YES WE DO. We have less damaging drugs today than we did in the 60's, but the infantilization of pregnant woman and medicalization of childbirth is still very much the norm.

For sure. Although, in my birth experience, it was coming more from the older generation of nurses that I encountered, than the younger nurses and my doctor. But, that was my experience and I wouldn't think to speak to anyone else's.

I had a c-section while high on ketamine, and I bonded with Dylan just fine.

And plenty of parents bond just fine with children they didn't give birth to at all.

I thought the baby was still in intensive care.

Twilight sleep, I expect, was basically roofie-drugging the woman so she didn't remember it later.

My mom was asleep for all 4 of us. My giving birth was the first live birth she had ever seen. She did bond with all of us just fine.

Were they drugged for eighteen years? Because you've got plenty of time to bond with your kid.

Can't argue that point. Of course, there must have been other contributing factors, but my friend really thought the drugs had an impact in her particular case.

Can't argue that point. Of course, there must have been other contributing factors, but my friend really thought the drugs had an impact in her particular case.

I just dislike the idea that "bonding" is some magical ILM special effect that sparks between mother and child when their hormones are properly aligned.

It's something that happens when you get up at 2am to rock the baby to sleep after it wakes with a racking cough. It's putting down your book to play Candyland for the umpty fucking thousandth time. It's something you earn by being there, every day, and being present, and putting yourself aside.

It doesn't happen in a moment. It happens because you always show up.

We have less damaging drugs today than we did in the 60's, but the infantilization of pregnant woman and medicalization of childbirth is still very much the norm.

Yeah, I have a friend who was always leaning that way, but firmed up her plans to have her baby at home after being in the hospital with her sister giving birth a few months earlier.

The prison guard/his wife/lack of baby just killed me.

I am also feeling the lack of Joan! But enjoying the subtlety of these episodes.

We also didn't get any followup with Peggy and her fun!Roomie. Hopefully next week!

We also didn't get any followup with Peggy and her fun!Roomie. Hopefully next week!

Noo!! Too painful.

Twilight sleep, I expect, was basically roofie-drugging the woman so she didn't remember it later.

I think I had twilight sleep when I had my eyelid operated on and, like Betty, I could hear the doctor and nurses perfectly well and I remember everything. I guess it could affect people different ways though. (Unless it wasn't twilight sleep. That I don't remember for sure!)