Summary of Kimberly Seals Allers's The Big Letdown

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The comparison of baby growth becomes a comparison of parenting success and a competitive sport. Having a baby in a high percentile for growth becomes a mommy bragging right, and it becomes a clinical indicator of how well you are parenting. #2 The growth charts used to measure my baby’s growth were based on a sample of formula-fed infants, not breastfeed infants. This is why many breastfed infants were misdiagnosed with a failure to thrive and given formula instead. #3 The World Health Organization released new growth charts in 2006, using breastfed babies as the standard for growth. They acknowledged the role of two decades of inaccurate growth charts in the course of childhood health. #4 The participation of physicians’ offices in formula marketing programs has a strong correlation with breastfeeding outcomes. A study showed that mothers who receive formula marketing at the ob-gyn’s office have stunted breastfeeding experiences.