During your pregnancy, would you have paid $250 to have
someone walk you through Babies R’ Us, pointing out the must-have products? Or
$500 to have someone plan your baby shower? How about $200 to have your
home babyproofed?
These are just some of the services offered by baby
coordinators, the latest advent in the commercialization of parenting. While I
am all for easing the stress that can come with expecting a baby, I am
definitely NOT for teaching mothers that having disposable income is the only way to
do this. Shouldn’t friends or family be the ones helping parents-to-be make these important decisions? Or, perhaps more importantly, shouldn’t expectant parents
learn to trust their own parenting instincts?
I worry that baby planning promises to be just one more
trend that will make mothers feel not good enough—“You mean you didn’t hire a
baby planner?!”
And in case the commercialization factor doesn’t bother you,
perhaps the sexist element will: many baby planning companies also offer “daddy
preparation.” Because those silly men don’t know a thing about babies!
Photo: The Boston Globe
