The Baby Bond, By Dr. Linda Folden Palmer

I'm a first time mom also from the healthcare field, so to find a book that I feel has great substance to it is very important. Dr. Palmer writes this book in an easy to read format that flows nicely and I can easily put it down to attend to the needs of my baby and not be lost when I come back to it.
She presents well researched ideas, theories and facts with an organized and unbiased approach. She cites her work well for anyone interested in delving further into a specific topic or questioning it's background.
Overall this book is incredibly helpful and insightful for anyone contemplating attachement parenting or questioning the advice popularized by the media and/or practiced by our parents. More parents and child caregivers should follow their instincts rather than a-how to book on babies that is not supported by evidence based research but rather written simply based on what the ignorant masses do.
I'm a more confident mom in knowing that my gut reactions and instincts in child rearing are proper and supported; my daughter is already a more well adjusted baby that trusts and loves because of the practices we've put in place. I'll be recomending this book to patients and friends for years to come.
High praise for Dr. Linda Folden Palmer for compiling such an incredible piece of literature! You've done a great service in preparing and educating parents to raise a more successful future generation

After meeting Dr. Palmer in person I feel a deep sense of loss in not having this resource when my baby was born. We struggled through postpartum depression and other insecurities that her work addresses. I encourage parent needing to be nurtured to include Baby Bond in their parenting library. I know I would have.

Adelaide Zindler

Author, Pray it Forward in 30 Days

http://www.DisarmAutism.com

Linda Folder Palmer's "The Baby Bond" is a complete informational package on  major behavioral, digestive and immunity issues that parents typically confront when making parenting decisions during the first days, weeks and months after birth.

Often, as parents, we are overwhelmed in the first year, and easily influenced by the opinions of family, friends and the medical community, who, however, may not be up to date on the science. The choices we make for our children, from how we respond to their hunger cues, digestive distress, sleeping needs, and vaccination schedule, to name a few, will have a long impact on their lives, no doubt.

Becoming versed in the issues before birth would be such a bonus to new parents, and I know of no other book that covers so much so well, and in a style that is not judgmental or drawing conclusions and making decisions for the parent.

When I started reading this book, I immediately thought “Thank you Dr. Palmer!”  As a mother of a daughter, I practiced attachment parenting not because it was something I read about, but because it was my natural instinct.  This book is a fantastic compilation of the science behind this instinct, and how varying parenting practices affect babies on a physical as well as emotional level. 

I now know why my attachment parenting practices (breastfeeding, cosleeping, nurturing) was beneficial for not only my daughter, but for my own health. 

For example, when I breastfed my daughter for 3 years, I’d get warnings from many people that she was going to become “too attached” to her mom.  In fact, it’s just the opposite.  Because of this book, I now realize the scientific reasons why my little one is well grounded and secure.

I have read many books that speak to the science behind various practices, but are too technical.  Dr. Palmer does a fantastic job of presenting the science without making it too complicated, but at the same time, gives the references for those readers who like technical detail.

This is the type of book to have on hand and keep referring to as things come up.  Read it through the first time, and then use it as a reference after the fact.  I know I want to give this book to everyone I know who is about to have a baby. 

While I believe each parent should do what they feel is best for their child, and their family (cosleeping versus crib, breastfeeding versus formula, responding versus cry it out, etc.), regardless of what path they choose, they should have all the facts first.  This book presents the facts, so that parents can make informed decisions for their family.  It would be a shame to not have this information, and to realize later that you wish you had read this first.

As a clinical nutritionist, I was thrilled to see the detailed and thorough research done in this book on creating the ultimate foundation for health.  Too often I see parents come into my office with their children when they are older with certain health and behavioral issues, many of which could be prevented with applying the information in this book.   I wish all my clients would read this before having children, to give their kids the best chance for ultimate health. 

Kudos Dr. Palmer!!!

Erika McDaniel

Founder, ConsciousParents.org