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From:
"Lisa A. Marasco" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 26 Jul 1995 19:54:39 -0700
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Hi,
I'm very familiar with BABYWISE, the secular version of PREPARATION FOR
PARENTHOOD, which is a religious-based infant parenting curriculum. I
have dialogued with the author along with another LC and a former LLL
Leader, and I can tell you first hand that the initial breastfeeding
advice was based on his and his wife's experience; she was a pediatric
nurse for a short time many years ago (before their children were born;
their girls now have their own families). When challenged as to the
sources for their bfg info, they have no recognized sources. It is most
important to realize that the authors believe that babies are born into
what they call "metabolic chaos", and need help to gain equilibrium. This
help includes fairly scheduled feeds along with scheduled wake, nap, play
and cuddle times. The "success" that parents rave the most about is that
babies are "trained" to sleep by around 6 wks of age, and when asked
why they like the book, most parents will cite this success, along with
the "convenience" of the baby fitting into the family, as the most
significant accomplishment.

For the LC, the most important aspect to recognize is the high risk for
milk supply loss and failure-to-thrive in the infant. There have been
several cases of FTT that have been documented as being related to use of
this method. PREP and BABYWISE, though they now contain more information
on how to know that your baby is getting enough, do not have answers for
how to help your milk supply if baby isn't doing well on the schedule. Does
the MD really want to rely on a book that is poorly referenced as well as
connected to FTT situations that have been publicly questioned in a
prominent Christian magazine? Is his overall goal for his patients
health, or convenience to the parent? They needn't be mutually exclusive.

Attachment issues are at stark contrast to what most of us believe. The
authors' definition of secure attachment is the ability of the baby to be
comfortable with many caregivers from early on; their definition of
insecurity is a baby who clings to its mother and cries at separation,
fairly irregardless of age. How to address this? If you are dealing with
the secular book and not having to deal with religion, I would point out
that the author's theories regarding good attachment are at extreme odds
with Erickon's works. Indeed, Erickson teaches that the primary task of
the infant is to build trust, and that if his needs are not met fairly
consistently, he will learn to distrust his world. Adaptation will occur,
behavior may be modified to convenience, but the lesson learned may well
be distrust instead of trust. Many counselors are concerned about the
long-term psychological impact of the "method", especially if undertaken
by parents already predisposed to a strongly authoritarian parenting
model. Is the doctor ready to take responsibility for psychological
damage? How would he feel if he knew that a major Christian college
specializing in counseling has grave concerns about the impact of this
curriculum and sees it as psychologically unhealthy?

These are just a couple of thoughts that I might share, along with
perhaps some positive replacements to address the concerns that this
doctor was trying to address for his patients and their parents.
Personally, I am waiting for the day when one of the "victims" has the
courage to stand up and sue for damage that has occurred because the
author has refused to acknowledge the problems or risks. When that day
comes, this book may no longer be around.

-Lisa
QUEEN of Ezzo trivia

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Lisa A. Marasco, IBCLC                                /  [log in to unmask]
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant    /  [log in to unmask]

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