How do children learn to distrust people?

One thing that has been coming up for us lately is the repeated theme of getting our son integrated and comfortable being around other children.  Usually, August (our son), will either try to share something with the other child like a book, or his food, or some piece of string he found on the ground, but occasionally he prefers to just watch.  More recently, he and his Dad were with another Father and baby and that baby came over to August while he was sitting on the floor, and started patting his head – quite gently, at first.  But then gently, turned into not so gently – I’m gathering because August didn’t give that child the attention he was hoping for. 

Breastfeeding is Hard!

At this point, I imagine most women have developed an opinion on breastfeeding.  Is it best for babies, does it matter in the long run, can every women really do it, formula is just as good, do it for at least 6 months, do it as long as you can, and the suggestions go on and on.  When I became pregnant I decided that breastfeeding was important to me, and that it was best for my baby too.  So the only books I read during pregnancy were about how to breastfeed.  I read a book recommended by a friend of mine.  It was fascinating – learning about how our bodies are made for making milk, how the milk comes out, potential challenges with breastfeeding, etc. By the time, my baby was born I had all but memorized this book.  Then, my son, August, was born – unfortunately by c-section after 36 hours of natural child birth.  We found out later he was trying to come out the wrong way and he had the umbilical cord wrapped around his next.  

Are moms happier than they used to be?

If you combine the California State Paid Family leave with the Federal Family and Medical Act you can get a grand total of 18 weeks (4.5 months) in total when you adopt or have a baby.  The UK as of February 2010, was discussing that 39 weeks paid in part (6 weeks at 90% of pay and 33 weeks at 55% of pay) should become 20 weeks paid in full at a minimum.  Spain just passed a law stating that both moms and dads could leave work for an hour during the day in the first nine months to support breastfeeding by recognizing that women need their husbands through this journey. One of the most progressive countries is Bulgaria who gives out 1 year paid at 100% and this can be taken by the mother, father, or grandparent. It’s difficult to conceive in a country that leads the world in so many other areas, that we are so behind in this one.