Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Baby

Rating:
Summary: Good Starting Point
Review: I bought this book because I am the type of person who really needs some structure in my life. Now that doesn't mean that I am a bad mother or expect a baby to be on a
strict schedule - just that I'm the type of person who needs some predictibility in my life. That said, I recommend this book to first-time moms (like me) who need some guidance
figuring out how to understand the signals of a new baby by understanding the differences in their cries and body language. The EASY schedule the author proposes is just a GUIDE. I think she provides
information on how to start ordering you and your baby's life
but she does not advocate just ignoring your own good sense or
being so strictly on a schedule that you and your baby don't thrive. Overall, I think that the book is well-written, insightful and helpful. The chapters are short and easily read between feedings, burpings, bathings, ect. I do not believe that the book provides enough examples of actual E.A.S.Y. schedules and concrete examples of how to adjust routines when things change (e.g. baby illness, returning to work). It seems as if the book was written to give the reader just enough information to get by - which may be exactly the point of her book. The parent gets some guidelines and really does the parenting in their own way. I think that other criticisms of this book really come from people who don't take the author's advice when she recommends that you take the info that works for you and throw the rest out. Also, I don't recommend this book for brand-new breastfeeding moms. I think it is truly difficult to create any type of schedule when you are first learning how to breastfeed. It's unrealistic and puts unnecessary pressure on the mom to try to successfully learn all of the skills required to breastfeed and institute a schedule at the same time.

Rating:
Summary: Great Resource
Review: I found this book very helpful. The first three months of my sons life was wonderful, however was also full of frustrating and confusing times. After reading Tracy's book my Son became a much more joyful baby. No longer as fussy as he used to be and at many times unconsulable; more so due to my inability to interpret his needs more accurately. He thrives on a routine which we made together with the advice from Tracy. My confidence developed and still is developing as we utilize her words of wisdom concerning the livelyhood and tender care of infants. Our son was our bundle of joy at birth and continues to bloom and thrive. All are happier in our household and more able to enjoy every moment. Tracy's style as an author is enlightening. It was a very quick read and a pleasure as well. I would share this book with anyone, first time mom or not. Much thanks Tracy!

Rating:
Summary: A very reassuring approach to life with a baby
Review: All in all, I found this book's contents to be a good level-headed approach -- it's not too complicated, and easy to remember.
I have to admit, I haven't had the baby yet, so I haven't yet put the information into practice! But, as a first-time mom who hasn't had very much experience with babies or babysitting, it does give me confidence in being able to handle this new little human being in my home. The two strongest concepts that I drew from the book are 1. You don't have to lose your mind every time the baby cries -- take a moment to understand what the baby is trying to communicate to you, and 2. Get the baby on a schedule -- not a tight one, but one that you can live with. You're the one in charge, not the baby.

Rating:
Summary: Children are the most important resource we have
Review: I read a review which claimed this was a good alternative to Sears, because one's "personal needs" were taken in to account. Guess what? When one decides to become a parent, one best check his/her "personal needs" at the door. Child care is not static, it is a dynamic proccess. The house will not(should not) remain child centered forever. However, one must take into account brain development. Humans are born with incomplete brain developement, otherwise the mother would not be able to birth the baby. This means, human infants take longer to develop. We consider ourselves superior to animals, yet we would leave our young to fend for him/herself? Yes, we know they are "safe", however, the baby can not comprehend this.
The child knows when he/she needs to eat. They can only communicate through crying. Why would one ignore this?
Adults do not schedule their feeding (how many snacks did someone you know have today?), so why it is okay to schedule a newborn?
A baby isn't here for our convenience, we are here for theirs. It is the law of the jungle. Respect yourself and your child and skip this one, I wish I had.

Rating:
Summary: A book you'll want to read cover to cover
Review: After seeing Tracy Hogg on t.v. a while back, I knew I had to have this book...I only wish I read it before the baby came. Either way it has given me insight and understanding into my 3 month olds cues. She gives you a very simple and compassionate way of helping you and your baby find a rhythm to your day. Additionally if you've developed bad habits, she helps you to change them gradually. I highly recommend this book. It is a very easy read, I did it completely in two days. I have other reference books, but this one by far is indispensible.

Rating:
Summary: Great title!
Review: This book was very helpful, though I don't agree with everything the author suggests. Parents and expectant parents also will want to read the amazing and true life `Baby ER'

Rating:
Summary: This book led to 6 weeks of heartache and frustration!
Review: I am a first time mother and faithfully read dozens of books before my child was born. "The Baby Whisperer" was one book that was recommended by a friend and I read it with a highlighter in hand. The information in this book led to six weeks of intense frustration and many tears during the first weeks of life with my baby. I followed the single sided breast feeding method she recommends and I now have a daughter who is severely underweight (she is six weeks and is only 6.5 lbs), my milk supply has dimished to nearly nothing, and I'm now having to supplement with formula to remedy all of this mess. Also, the EASY method is a joke. I tried that for all of 24 hours and realized it was impossible to regiment a newborn like that. Newborns have no biological clock nor any circadian sleep rhythms yet--therefore EASY would never work on a typical newborn. I strongly discourage anyone from supporting this woman's harmful ideas--I regret reading this book and it is now where it should have been six weeks ago: IN THE GARBAGE!

Rating:
Summary: As I live, breathe, and SLEEP
Review: This was by far the best baby gift I bought for my new daughter. She was eating every hour, spitting up after every feeding (LOTS!!!) and wouldn't seem to sleep unless I was holding her or the blow dryer was running!!! We tried everything and even went as far as having an Upper GI performed since she wasn't gaining much weight and was so fussy. I bought this book one week after the UGI was normal and kicked myself for not purchasing it earlier!! Since following Ms. Hogg's E.A.S.Y. plan our household has been so much more enjoyable. I have learned to LISTEN and UNDERSTAND my daughter which has made her happier and the rest of our family. I treat her like I would like to be treated and see things from her perspective and we are now all living, breathing and sleeping in a happy household. Thank you Tracy Hogg for helping me understand and connect with my daughter!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Baby-bearing "Yanks" who don't drink tea.
Review: Aside from the fact that we Americans are derisively referred to as "Yanks", the book has useful information. I've found the EASY method a fairly natural routine for my baby and have been using it daily. I like the guidelines to reading a baby's body language and find most of the descriptions are fairly accurate while some are right on the money. I felt that Ms. Hoggs attitude was disdainful as she called us "Yanks" and admonished us for not having a civilized daily tea routine (which she insists that all her clients adopt). Well, okay, I'm game. But, I have one question for Ms. Hogg. Does Iced Tea count?

Rating:
Summary: doesn't even desreve a star
Review: This book is a danger to your baby's health and well being. I read the book because the title caught my eye. I have read reports that this book and Ezzo's Babywise have been directly linked to failure to thrive infants. With books like this out on the market, I am going to encourage my kids to be pyschotherapists so they can take care of all the unfortunate adults who were raised on this style of irreverent parenting.