BABIES!

This week Vicki and I watch the documentary “Babies”. The documentary follows four babies born in different cultures in Japan, San Francisco, Mongolia, and Namibia through their first year of life, and the different upbringings each child receives in each culture. It did an excellent job at highlighting the different lifestyles, environment and living conditions in the different cultures. I also thought that the film did an excellent job at interpreting the different bonds between mother and child, from birth on.  For me, this documentary was more a “cultural” experience than a public health issue. It was interesting to see how other cultures approach child rearing, and the different ethic and values across the globe. Sure, it is easy to pick out the lack of infrastructure in Namibia, and compare it to the baby in San Francisco, or Japan, but I thought that each baby, especially those growing up in Mongolia and Namibia, got to explore their surroundings in a reflection of what each baby had access to. The babies in the developing countries were really endearing because they easily entertained themselves in their natural environment, where the babies in the developed nations were stimulated by material entertainment (rattles, puzzles, and jolly jumpers etc..)  I found it difficult to favor one type of parenting over the other, because each culture had a unique means of raising their child. this documentary  made me question if the "western" upbringing is to isolated of an upbringing?  I definitely think that anyone who is interested in childhood development should watch this documentary!!!!