Saturday, April 10, 2010

Chapter 3 Baby Lies - 2 more lies

Chapter 3 – Babies and Sleep

Lie #13 a, b, c; Page 44
These PDF babies are characterized by contentment, healthy growth, and optimal alertness.

Presumably this is statement makes a comparison to non-PDF babies.
a)Contentment? If you subtract all the time the baby cries from the equation, then yes, the rest of the time the baby would presumably be content. Since Ezzo says it is normal to cry at naptime (for up to 40 minutes), and before feedings (eight times a day), as well as the late afternoon/early evening period (Page 145), it’s no wonder he has to admit on page 139 that AP babies cry less.

b)Healthy growth? If growth is not a problem, why does Babywise include several recommendations for formula supplements when breastfeeding isn’t going well? He includes growth charts in the book so parents can keep track of baby’s weight. So many pediatricians had seen babies suffering from poor weight gain due to scheduled feeding programs that in 1998 the American Academy of Pediatrics had to issue a public statement against this type of feeding program.

c)Optimal alertness? Presumably this is an implication that babies fed on demand are not optimally alert. It is interesting though, that the first thing he mentions in Chapter 11 “Parenting Potpourri” is a PDF child’s achievement levels. “There is no cause for alarm if your child seems to develop skills more slowly than you believe he or she should, nor should you constantly compare your child’s development with your neighbor’s child.”

He also discusses at length the benefits of using a playpen, claiming that using one develops “mental focusing skills, a sustained attention span, creativity, the ability to entertain him/herself, and orderliness” One wonders why he feels this is such a necessity for the PDF baby, when millions of children around the world and throughout history have developed these skills without ever having seen a playpen.


Lie #14 a, b; Page 57
Sharing sleep with children puts them at risk both physically and emotionally. Also Page 58 …early co-sleeping fosters long-term problems.

Most children around the world and throughout history have slept with their parents without long-term problems and physical or emotional health risks. The World Health Organization recognizes this and distributes an information sheet to teach parents how to maintain a safe co-sleeping arrangement.

6 comments:

  1. no offense but for being a "christian" you are a very judgmental woman and it is hard to respect anything you have to say. I believe you have a lot of growing to do before you start trying to teach others.

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  2. Anonymous, I am indeed judgemental toward any wolf wearing a sheepskin and promoting cruelty instead of compassion.
    As for the growing... I guess you didn't read my profile.

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  3. There is nothing nasty or judgmental about Sheila's writings. She is just critiquing in a valid way. If she got personal about it, that would be something else altogether. She isn't attacking his character or his person. She is only challenging his stance. If the author can't take that, he shouldn't be writing.

    Her critiques are also valid.

    Also, I won't post anonymously. If you don't have the courage to say who you are, you shouldn't be criticizing another person. Oh, and for the record, YOU anonymous, got personal in your critiquing. To tell someone they have a lot of 'growing to do' doesn't address the concerns you have with what she wrote. Be specific with your disagreements.

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  4. Ditto Mary! And being a Christian AND having used the babywise junk w/ my first child regrettably and AP after.... she is spot on. We are to rightly discern...I.e. "judge" what is true and good. If you would like to debate and have info to dispute what she said, then please share...

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  5. I find it amazing how many women at my church rave about babywise and how it allowed them to breastfeed and their babies slept and grew wonderfully, but when I question them about how long they breastfed for, they reveal their milk supply ran out between 4 and 6 months. These moms are reluctant to leave the house or visit with me in my home for fear of ruining the baby's schedule. It isn't the relaxed. in-control stress-free life Ezzo would like everyone to believe.

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  6. I've seen that too, Anonymous, where I lurk on Babywise-using parent chat groups. The schedule rules - not only the baby's life but the parent's day must be worked around the baby's eating and sleeping schedules. Truly, nursing on demand doesn't tie you down; it sets you free.

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