This Book Is A Very Helpful Resource

This book is an amazing guide and has a lot of good tips to help new parents through the roller coaster that is childhood. I have read many of the reviews and some complain that the advice is just common sense. That is true, but it also seems that common sense can often be tossed out the window when it comes to raising children. There are people that have complained that it is patronizing and/or written for people without brains. It is a straightforward book, but I would not consider it to be patronizing and/or written for people without brains. If, however, you are a sleep deprived new mother with hormones raging out of control -- you may temporarily fit the category of a person without a brain. There are others that have said that it makes you feel guilty for not breastfeeding. Based on my experience, that is not true. During the first few days at home with my daughter, I stopped producing milk completely (And was not producing colustrum either). With the help of a good friend, I reviewed the chapter on bottlefeeding and temporarily used formula as a supplement. I found the chapter to be very helpful. I did also go back to breastfeeding within a few days (and returned to work after three months at home, using a pump while at work). For those complaining that there was nothing for the dad to do, that is not true either. For instance, in the early chapter dealing with cesearan birth, Dr. Sears stresses the importance of the father remaining with the child to promote family bonding while the mother is still being sewn up. Attachment parenting is not for everyone, but most people will tell you that babywearing in the first three months is very helpful with helping the baby transition from womb to life (See Happiest Baby on the Block, by Dr. Karp).
For the woman who complained b/c Dr. Sears recommends not using an epidural during labor, it seems as though you may be looking at an older edition. Dr. Sears recommends using pain relief medication wisely. This is logical, smart advice because the long term side effects of the epidural on mother and baby are just now starting to be studied. You do not want to be over-medicated because the epidural stops the body's production of oxytocin (which helps you create contractions) which will slow the labor process down. If you are overmedicated, you may not feel the body's natural urge to push.
Perhaps what is being overlooked by those posting a negative review is that this book is a guide. It does not have to be followed to a "T" or at all. It should not replace your common sense, the suggestion of your own doctor, and should be looked at in conjunction with other guidebooks out there. I like the book because it has everything!!

very informative book

I got this book while I was pregnant, because I really enjoy other Dr. Sears books. I really agree with most of his parenting ideals. This book also has so much helpful information. It has many things on nursing problems, and sleeping problems and colds and babies first foods and even some wonderful baby food recipes. I use this book all the time to see if my son could be teething or if he is showing signs of an ear infection, and many other things. This is a great book and a great resource for new parents.

Wonderful book for our family

As a first time mom, I found this book to be extremely helpful. However, one needs to take into consideration that every family is different and every child is different. Dr. Sears takes a very sensitive, natural approach to child rearing; almost old fashioned if you will. This may not be the style or approach that is appropriate for your families needs. It worked for my family though.

Dr. Sears strongly advocates attachment parenting. By this, the parents become very bonded to their child via using slings to carry them around in, co-sleeping, and being sensitive to the child's needs. My husband and I have done all of this and we have the happiest toddler you could ever imagine. People are constantly commenting on how happy and approachable he is. I am so intoned with my son that I hardly ever need to reprimand him; I just need to give him the look and he knows I mean business. My son never went through separation anxiety or stranger anxiety and I think this is because he gets his fill of us so much he doesn't feel that anxiety.

I feel this book encourages a very sensitive approach towards childrearing that just felt right for my husband and I. Several of the other baby books out there like, `What to expect the first year' just took a very cold and calloused approach in my opinion.

As far as a few of the comments I've read stating that this book is very bias towards the mother, I say that is nonsense. The only thing that this book states that the mother can do that the father can't is breast feed. Every single thing in this book can just as easily be done by the mother as well as the father.

Again, every baby is different and every household has different needs. This book worked perfectly for my son's needs and he's a happy, outgoing, smart toddler today because of these methods.