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I imagine a large number of women have this experience.

The proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" comes to mind. I used to think of that in terms of the well-being of the child, but when I read this article it makes me wonder if that proverb is also just as much about the mother. Raising even one child is a huge amount of work...and I do not believe that it is meant to happen in the context in which most of us live in our hyper-individualist society.

If you look at how people live in older, more stable, traditional cultures, you see people living with extended family and in closer proximity to other families. This type of extra support almost seems necessary...what you talk about, the need to allow your body to heal, and also the need for emotional support during this incredible transition into totally unfamiliar territory, seems completely natural.

Reading this as a man is really important because it makes me realize all the challenges facing new mothers...hopefully I can be supportive of people in my life who face these challenges.

May 23, 2011 - 4:23pm

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