Evidence-based medicine in parenting books is a rare thing. For that alone, you should read Palmer's book. Her only drawback is that she definitely writes from her own biases, so you can't look at this as a systematic review of all the literature. Also, she occasionally goes a little too far with her conclusions (an association does not equal a cause, etc.)

I highly recommend this book.

a physician (non-pediatrician) in Virginia

41 of 42 found the following review helpful:

This is truly a valuable resource.  Aug 14, 2002
By Melanie Wilson "mongoliamel"
So your know-it-all cousin chides that your baby's being spoiled by all that attention. Last time you talked, she disapproved of prolonged breastfeeding. What'll it be next? Don't you wish you had some scientific evidence to back up your choices? Well, now you do. Dr. Linda Folden Palmer's book, Baby Matters, exhaustively lists the scientific evidence behind attachment parenting, breastfeeding, and the reality of food allergies. With chapters such as, "The Attachment Advantage," "Bonding: the Inside Story," " Crying & Caring," and "The Dangers of Cow's Milk," Dr. Palmer shows how the establishment of science-conquering-nature has caused unnecessary suffering and heartache to parents and babies alike. Leaving babies to "cry it out," forcing them to sleep alone, giving them formula instead of breastfeeding, ignoring possible food allergies, and indiscriminate vaccination have all resulted in alarming SIDS rates, aggressiveness, emotional detachment and physical illness. Not to be accused of selectively culling sources, Palmer evenhandedly discusses vaccines, for example, deflating the overblown cons and discussing the details of what the research really shows. This is truly a valuable resource for attachment parents, and perhaps if you gave it to your cousin at her baby shower, she might just learn a thing or two. What you (and your great grandma) knew in your heart was right all along�it simply took some time for our society to catch up. �Reviewed by Regina Cassidy

22 of 24 found the following review helpful:

An instant classic. A must-read for all parents  Jan 24, 2002
By Catherine Allison Granju "www.locoparentis.blogspot.com"
Dr. Palmer's book is the best book on the hard science behind attachment parenting that I've ever read. I plan to make it a baby gift for every pregnant friend. I wish I had read this book before I became a mother. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's the most exciting new book on parenting that I've read in a number of years.

Katie Allison Granju ~ author of "ATTACHMENT PARENTING: INSTINCTIVE CARE FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD" (Pocket Books/1999)

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

incredible book  Jan 04, 2002
By David Chong
This book is wonderful. Rather than just make a blanket statement that a baby needs love, this book backs up all its statements with thorough, and yet easy to understand, research. It taught me a lot about the advantages to breastfeeding, and showed why responding to a baby's cries makes him happier, and will not spoil him. I have used her advice with my son, and he has turned out to be an extremely happy baby who is not clingy at all. His independence, happiness, and connection to me has really made me glad I read this book. I highly reccomend it.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

A Must-Read for parents  Apr 10, 2004
By flygirl
I feel blessed to have found this book before my little girls got any older. It's a shame I didn't have it before they were born! The information on cow's milk and formula was especially eye-opening. The evidence to support attachment parenting and breastfeeding has made me that much more grateful that I have followed my instincts, and turned a deaf ear to the poor advice I have received time and again from various individuals. I already sent a copy to my sister, who is a new mother. I only wish I could get my pediatrician to read it too...

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