I can't say I agree with controlled crying in most circumstances, and certainly not from birth. That said, we have a client who has recently been having lots of problems with an unsettled baby, poor feeding, a diminishing milk supply, and a baby who was losing weight. We went down a lot of other paths first - attachment parenting, baby wearing, but she just wasn't coping. She was a single mum, and despite the support of her family, she was having lots of trouble and was very used to a routine.

In the end, we decided to try controlled crying with her four month old. Within 24 hours he was sleeping and feeding for longer periods; within 48 hours, he was sleeping really well, and feeding really well. Within the week, she was feeling 100% better, her milk supply was noticably improved, and bub was gaining weight. And that is the second time I have seen it work.

I think we need to be careful not to demonise it. I don't believe for a minute that babies can be manipulative, although I do think that mothers and babies can develop bad parenting habits that become entrenched and lead to sleep and settling problems. When managed sensitively and appropriately, it can be a good option for some mums and babies. And there is certainly a big difference between carefully managed controlled crying and the kind of baby abandonment espoused by Truby King devotees...

We "kind of" used controlled crying with Molly, although not with Olivia - we just knew from her personality that she would not benefit from us, she was a very attached baby and remains so today.

I don't think it is a bad thing that MCHN have an understanding of it, the ramifications of it, and an understanding of how to do it properly and safely, although I do hope that they are sensitive and careful in who they offer it too, and how it is taught.