Dr. Karp describes the current Western family set up as "the most abnormal family ever existing on the planet" and feels we've lost the support we once had. Historically, families and communities would work together to raise children. It's only in the past 100 years or so that the responsibility has fallen so heavily on the parents (and particularly the mother) to raise children almost single-handedly. "Today, if you have a nanny, you're well off. But you really should have five nannies."
"Mothers should be babied as much as the baby is being babied." Dr. Karp says. "[Historically] The mother was babied, and then she gave all of that love and attention to her baby. Now, we've not only taken it away, but even in the hospital, it's 'you're the best one for your baby, call us if you need us!' and suddenly you have a baby . . . and you're on your own! That's never happened in the history of humanity. The biggest lie is that women are sold this bill of goods that that's normal, that that's what they should expect, and if they ask for help, they're weak, they're needy, they're complaining." He emphasises the importance of supporting and nurturing the mother, not just the baby, before and after birth.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Evan Kheraj