Does anyone have a link to a good article on why you shouldn't use Babywise? I have a friend on FB who's thinking about doing it, and I want to be able to send her a link on why she shouldn't do it.
Breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, cloth diapering, natural birthing mama to my baby girl born 6/2010
Babywise
advice linked to dehydration, failure to
thrive
by
Matthew Aney, M.D.
Expectant
parents often fear the changes a new baby
will bring,
especially sleepless nights. What new
parent wouldn't
want a how-to book that promises their
baby will
be sleeping through the night by three to
eight
weeks?
One
such book, On Becoming Babywise, has
raised concern
among pediatricians because it outlines an
infant
feeding program that has been associated
with failure
to thrive (FTT), poor weight gain,
dehydration,
breast milk supply failure, and
involuntary early
weaning. A Forsyth Medical Hospital Review
Committee,
in Winston-Salem N.C., has listed 11 areas
in which
the program is inadequately supported by
conventional
medical practice.The Child Abuse
Prevention Council
of Orange County, Calif., stated its
concern after
physicians called them with reports of
dehydration,
slow growth and development, and FTT
associated
with the program. And on Feb. 8, AAP
District IV
passed a resolution asking the Academy to
investigate
"Babywise," determine the extent of its
effects on infant health and alert its
members,
other organizations and parents of its
findings.
I have
reviewed numerous accounts of low weight
gain and
FTT associated with "Babywise" and
discussed
them with several pediatricians and
lactation consultants
involved.
The
book's feeding schedule, called Parent
Directed
Feeding (PDF), consists of feeding
newborns at intervals
of three to three and one-half hours
(described
as two and one-half to three hours from
the end
of the last 30-minute feeding) beginning
at birth.
Nighttime feedings are eliminated at eight
weeks.
This
advice is in direct opposition to the
latest AAP
recommendations on newborn feeding (AAP
Policy Statement,
"Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk,"
Pediatrics, Dec. 1997): "Newborns should
be
nursed whenever they show signs of hunger,
such
as increased alertness or activity,
mouthing, or
rooting. Crying is a late indicator of
hunger. Newborns
should be nursed approximately eight to 12
times
every 24 hours until satiety."
Although
demand feeding is endorsed by the Academy,
WHO,
and La Leche League among others,
"Babywise"
claims that demand feeding may be harmful
and outlines
a feeding schedule in contrast to it. The
book makes
numerous medical statements without
references or
research, despite that many are the
antitheses of
well-known medical research findings. In
190 pages,
only two pediatric journals are referenced
with
citations dated 1982 and 1986.
Many
parents are unaware of problems because
the book
is marketed as medically supported. It is
co-authored
by pediatrician Robert Bucknam, M.D., who
not only
states in the book that the "Babywise"
principles are "medically sound," but
also writes, "'Babywise' has brought a
needed
reformation to pediatric counsel given to
new parents."
Obstetrician Sharon Nelson, M.D., also
warns: "Not
following the principles of "Babywise"
is a potential health concern."
The
book's other author is Gary Ezzo, a pastor
with
no medical background. Ezzo's company,
Growing Families
International (GFI), markets the book as
"ideally
written" for "obstetricians,
pediatricians,
or health-care providers to distribute to
their
patients." (GFI promotes the same program
under
the title "Preparation for Parenting,"
a virtual duplicate with added religious
material).
Though
"Babywise" does say, "With PDF, a
mother feeds her baby when the baby is
hungry,"
it also instructs parents to do otherwise.
In a
question-and-answer section, parents of a
2-week-old
baby, who did not get a full feeding at
the last
scheduled time and wants to eat again, are
instructed
that babies learn quickly from the laws of
natural
consequences. "If your daughter doesn't
eat
at one feeding, then make her wait until
the next
one."
Unfortunately,
the schedule in "Babywise" does not take
into account differences among
breastfeeding women
and babies. According to one report,
differences
of up to 300 percent in the maximum milk
storage
capacity of women's breasts mean that,
although
women have the capability of producing the
same
amount of milk over a 24-hour period for
their infants,
some will have to breastfeed far more
frequently
than others to maintain that supply.
Babies must
feed when they need to, with intervals and
duration
determined according to a variety of
factors in
temperament, environment, and
physiological make-up.
Averages may fit into a bell-shaped curve,
but some
babies will require shorter intervals.
(Daly S.,
Hartmann P. "Infant demand and milk
supply,
Part 2. The short-term control of milk
synthesis
in lactating women." Journal of Human
Lactation;
11; (1):27-37).
Examples
of the many other unsubstantiated medical
claims
in "Babywise" include:
"Lack
of regularity [in feeding intervals]
sends a negative
signal to the baby's body, creating
metabolic
confusion that negatively affects his or
her hunger,
digestive, and sleep/wake cycles."
"Demand-fed babies don't sleep through
the
night."
"A mother who takes her baby to her
breast
12, 15, or 20 times a day will not
produce any
more milk than the mom who takes her
baby to breast
six to seven times a day."
"Mothers following PDF have little or no
problem with the let down reflex,
compared to
those who demand-feed."
"Colic, which basically is a spasm in
the
baby's intestinal tract that causes
pain, is very
rare in PDF babies but is intensified in
demand-fed
babies."
"In
our opinion, much more developmental
damage is
done to a child by holding him or her
constantly
than by putting the baby down. In terms
of biomechanics
alone, carrying a baby in a sling can
increase
neck and back problems, or even create
them."
"Some
researchers suggest that putting a baby
on his
or her back for sleep, rather than on
the baby's
tummy, will reduce the chance of crib
death. That
research is not conclusive, and the
method of
gathering supportive data is
questionable."
My
review of the low weight gain and FTT
accounts associated
with "Babywise" revealed several
disturbing
trends. Parents were often adamant about
continuing
with the feeding schedule, even when
advised otherwise
by health care professionals. They were
hesitant
to tell their physicians about the
schedule, making
it difficult to pinpoint the cause for the
weight
gain problems. Many elected to supplement
or wean
to formula rather than continue
breastfeeding at
the expense of the schedule. The parents'
commitment
can be especially strong when they are
using the
program for religious reasons, even though
numerous
leaders within the same religious
communities have
publicly expressed concerns.
Pediatricians
need to know about "Babywise" and
recognize
its potential dangers. History taking
should include
questions to determine if parents are
using a feeding
schedule, especially before advising
formula supplement
to breastfeeding mothers or when faced
with a low-gaining
or possible failure to thrive baby.
Lactation consultants
also should be instructed to probe this
area.
Efforts
should be made to inform parents of the
AAP recommended
policies for breastfeeding and the
potentially harmful
consequences of not following them.
Dr. Aney
is an AAP candidate fellow based in
Lancaster, Calif.
And here: https://www.ezzo.info/newsreports.htm is a link filled with news articles citing why it's bad. Something else to note is that Ezzo (the author) is not a pediatrician, he's a roman-catholic priest.
And here: https://www.ezzo.info/newsreports.htm is a link filled with news articles citing why it's bad. Something else to note is that Ezzo (the author) is not a pediatrician, he's a roman-catholic priest.
Thanks for the links.
P.S. I was totally disappointed with how the show ended...I want it back, lol!
Breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, cloth diapering, natural birthing mama to my baby girl born 6/2010
Honestly I'd leave it alone. You don't like unsolicited parenting advice, do you?
I usually wouldn't say anything, but she has already been asking me for advice on other baby related things. Also, she was asking for suggestions about scheduling and someone suggested Babywise, so I'm just giving her my suggestion as well.
Breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, cloth diapering, natural birthing mama to my baby girl born 6/2010
Honestly I'd leave it alone. You don't like unsolicited parenting advice, do you?
While it would certainly require some tact, I think that there are ways to better educate a friend about stuff like this without being obnoxious or coming off like your pushing your views on others.
"Hey, I saw that you're considering Babywise. I just wanted to let you know that there is some controversy over it, in case you aren't aware. Here are some links if you're interested in reading more."
Honestly, I wouldn't send an article unless you've read the book yourself and then have a discussion about the things you, personally, disagree with. You don't mention if you have actually read it yourself. I say this because I would be so irritated and turned off if someone sent me an article about why AP is bad if they'd never even actually looked into it and just went on hype. I would probably just tune then out 100%. Whereas if someone disagreed with me, but actually knew the theories, we could have some interesting discussions.
The flack about Babywise almost always refers to an older version of the book. The current incarnation is still totally NMS, but isn't anywhere near the horrors it is rumored to be, and it does talk about putting your child's needs before a schedule.
"Hey, I saw that you're considering Babywise. I just wanted to let you know that there is some controversy over it, in case you aren't aware. Here are some links if you're interested in reading more."
I think this is a really good way to approach the subject. And I agree, that if it's a friend, I'd definitely mention it, especially since she was asking for advice. What she chooses to do with that information is up to her, but at least you gave her a heads up. I view it the same as if a baby product that I knew a friend was using was recalled, I'd definitely mention it to them & then they can decide what to do next.
Honestly I'd leave it alone. You don't like unsolicited parenting advice, do you?
While it would certainly require some tact, I think that there are ways to better educate a friend about stuff like this without being obnoxious or coming off like your pushing your views on others.
"Hey, I saw that you're considering Babywise. I just wanted to let you know that there is some controversy over it, in case you aren't aware. Here are some links if you're interested in reading more."
I actually had this exact thing happen to me when I was pregnant with DD. I asked for recommended parenting books and someone suggested Babywise. Another friend sent me a private message saying basically this and I was really grateful that she did.
Honestly I'd leave it alone. You don't like unsolicited parenting advice, do you?
While it would certainly require some tact, I think that there are ways to better educate a friend about stuff like this without being obnoxious or coming off like your pushing your views on others.
"Hey, I saw that you're considering Babywise. I just wanted to let you know that there is some controversy over it, in case you aren't aware. Here are some links if you're interested in reading more."
I actually had this exact thing happen to me when I was pregnant with DD. I asked for recommended parenting books and someone suggested Babywise. Another friend sent me a private message saying basically this and I was really grateful that she did.
Well, I actually totally want unsolicited parenting advice if it is a friend and she has a baby older than mine... (as long as it is given in a friendly tone like above) You never know exactly what to ask because you haven't been there yet.
Single mom of DD (2010), TTC #2 since June 2013.
Occasionally I'm blogging about my life with flybaby.
And here: https://www.ezzo.info/newsreports.htm is a link filled with news articles citing why it's bad. Something else to note is that Ezzo (the author) is not a pediatrician, he's a roman-catholic priest.
He's a Protestant pastor, not a Catholic priest. He is married and has kids.
Honestly I'd leave it alone. You don't like unsolicited parenting advice, do you?
I disagree.
This is completely different than criticizing what she has already decided to do as a parent. Since she is asking for advice, I think it is perfectly acceptable to send her this information in a tactful way. Before I had DS, I was clueless and happily accepted any type of advice. Then I was able to form my own opinion on things.
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And here: https://www.ezzo.info/newsreports.htm is a link filled with news articles citing why it's bad. Something else to note is that Ezzo (the author) is not a pediatrician, he's a roman-catholic priest.
He's a Protestant pastor, not a Catholic priest. He is married and has kids.
Whoops, my bad. I knew he was a religious leader-type, but wasn't sure what kind. My hasty google searching failed me, but I still stand by my point that a pediatrician (and the AAP) should be more of a trusted source than a pastor. The fact that those two are at odds should raise a red flag.
Re: Babywise Help!
Here you go. A letter from the American Academy of Pediatrics to its membership, warning about the dangers of the book's practices.
https://www.ezzo.info/Aney/aneyaap.htm
Babywise advice linked to dehydration, failure to thrive
by Matthew Aney, M.D.
Expectant parents often fear the changes a new baby will bring, especially sleepless nights. What new parent wouldn't want a how-to book that promises their baby will be sleeping through the night by three to eight weeks?
One such book, On Becoming Babywise, has raised concern among pediatricians because it outlines an infant feeding program that has been associated with failure to thrive (FTT), poor weight gain, dehydration, breast milk supply failure, and involuntary early weaning. A Forsyth Medical Hospital Review Committee, in Winston-Salem N.C., has listed 11 areas in which the program is inadequately supported by conventional medical practice.The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Orange County, Calif., stated its concern after physicians called them with reports of dehydration, slow growth and development, and FTT associated with the program. And on Feb. 8, AAP District IV passed a resolution asking the Academy to investigate "Babywise," determine the extent of its effects on infant health and alert its members, other organizations and parents of its findings.
I have reviewed numerous accounts of low weight gain and FTT associated with "Babywise" and discussed them with several pediatricians and lactation consultants involved.
The book's feeding schedule, called Parent Directed Feeding (PDF), consists of feeding newborns at intervals of three to three and one-half hours (described as two and one-half to three hours from the end of the last 30-minute feeding) beginning at birth. Nighttime feedings are eliminated at eight weeks.
This advice is in direct opposition to the latest AAP recommendations on newborn feeding (AAP Policy Statement, "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk," Pediatrics, Dec. 1997): "Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. Newborns should be nursed approximately eight to 12 times every 24 hours until satiety."
Although demand feeding is endorsed by the Academy, WHO, and La Leche League among others, "Babywise" claims that demand feeding may be harmful and outlines a feeding schedule in contrast to it. The book makes numerous medical statements without references or research, despite that many are the antitheses of well-known medical research findings. In 190 pages, only two pediatric journals are referenced with citations dated 1982 and 1986.
Many parents are unaware of problems because the book is marketed as medically supported. It is co-authored by pediatrician Robert Bucknam, M.D., who not only states in the book that the "Babywise" principles are "medically sound," but also writes, "'Babywise' has brought a needed reformation to pediatric counsel given to new parents." Obstetrician Sharon Nelson, M.D., also warns: "Not following the principles of "Babywise" is a potential health concern."
The book's other author is Gary Ezzo, a pastor with no medical background. Ezzo's company, Growing Families International (GFI), markets the book as "ideally written" for "obstetricians, pediatricians, or health-care providers to distribute to their patients." (GFI promotes the same program under the title "Preparation for Parenting," a virtual duplicate with added religious material).
Though "Babywise" does say, "With PDF, a mother feeds her baby when the baby is hungry," it also instructs parents to do otherwise. In a question-and-answer section, parents of a 2-week-old baby, who did not get a full feeding at the last scheduled time and wants to eat again, are instructed that babies learn quickly from the laws of natural consequences. "If your daughter doesn't eat at one feeding, then make her wait until the next one."
Unfortunately, the schedule in "Babywise" does not take into account differences among breastfeeding women and babies. According to one report, differences of up to 300 percent in the maximum milk storage capacity of women's breasts mean that, although women have the capability of producing the same amount of milk over a 24-hour period for their infants, some will have to breastfeed far more frequently than others to maintain that supply. Babies must feed when they need to, with intervals and duration determined according to a variety of factors in temperament, environment, and physiological make-up. Averages may fit into a bell-shaped curve, but some babies will require shorter intervals. (Daly S., Hartmann P. "Infant demand and milk supply, Part 2. The short-term control of milk synthesis in lactating women." Journal of Human Lactation; 11; (1):27-37).
Examples of the many other unsubstantiated medical claims in "Babywise" include:
My review of the low weight gain and FTT accounts associated with "Babywise" revealed several disturbing trends. Parents were often adamant about continuing with the feeding schedule, even when advised otherwise by health care professionals. They were hesitant to tell their physicians about the schedule, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause for the weight gain problems. Many elected to supplement or wean to formula rather than continue breastfeeding at the expense of the schedule. The parents' commitment can be especially strong when they are using the program for religious reasons, even though numerous leaders within the same religious communities have publicly expressed concerns.
Pediatricians need to know about "Babywise" and recognize its potential dangers. History taking should include questions to determine if parents are using a feeding schedule, especially before advising formula supplement to breastfeeding mothers or when faced with a low-gaining or possible failure to thrive baby. Lactation consultants also should be instructed to probe this area.
Efforts should be made to inform parents of the AAP recommended policies for breastfeeding and the potentially harmful consequences of not following them.
Dr. Aney is an AAP candidate fellow based in Lancaster, Calif.
First off, so sorry that show was cancelled. Though I don't watch much TV, I Pushing Up Daisies!
https://www.ezzo.info/Aney/aneyaap.htm AAP: Dehydration and failure to thrive
https://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/handout2.asp Dr. Sears: CIO and brain damage
And here: https://www.ezzo.info/newsreports.htm is a link filled with news articles citing why it's bad. Something else to note is that Ezzo (the author) is not a pediatrician, he's a roman-catholic priest.
Thanks for the links.
P.S. I was totally disappointed with how the show ended...I want it back, lol!
Bar tab = $156,000, Bus to Foxwoods = $0, Puking in the Stanley Cup = Priceless
I usually wouldn't say anything, but she has already been asking me for advice on other baby related things. Also, she was asking for suggestions about scheduling and someone suggested Babywise, so I'm just giving her my suggestion as well.
While it would certainly require some tact, I think that there are ways to better educate a friend about stuff like this without being obnoxious or coming off like your pushing your views on others.
"Hey, I saw that you're considering Babywise. I just wanted to let you know that there is some controversy over it, in case you aren't aware. Here are some links if you're interested in reading more."
Honestly, I wouldn't send an article unless you've read the book yourself and then have a discussion about the things you, personally, disagree with. You don't mention if you have actually read it yourself. I say this because I would be so irritated and turned off if someone sent me an article about why AP is bad if they'd never even actually looked into it and just went on hype. I would probably just tune then out 100%. Whereas if someone disagreed with me, but actually knew the theories, we could have some interesting discussions.
The flack about Babywise almost always refers to an older version of the book. The current incarnation is still totally NMS, but isn't anywhere near the horrors it is rumored to be, and it does talk about putting your child's needs before a schedule.
More Green For Less Green
I think this is a really good way to approach the subject. And I agree, that if it's a friend, I'd definitely mention it, especially since she was asking for advice. What she chooses to do with that information is up to her, but at least you gave her a heads up. I view it the same as if a baby product that I knew a friend was using was recalled, I'd definitely mention it to them & then they can decide what to do next.
I actually had this exact thing happen to me when I was pregnant with DD. I asked for recommended parenting books and someone suggested Babywise. Another friend sent me a private message saying basically this and I was really grateful that she did.
Well, I actually totally want unsolicited parenting advice if it is a friend and she has a baby older than mine... (as long as it is given in a friendly tone like above) You never know exactly what to ask because you haven't been there yet.
He's a Protestant pastor, not a Catholic priest. He is married and has kids.
I disagree.
This is completely different than criticizing what she has already decided to do as a parent. Since she is asking for advice, I think it is perfectly acceptable to send her this information in a tactful way. Before I had DS, I was clueless and happily accepted any type of advice. Then I was able to form my own opinion on things.
Whoops, my bad. I knew he was a religious leader-type, but wasn't sure what kind. My hasty google searching failed me, but I still stand by my point that a pediatrician (and the AAP) should be more of a trusted source than a pastor. The fact that those two are at odds should raise a red flag.