms and babies who were there that session in case you want to connect further.
We would usually go for a drink and bite to eat in the cafe next door and continue the conversations.

For me it was really helpful, and in a way it served to fill a void I feel we as Western women have, bringing up a child in this individualistic society. Looking at the ‘old days’ and at countries where people are still closer to nature and each other, I feel we’re not only missing out on a lot of female support, but we’re actually reinventing the wheel by having a baby ‘on our own’. Even with midwives, doulas and the fortunate ones who have their mother (or mother-in-law) around, the network of moms and the knowledge that gets passed on from one generation to the next seems to be lost.
The “First Weeks” get-togethers are for baby’s up to 3 months. Too bad I can’t make it to the next age group, as they get together during working hours …

Sometimes I wonder which fantastic tips we could use from the tribes in Africa, the women who carry they baby with them in a sling all day in South America, and the ancient wisdoms of Asia. Possibly an idea for a book to write.

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