Customer Rating:      Summary: Truly a classic! Comment: I originally came upon a copy of this book at my chiropractor's office--who ironically enough takes x-rays of all new patients, which Dr. Mendelsohn warns against!--when I was pregnant (and consequently was able to avoid the x-ray). I think it is fitting to call this book a classic, and I recommend it to all new parents...IF they are ready to start to question mainline thinking regarding the state of children's healthcare in this country.
Dr. Robert Mendelsohn wrote "How to Raise a Healthy Child...In Spite of Your Doctor" in 1987, but it is still very much relevant today (unfortunately). His other works include "Confessions of a Medical Heretic," if that gives you any kind of clue. He is a straight-talker, and there is no room for B.S. in this book. You can sit down to read it in an afternoon and come away that evening with your eyes open. I dare say you may even have a "fire in your belly" to do something about it, like I did!
So, if you are wondering whether it is a good idea to put your foot down over issues like vaccines, antibiotics and circumcision, get a hold of this book! You will be glad you did. And, if you want to know more about how to give your child the best start he could ever hope for, I also recommend Healing Our Children: Because Your New Baby Matters! Sacred Wisdom for Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting (ages 0-6) by Ramiel Nagel.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Breath of fresh air Comment: It's amazing how spot on Dr. Mendelsohn is regarding children and their health, and this book was written quite a while ago. People tend to think of older doctors as 'old-fashioned' and not up on the new stuff, but this book is not at all filled with useless stuff. Its quite the contrary. Its filled with truly practical advice from a very experienced pediatrician. Its unfortunate that there aren't more doctors like him out there - but at least we can garner insight from this wonderful book.
I have a 4 year old and 1 year old twins and wish I had gotten this book sooner. Every new parent should have this on their bookshelf!
Customer Rating:      Summary: This Book saved my children! Comment: I wish I could give it 10 stars. I can't say enough good things about this book and any/all of Dr. Mendelsohn's work. Dr. Mendelsohn was not only a brave pioneer, he was pragmatic, compassionate and truly cares for children. His information is as relevant for me today, as a young mother, as it was for my own mother and mother-in-law. His views and research on vaccination, infant nutrition and pre-natal nutrition is spot-on. I have purchased about 35 copies of this book and have given 7 away to my friends who are starting families and/or have children. Without exception, everyone of them have said the same thing - This book saved their children and saved them from making devastating mistakes. I say this with conviction and personal experience.
I gave birth six years ago at the "best" and most modern facility I could find - Northwestern Prentice Women's Clinic. Even today, breast-feeding is not only not encouraged but mothers are told it's ok not to even try! That's not even the among the most egregious!
I plan to continue giving this book to new mothers within my acquaintance and will recommend, implore, all new mothers to read this book and do their research! Children don't come with instruction manuals, we have to be vigilent and do our research but this book is pretty close to a manual and a great start.
Customer Rating:      Summary: A Great Parent Resource Comment: Here is a pediatrician who has seen it all. He has nothing to gain or lose by telling the truth. He tells you how you can treat your own child at home. He also tells you when to and when NOT to go to a medical doctor. This is good for anyone who has a child or knows a child.
Customer Rating:      Summary: just the sample page had data contradictory to the latest research Comment: just the sample page had data contradictory to the latest research.
I work with a peditrician who graduated Harvard Med School Graduate and spends a lot of time reviewing the new research. This books statement about food contained information that is no longer supported by recent studies from both the US and European agencies.
Frankly this is why a peditrician is important to consult.
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