Then Vs. Now

Parents magazine is opening up its archives to share the advice they used to give on common pregnancy and parenting related topics to show how much the times have truly changed.

For example:

On Breastfeeding
* "If you are nursing your baby, you must drink a quart of milk per day." -- March 1964

* "A Man's Point of View: As men we must admit that breasts do make lovely sweater decorations. However, as doctors, we remind you that their primary purpose is a source of food for babies." -- March 1967

* "Breastfeeding mothers have higher blood levels. They are more energetic, feel better, and are more fun to live with and be around." -- March 1967

On Husbands

* "Thank heavens for husbands! Not only are they nice to have around the house, but they come through in times of crisis with the calm, rational objectivity a woman sometimes needs so desperately." -- April 1965

* "Many husbands can't bear the thought that they can't bear the child.... A man, with the strength and muscles of an ox, can't see his petite wife bearing this burden.... The fragility of her appearance rouses the protective instinct in her husband -- an instinct nurtured by mixed feelings of pride and guilt." -- June 1965

* "Father is more of a novelty. He is only seen in the evenings and on weekends". -- January 1967

On Coping with Postpartum (aka The Baby Blues)

*"Overcoming the baby blues is not an easy task, but you can do it if you adopt the right attitude toward the problem and develop persistence." -- February 1970

* "Begin your scheduling by setting aside times of the day for your own quiet.... Listen to records, read a novel, experiment with makeup, make a cocktail dress, do beauty exercises, or take a nap yourself -- but don't wash the dishes!" -- February 1970


-------I think my two favorites are the idea that fathers are really just a novelty and that "making a cocktail dress" will lift your spirits.