So yes, I did watch Bringing Up Baby Episode 2 when I got home last night. Sat down at 10:30pm with a Golden Gaytime to cheer me up. Deeeeeeeeeeep breath.

Firstly. The disclaimer. Is the ABC kidding? I thought it was laughable that the disclaimer about 'some methods not being in accordance with the current recommendations about SIDS' etc clearing referred to the co-sleeping advice of the Continuum Method 'expert'! Valid disclaimer there because yes, it can be dangerous in certain situations for babies to co-sleep and the SIDS foundations does caution against it in those circumstances. Good disclaimer.

But what about Claire Verity and her lunatic methods? The only reference to That Odious Woman in the disclaimer was in the very weakly worded bit at the end which pointed out that "maternity nurse' is not a formal accreditation in this case, only a euphemism for someone who works with babies.

My other huge problem with this show (apart from Claire Verity's torture) is that the premise of the whole thing is "which method works best?"

Best for whom? Since when was caring for a newborn some kind of competition to reach some inexplicable finish line? Or find a winner? Isn't the point of caring for a baby to nurture it and take care of its needs? To provide it with love, security and milk? How is the 'winner' of this show being judged? Whoever gives their parents the least hassle – even if it means having their little spirits so broken and their basic needs so utterly neglected in the process? Why have a baby if your sole aim is to immediately resume your 'normal' pre-baby life? Why not just buy a fucking pot plant?

It was another horrifying program. I agree with so many of the comments you've made below under yesterday's post. Particularly this one from Jo:

"…I don't understand why it took all of these complaints when the show aired in Britain in 2007 and Claire Verity was totally discredited as a fraud without any proper certification at the time. Why didn't ABC, screening it two years later and after the knowledge that she is espousing this method without any of the accredition she claimed she had to get on the show beyond her 'experience', do their research and put this warning on from week 1"

And why did the disclaimer not reference the fact that leaving a baby outside alone in the cold for HOURS is negligent and dangerous? And what about no eye contact, cuddles or even physical contact FOR A NEWBORN? How does the ABC justify broadcasting that kind of content?

As Gigi so cleverly put it, imagine a similar show about weight loss methods. One teenage girl is instructed to try exercise, one is put on a diet and the other is told to stick her fingers down her throat after every meal. Which one works the best! Let's find out!

Would the ABC broadcast that?

Once again

,  here is where you can complain to the ABC. I'm going back to lodge another one! I'm such an ABC fan, I am so disappointed at what I see as grossly irresponsible broadcasting in this instance. Get your voice heard!