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What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child: A More Natural Approach to Parenting
Sometimes doctors don’t know best. Luckily, mom and doctor Susan Markel is a pediatrician who questions conventional wisdom and instead partners decision-based medicine with the best ideas of attachment parenting.
Too often, parents ignore their instincts and better sense to follow their doctor’s advice, such as overtreating vulnerable children, letting babies cry themselves to sleep and giving their children cow’s milk for strong bones, even though strong evidence shows none of these practices is the best route.
Revealing the medical industry’s gaps in knowledge is Dr. Susan Markel, frequent contributor to BabyCenter.com, the world’s most popular parenting site, and Le Leche League International medical liaison, and Linda F. Palmer, D.C., author of Baby Matters, in What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child. This new work combines the latest research with solid advice from a pediatrician who dares to defy her rote education and big-industry-supported dogma and seek out parent- and child-centered choices in all aspects of child care. As a mother and a pediatrician with 27 years’ experience, Dr. Markel has come to find that less intervention in the natural processes generally brings superior outcomes.
While providing helpful how-to natural parenting ideas throughout, What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child gives parents insight into many instances where standard pediatric dogma is in conflict with the best research. Parents will find comprehensive solutions to specific health concerns and issues affecting children, such as:
• Nutrition, including breastfeeding
• Shared sleep
• Common illnesses and drug usage
• Allergies and asthma
• Attention deficit disorder
• Emotional health
• Discipline
In a reader-friendly, succinct format, not bogged down by scientific digressions, this book will assist parents in making the best possible choices for the mental and physical health of their children.
Too often, parents ignore their instincts and better sense to follow their doctor’s advice, such as overtreating vulnerable children, letting babies cry themselves to sleep and giving their children cow’s milk for strong bones, even though strong evidence shows none of these practices is the best route.
Revealing the medical industry’s gaps in knowledge is Dr. Susan Markel, frequent contributor to BabyCenter.com, the world’s most popular parenting site, and Le Leche League International medical liaison, and Linda F. Palmer, D.C., author of Baby Matters, in What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child. This new work combines the latest research with solid advice from a pediatrician who dares to defy her rote education and big-industry-supported dogma and seek out parent- and child-centered choices in all aspects of child care. As a mother and a pediatrician with 27 years’ experience, Dr. Markel has come to find that less intervention in the natural processes generally brings superior outcomes.
While providing helpful how-to natural parenting ideas throughout, What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child gives parents insight into many instances where standard pediatric dogma is in conflict with the best research. Parents will find comprehensive solutions to specific health concerns and issues affecting children, such as:
• Nutrition, including breastfeeding
• Shared sleep
• Common illnesses and drug usage
• Allergies and asthma
• Attention deficit disorder
• Emotional health
• Discipline
In a reader-friendly, succinct format, not bogged down by scientific digressions, this book will assist parents in making the best possible choices for the mental and physical health of their children.
- GenresHealth
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2011
Fantastic book that encourages parents to follow their instincts and research for themselves, instead of buying everything their pediatrician ha to say just because their pediatrician says it. As much as we want to believe our pediatricians know what is best for our child- they have very little to no education on issues like breastfeeding, CIO, bedsharing....ect. This pediatrician (who is also an IBCLC and part of LLL) is wonderful!
September 26, 2023
Dr. Markel tells the real story . She is not judgmental, just honest and informative. You cannot "spoil" babies by sleeping with them, holding them and responding to their needs. Babies need to be carried in a wrap or other soft babywearing devices.
The many benefits of carrying are delineated in a chapter about keeping your baby close. Separating your baby from you in cribs and plastic contraptions causes flat heads, delays in motor development and creates sub optimal neurological development.
The story behind many of the childhood vaccines is given in a concise way that helps parents to decide which, if any, vaccines are necessary. All medications (prescription and otherwise) have side effects and often interfere with nature. The question to look up is what are the hidden side effects? Will they outweigh the perceived benefits?
The chapters on nutrition and breastfeeding are so valuable - what you feed your child is the most important factor in his or her health. Everything in the book is backed up with extensive research. This is the most valuable book that you will ever find about raising babies and children.
The many benefits of carrying are delineated in a chapter about keeping your baby close. Separating your baby from you in cribs and plastic contraptions causes flat heads, delays in motor development and creates sub optimal neurological development.
The story behind many of the childhood vaccines is given in a concise way that helps parents to decide which, if any, vaccines are necessary. All medications (prescription and otherwise) have side effects and often interfere with nature. The question to look up is what are the hidden side effects? Will they outweigh the perceived benefits?
The chapters on nutrition and breastfeeding are so valuable - what you feed your child is the most important factor in his or her health. Everything in the book is backed up with extensive research. This is the most valuable book that you will ever find about raising babies and children.
September 23, 2023
Full of information! Starting with immediate newborn care in the hospital.
I am glad to see an updated version of attachment parenting principles which discusses proper babywearing techniques and shows several different slings, and wraps.She also continues her discussion of attachment parenting and gentle discipline into toddler and early childhood.
Then an in-depth look into childhood issues, such as nutrition, allergies, and vaccines.
A wonderful part of the book is the Epilogue titled " Peace of Mind in the Pursuit of Happiness".
I am glad to see an updated version of attachment parenting principles which discusses proper babywearing techniques and shows several different slings, and wraps.She also continues her discussion of attachment parenting and gentle discipline into toddler and early childhood.
Then an in-depth look into childhood issues, such as nutrition, allergies, and vaccines.
A wonderful part of the book is the Epilogue titled " Peace of Mind in the Pursuit of Happiness".
September 24, 2023
What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child. This is true...what doctors don't know is hurting children whose parents are swayed, manipulated, conditioned and lost to habits rooted in society's failings to listen to nature, listen to children, and to follow what is holistically beneficial.
September 23, 2023
This book needs to be in the hands of every parent. The pediatrician medical doctor author will guide you through every aspect of emotional and physical health of children, while avoiding outmoded dogma that relies on medical interference.
September 22, 2023
My New Favorite Attachment Parenting book. I wish I could put it in every parent's hands. Read this book instead of "check with your pediatrician."!
October 13, 2012
The name of this book is a breath of fresh air among stacks of parenting books that say “check with your healthcare provider.”
Susan Markel, pediatrician, certified lactation consultant, and attachment parenting specialist, confirms in her book ‘What Your Pediatrician Doesn’t Know Can Hurt Your Child‘ what millions of parents around the globe have learned through trial and error; Following the “doctor’s orders” is just as likely to be damaging to your child’s health as it is to be beneficial.
Informed Natural Parenting Choices
From the beginning of the book, Susan’s emphasis is that you should seek to be as informed as possible about your choices and use your parental instincts rather than succumbing to cultural and authoritative pressures. This begins during pregnancy, when you make choices concerning the tests and procedures you will have and where you will give birth.
This is great to read before your baby is born; It starts off at the time of birth, mentioning the impact that birth has on your baby and briefly covers the common medical procedures that are done within the first hours and days of your baby’s life.
But this book isn’t just about medical procedures and doctor’s appointments. Susan seeks to address the most crucial aspects of every baby and toddler’s life including nutrition, bonding, sleep, and behavior.
She covers breastfeeding, baby-wearing, co-sleeping, communication, attachment, health, and natural remedies. She even guides you through the modern vaccination schedule and gives excellent advice on how to calmly speak to your doctor about delaying or even skipping vaccinations altogether.
More Than Just A Medical Opinion
What I really appreciate is Susan’s boldness on such controversial topics. Throughout the book, she doesn’t bother trying to be politically correct; Instead, she lays out the truth about the real risks of formula feeding, medications, and vaccinations, and quotes research of the enormous benefits of breastfeeding and attachment parenting.
If you’re looking for your doctor’s approval, this book is not for you. The concepts in this book are not the opinion of most doctors and pediatricians, and I can guarantee there will be plenty of raised eyebrows and shaking heads.
I find it amazing that Susan herself is a pediatrician. She spills a few secrets about the pediatric profession that may surprise you. One powerful quote by Susan rings true, “A mother’s instincts are worth more than a medical degree.”
If you are looking for an empowering parenting book that speaks to you as an intelligent adult who can do your own research and make your own choices, You will be appreciative of the wealth of information that Dr. Susan Markel has presented in this book.
Read more: http://naturalfamilytoday.com/parenti...
Susan Markel, pediatrician, certified lactation consultant, and attachment parenting specialist, confirms in her book ‘What Your Pediatrician Doesn’t Know Can Hurt Your Child‘ what millions of parents around the globe have learned through trial and error; Following the “doctor’s orders” is just as likely to be damaging to your child’s health as it is to be beneficial.
Informed Natural Parenting Choices
From the beginning of the book, Susan’s emphasis is that you should seek to be as informed as possible about your choices and use your parental instincts rather than succumbing to cultural and authoritative pressures. This begins during pregnancy, when you make choices concerning the tests and procedures you will have and where you will give birth.
This is great to read before your baby is born; It starts off at the time of birth, mentioning the impact that birth has on your baby and briefly covers the common medical procedures that are done within the first hours and days of your baby’s life.
But this book isn’t just about medical procedures and doctor’s appointments. Susan seeks to address the most crucial aspects of every baby and toddler’s life including nutrition, bonding, sleep, and behavior.
She covers breastfeeding, baby-wearing, co-sleeping, communication, attachment, health, and natural remedies. She even guides you through the modern vaccination schedule and gives excellent advice on how to calmly speak to your doctor about delaying or even skipping vaccinations altogether.
More Than Just A Medical Opinion
What I really appreciate is Susan’s boldness on such controversial topics. Throughout the book, she doesn’t bother trying to be politically correct; Instead, she lays out the truth about the real risks of formula feeding, medications, and vaccinations, and quotes research of the enormous benefits of breastfeeding and attachment parenting.
If you’re looking for your doctor’s approval, this book is not for you. The concepts in this book are not the opinion of most doctors and pediatricians, and I can guarantee there will be plenty of raised eyebrows and shaking heads.
I find it amazing that Susan herself is a pediatrician. She spills a few secrets about the pediatric profession that may surprise you. One powerful quote by Susan rings true, “A mother’s instincts are worth more than a medical degree.”
If you are looking for an empowering parenting book that speaks to you as an intelligent adult who can do your own research and make your own choices, You will be appreciative of the wealth of information that Dr. Susan Markel has presented in this book.
Read more: http://naturalfamilytoday.com/parenti...
August 31, 2014
Fear-mongering at it's worst. Of course it's anti-vaccine. I could've told you that after the first couple chapters. While it has some advice in it, most is downright dangerous (give your child a bath in diluted bleach!?) and I cannot be ok with the "anti-vaccine" rhetoric. Giving your child the basic medicines to help him thrive is dangerous. Saying "your child MIGHT not need this medicine & MIGHT be ok without it" is stupid. What if your child is one of the ones that DOES need coagulation of his or her blood at birth? Holding off on giving him medicine would be life-threatening. Took everything advised in this book with a huge grain of salt.
October 12, 2012
At long last (as far as I am aware) a pediatrician who is willing to openly challenge the many myths about early childhood still floating around in the medical establishment. What makes it even more powerful is that she states her points strongly, backed by ample research, without attacking anybody in the process. A plain, common sense, no nonsense statement of facts, yet a powerful argument for the critical importance of a more natural approach to parenting. I can highly recommend this book to all prospective parents!
July 28, 2013
As a parenting expert and discipline specialist, I recommend this book for all parents who are interested in using unconditional love in raising their children. Everything in this book is conducive to raising a happy and content child that is likely to develop into a contributing member of society. This book should be given out to every parent taking a new baby home for the first time. Thank you Susan Markel for a manual for every child!
October 18, 2011
Very good information to consider. Not to find of the vegetarian approach, but to each his own! Check this one out!
December 30, 2016
great overall subjects about taking responsibility for your child's health, but left me feeling overwhelmed about all that is supposedly needed for that healthy child.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews