Dr. Ferber sucks!!

I have to say it's great to see a piece of news like this: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/29/fashion/thursdaystyles/29sleep.html

I am a firm believer that how you parent your child should be dictated not by a parenting style or by what is commonly done; but by the needs of your child and how that fits into your lifestyle. There's no one right way for everyone. I also firmly believe that people, woman especially, need to pay attention to their instincts. That's been lost to a reverance for science. We trust what a "parenting expert" says more that what our own instincts are telling us. I think that the whole"cry it out" theory shows how selfish our society has become. Babies needs should come first-as they grow they slowly learn that their needs have to be balanced, and that they are not the only important person. Children are young for such a short period of time-needs not met in infancy resurface later in life. That's important to remember. We try to force independance because Americans value it so highly. I think a child needs a secure base first. A lot of parenting ideas today try to force the baby into an adult mode of living-into what is easier for the adult and not beneficial to the child. I think having children is supposed to slow you down-and it may not seem like it, but that is a good thing.
I love that Dr. Ferber has changed his stance! He's trying to downplay it, make it seem like this is not a big deal, but it is. And while I don't need an expert to validate my views, it is nice to hear him say that co-sleeping is not as dangerous as he once proclaimed.
Let me say thatI realize that co-sleeping is not for everyone. There are all sorts of variations on it that work, and it may not work at all for others. So long as you are happy with your situation, who cares? But a lot of studies in recent years (funded by the largest manufacturer of cribs) keep saying that it's not safe and you are a bad parent if you continue to co-sleep. Studies that show the safety or even benefits of the practice still aren't given media coverage. And considering how many books are out there on getting your child to sleep and getting a good night's sleep, it seems silly not to mention co-sleeping as one of your options. It worked for me! As long as you follow a few simple rules(like don't do it while drunk! Don't smoke in bed! Duh?!), it's very safe. It's good to hear that validated.