Attachment Parenting
Babywise Help!
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
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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.