Crying it Out: The Doctors Debate

on July 23, 2009 at 7:15 AM

Photo by MarceB

How do I get my newborn to sleep? That's the question on every new mom's mind. And if she voices it, she's likely to get an earful. Basically it seems like there are two main opinions on how to get a baby to sleep: You can let them cry it out until they drift off on their own (CIO) or you can soothe them until they fall asleep.

Generally, moms feel very strongly about whichever method they use—and there's lots of debate on the topic here on CafeMom. Both methods have their pros and cons and whichever one you end up using is entirely up to you.

But it turns out moms aren't the only ones who like to debate about CIO—lilsugar says that doctors do too. Marc Weissbluth, M.D., author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child and an advocate of CIO is using his blog the Weissbluth Method to take on William Sears, M.D., author of The Attachment Parenting Book (which promotes soothing a baby to sleep).

So far this week, Dr. Weissbluth has written three entries called "My Problem With Doctor Sears # 1," "My Problem With Dr. Sears # 2," and you guessed it, "My Problem With Doctor Sears # 3."

No word on whether Dr. Sears has responded, but a search for "Weissbluth" on his site Ask Dr. Sears turns up nothing.

Do you think doctors should be telling moms how to get their baby to sleep? Or do you think a mom knows her baby, her baby's needs, and her own needs best?

About the author Suzanne Murray

is the Parenting & Political editor at The Stir/Moms Matter 2012.

Filed Under: bedtime, cio, sleep

Comments (26)

SxdUpAngel

on Jul 23, 2009 at 9:55 AM

We have to face it, some moms don't know their own body and they don't know their baby. They don't know what's best as much as we like to believe that we do (no doubt we have the ability in ourselves to go with our instincts but many women have shut this out). Should doctors give out parenting advice? When something can effect the baby's health, yes. The problem with this is that doctors stop giving out proven information ("CIO is unhealthy, here's why...") and start telling parents what their personal experiences are or what they feel is better for THEM. Moms let their newborns CIO and the unhealthy side effects have started to take place. That creates a situation where it is up to mom to research, find out what is best for her baby and why. How will mom know if the doctor is telling her what is healthiest or not?

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amyd4581

on Jul 23, 2009 at 10:38 AM

I do NOT agree with letting a newborn CIO, they are too little and they NEED to be responded to when they cry, but once they get older, like closer to a year old, I think it's ok to use CIO.

aurorabunny

on Jul 23, 2009 at 10:39 AM

Sounds like that guy is a little jealous/bitter. I love Dr.Sears.

SpiritedTigress

on Jul 23, 2009 at 10:41 AM

I think that a doctor should state facts, not opinions. And then the mother should decide for herself.

Nonmember comment from anon

on Jul 23, 2009 at 2:44 PM

Do your research! I've read Dr. Weissbluth's book many times over and am reading it again with my second child (just 5 weeks old today!). Dr. Weissbluth does NOT advocate letting a newborn cry it out. In fact, he believes newborns need to be soothed to sleep. Extinction is one of a number of strategies he introduces when the baby is much older with established self soothing skills and a more developed neurological system. He absolutely supports soothing babies and putting them down to sleep calm and comforted. What he does strongly advocate is giving your child the gift of being able to fall asleep unassisted. Babies need to learn how to do it on their own and are able to once they are old enough. It's the parents that mess up sleep schedules/patterns by interfering with letting babies learn how to self soothe, not the baby!

burnice

on Jul 23, 2009 at 3:08 PM

I would love to hear Dr. Sears' response to this guy.

on Jul 23, 2009 at 7:21 PM

I think the comment above is from Dr.Weissbluth. ;)

ivansmom07

on Jul 23, 2009 at 9:18 PM

HAHAHAH!

I think you're right, Aurora.

Perhaps this Dr. Weissbluth should look at the other overwhelming information against CIO. Numerous studies, etc. have been done. Perhaps, he should stop attacking Dr. Sears and read up.

(Oh...and psstt: you misspelled his name on your last paragraph!)

Nonmember comment from Geomom

on Jul 24, 2009 at 1:26 AM

I love Dr. Sears (especially his Vaccine Book) but, in my experience as a mom, Dr. Weissbluth's book is hands down the better sleep guide. Before my son was born "Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child" was recommended to me by every mommy I knew, as well as by our pediatrician. Reading it really helped us get our son into a healthy sleep pattern. Contrary to what others are saying, it is not all about CIO, but really is about keeping your children healthy with the right amount of sleep. He presents CIO as one of many options for sleep training, not as a one-size-fits-all strategy.

.scissorsister.

on Jul 24, 2009 at 3:07 AM

i don't think there's a one-size either...i think a well-rounded baby ought to get used to all sides of falling asleep. my son's a great sleeper and has been since 6 weeks old. we've held him, nursed him, put him to bed awake, put him to bed drowsy, and put him to bed fussy. i know when his cries are because he needs me vs because he's overly tired or bored and if it's the latter 2 sometimes we let him work out it on his own...and inevitably he stops within 5 minutes. not everyone has an easy baby and perhaps some aren't so in-tune with their little ones, but i think the way we handle his sleep is perfect.

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