I read the book before I had Olivia and just the "tone" was enough to put me off, to be honest! I personally found the authors approach fairly patronising: I recall she even timetables when Mum should make a cuppa, LOL!!
As soon as Olivia arrived the books gathered dust and I just followed Olivia's lead........she was a contented baby all by herself without me doing any of the strict routines that the book suggests.
I then re-read it again, and with new Mummy eyes, I honestly found her approach appalling for me and my babies.....there was no way I could follow it........
I have since had Charlie and Lexie. All 3 of my babies have been what others would call "easy" in as much as they sleep and feed very well. I really believe they are this "easy" as I follow their cues, not a timetable or a stopwatch......
My suggestion would be to borrow a copy, read it, and see what your GUT reaction is........that will most likely tell you if it is the style of parenting you feel you can happily adopt.......
I have friends who followed the book because their brother did and said it worked. I also had it recommended to me by friends of friends before my first son was born. They said it had changed their lives and everyone in their street thought the same thing. I guess it does work for some, although it does surprise me that it would work for anyone.
Just like Caro and Lucy, I found (with both boys) that we easily got into a routine (prob took about 6 - 8 weeks), but it was definitely a baby-led routine. And in fact it was different for each boy, which makes sense bcos babies are all different. And also the situation is different in that Tom has a big brother who does certain things at certain times.
I have read the book and many others. My reading has covered both extremes (Gina Ford through to Dr Sears) and many in between. Having read "both sides of the argument" so to speak, I feel even more confident in my own approach and following my own instincts. I can also answer critics who tell me I should be doing such and such and can show that I am well informed in my decisions.
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