Friends,
My approach when asked about Babywise or Ezzo is to ask if the parents know of
Dr. James Dobson.  They usually reply very positive, "Oh, yes, he is with
Focus on the Family."  Then, I ask them if they know what Dr. Dobson has to
say about the Ezzo method.  I have a copy of a letter from Focus on the Family
that calls the Ezzo method CHILD ABUSE.  I give them a copy of the letter and
then, suggest that they might also like to read the 45 page letter of concern
submitted to the AAP.  (I then pull out my Ezzo file that is about an inch
thick.)  If they are still with me and interested, and usually they are, I
suggest if they want to read a good book that gives appropriate parenting
advice and uses scripture to back up it's advice they might read Dr. Sears'
Christian Parenting Book.  I explain that if you are a good bible student you
can quickly see that Ezzo's scripture reference are taken out of context and
inappropriately used.  And, Dr. Sears uses scripture references in context and
appropriately.

In my office we have six peds and 10 nurses, they are all educated about the
Ezzo method and are quick to tell parents that they do not endorse the
program. If parents openly say they plan to use it, they are told that weekly
weight check are needed and if they don't comply they are told that they can
find another care provider or we will have to call HRS if weight gain is not
appropriate. We had a baby about five years ago on this program who has
permanent developmental delays due to not being fed appropriately as a
newborn.  Parents were using Ezzo method.  We instruct baby's should be fed
when they are hungry and as much as they want, saying "crying is a late
indicator of hunger."

Warmly,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC
Pediatrics Plus
Orlando, FL