The kid can't The period of inactivity (which you don't really notice because you're too busy keeping them alive) is the price you pay for the huge boost in power once the babies do leave the moms (which is only 2 hours, really).

Edited to add: I don't mind a gender imbalance that has more females. That gives you more flexibility. I hate ending up with mostly males and having my population stall at some lousy number.