Product Description

Uncovers the hidden consequences of parenting choices, both psychological and physiological.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #429027 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 403 pages

Rosalind C. Haselbeck, Ph.D., Biochemist, Biology Instructor, Doula
"...her comments are well-substantiated by very impressive and extensive scientific citations."

V. Paul Kater, M.D., Family Practice
"A viewpoint different from what I was taught in school...seems much healthier."

Sandra Seastedt, M.F.C.C.
"Baby Matters was invaluable to me in dealing with my baby's pediatrician..."

Customer Reviews

*************MY FREAKIN BIBLE******************
WHOEVER YOU ARE, WHETHER YOU HAVE CHILDREN, ARE PLANNING ON HAVING THEM, OR ARE NOT; YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!

IT HAS INFORMATION EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THIS WORLD NEEDS TO READ, WHETHER YOU THINK IT PERTAINS TO YOU OR NOT.

The best part is that the author offers phone and e-mail consultations. Go to http://www.babyreference.com

A Must-Read for parents
I feel blessed to have found this book before my little girls got any older. It's a shame I didn't have it before they were born! The information on cow's milk and formula was especially eye-opening. The evidence to support attachment parenting and breastfeeding has made me that much more grateful that I have followed my instincts, and turned a deaf ear to the poor advice I have received time and again from various individuals. I already sent a copy to my sister, who is a new mother. I only wish I could get my pediatrician to read it too...

Excellent review of evidence for AP (though not without bias
Would give it 4.5 stars if I could. Palmer reviews the available evidence (from actual medical and psychology journals) for parenting decisions like breastfeeding, cosleeping, food choices, and the like. She also discusses why medically you should be very responsive to your baby and avoid following the current fad recommendation to cry-it-out. She reinforces why sleeping through the night, while a wonderful thing that all parents hope for, may NOT be the best thing for your baby.

Evidence-based medicine in parenting books is a rare thing. For that alone, you should read Palmer's book. Her only drawback is that she definitely writes from her own biases, so you can't look at this as a systematic review of all the literature. Also, she occasionally goes a little too far with her conclusions (an association does not equal a cause, etc.)

I highly recommend this book.

a physician (non-pediatrician) in Virginia