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Scientist: Babies cry at night to prevent conception of additional sibling
- ZenPro 13y agoThe author of this study is clearly not - a. A parent, or; b. Familiar with pre-modern society Most children once they have had their Maslow Hierarchy met will go back to sleep quite happily. Furthermore, prior to 20th Century/Western-style parenting the raising of a child was diffused amongst the community including multiple wet-nurses. The idea of a maternal fatigue is a product of modern society which has removed the community aspect from child-rearing adding to the professional, parenting and lifestyle burden of a mother/father. [Source: 3 children anecdotal evidence (which counts for more than a highly speculative hypothesis without quantative/qualitative analysis in my mind).] EDIT TO ADD If this study is to be believed then it flies in the face of evolutionary principles. A baby who screamed to prevent sibling rivalry would be placing the entire family, including themselves, within danger of predators. The perceived long-term benefits from an evolutionary standpoint would be outweighed by the short term negative impact on the security and unity required for a functioning family unit whose primary purpose is to raise a child to an independent age.
- pwthornton 13y agoI think these are all excellent points. I wonder what the author of this would say about your last point.