The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide to Your Baby's First Year

by Alice Callahan

Overview

It seems like every time a new mother turns on her computer, radio, or television, she is greeted with news of yet another scientific study about infancy. Ignoring good information isn’t the right course, but just how does one tell the difference between solid studies, preliminary results, and snake oil?

In this friendly guide through the science of infancy, Science of Mom blogger and PhD scientist Alice Callahan explains how non-scientist mothers can learn the difference between hype and evidence. Readers of Alice’s blog have come to trust her balanced approach, which explains the science that lies behind headlines. The Science of Mom is a fascinating, eye-opening, and extremely informative exploration of the topics that generate discussion and debate in the media and among parents. From breastfeeding to vaccines to sleep, Alice’s advice will help you make smart choices so that you can relax and enjoy your baby.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781421417325
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	09/01/2015
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Alice Callahan holds a PhD in nutritional biology from the University of California, Davis, and spent two years investigating fetal physiology as a postdoctoral scholar. After giving birth to her first child in 2010, she put her scientific training to work answering the big questions of caring for a baby. The creator of the blog Science of Mom: The Heart and Science of Parenting, she writes and teaches in Eugene, Oregon.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

1 Show Me the Science A Crash Count in Evidence-Based Parenting 5

2 Cutting the Umbilical Cord When is the Right Time? 18

3 Of Inactions and Eye Coop New Medical Procedures 32

4 For Once, Sit Back and Watch How Newborns Explore Communicate, and Connect 53

5 Milk and Motherhood Breast Milk, formula, and feeding in the Real World 70

6 Where Should Your Baby Sleep? Sleep Safety and the Bed-Shatura Debate 91

7 In Search of a Good Night's Sleep (Or Something like It) 113

8 Vaccines and Your Child Making a Science-Based Decision 136

9 Getting Started With Solid Foods When and How to Begin 159

10 Eat, Crow, and Learn The Best Foods for Babies 179

Epilogue 201

Appendixes 203

Notes 225

Index 279

What People are Saying About This

Alexis Dubief

Reading The Science of Mom is like having brunch with your best friend who has delved into the science of parenting's thorniest issues, and who then breaks it down for you with warmth and compassion over a nice latte. This is a must-read for parents looking to make evidence-based decisions around feeding, sleep, and vaccinating their child.

"Fascinating! Think of all the controversial, hot-button topics that parents obsess about in a child’s first year—from vaccines and feeding, bed-sharing to sleep training. Weighing the scientific evidence, Callahan offers balanced insights and in-depth answers—a far cry from the oversimplified advice prescribed by many 'parenting experts.' The result: a must-have guide that’s substantive and extremely engaging."

Melinda Wenner Moyer

Alice Callahan has given parents an invaluable resource. She addresses many of the questions new parents have by digging deeply into the science, explaining not just the research but all the context that's essential to interpreting it. Her advice is thoughtful, measured, and clear. I wish I'd been fortunate enough to have The Science of Mom on my bedside table when I transitioned to motherhood.

Emily Oster

"Finally, someone has brought some science—and some sense—to the mommy wars. Should be required reading for all new (and old) parents."

Jena Pincott

"Fascinating! Think of all the controversial, hot-button topics that parents obsess about in a child’s first year—from vaccines and feeding, bed-sharing to sleep training. Weighing the scientific evidence, Callahan offers balanced insights and in-depth answers—a far cry from the oversimplified advice prescribed by many 'parenting experts.' The result: a must-have guide that’s substantive and extremely engaging."

Suzanne Barston

"Too many of today's parents treat science as a weapon, using it to justify some choices and condemn others. Yet, most don't fully understand what science can and cannot tell us. By giving parents a comprehensive understanding of how science relates to parenting, Alice Callahan has helped us turn this weapon into a tool for peace. Callahan untangles basic scientific concepts, reveals the realities and limitations of research, and advocates for a measured approach to parenting science that eschews absolutes and acknowledges nuance. The Science of Mom is a rare gem in the parenting canon—smart, sensitive, and a lifesaver for a generation of parents caught in the nebulous spider's web of Internet 'wisdom.'"

Phil Boucher

Callahan cuts through the confusion, giving parents permission to focus on what matters and enjoy parenthood so much more.

From the Publisher

Alice Callahan has given parents an invaluable resource. She addresses many of the questions new parents have by digging deeply into the science, explaining not just the research but all the context that's essential to interpreting it. Her advice is thoughtful, measured, and clear. I wish I'd been fortunate enough to have The Science of Mom on my bedside table when I transitioned to motherhood.
—Melinda Wenner Moyer, author of How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes

Reading The Science of Mom is like having brunch with your best friend who has delved into the science of parenting's thorniest issues, and who then breaks it down for you with warmth and compassion over a nice latte. This is a must-read for parents looking to make evidence-based decisions around feeding, sleep, and vaccinating their child.
—Alexis Dubief, author of Precious Little Sleep

Callahan cuts through the confusion, giving parents permission to focus on what matters and enjoy parenthood so much more.
—Phil Boucher, MD, FAAP

The Science of Mom is everything a parent needs during that critical and exhausting first year: a voice of reason that's easily browsable and always grounded in science.
—Tara Haelle, coauthor of The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child's First Four Years

Tracy Cutchlow

"Yes! An easy-to-read, fascinating, nuanced review of the science behind new parents' biggest health questions. Many of these issues—infant sleep, breastfeeding, vaccines—have or will hit your 'Should I panic?' button. With gentle guidance, Alice Callahan puts your fears to rest."

Tara Haelle

The Science of Mom is everything a parent needs during that critical and exhausting first year: a voice of reason that's easily browsable and always grounded in science.

Paul A. Offit

"Alice Callahan has written a breakthrough book, combining the compassion, warmth, and angst of a mother with the measured reasoning of a scientist. She helps parents not only understand how science works, but how they can access that science to answer their questions. She's found a way to access the scientist in all of us."

Wendy Sue Swanson

"Families routinely search for health information. The Science of Mom makes it easy collecting evidence for health decisions and putting it into perspective with a mom-to-mom connection. Callahan's advice is thoughtful, backed by science and feels fueled of love. She is willing to provide powerful advice when detailing the science and safety of vaccines. Keep this book in arm's reach as you support your infant for calm and direction."

Editorial Reviews

[Callahan's] compassion and empathy for the difficulties of parenting shine through in every chapter, from breastfeeding to vaccines to feeding to sleeping.

Forbes

. . . a timely and necessary book for parents . . . It will help both moms and dads work together to choose the right parenting methods for them and give them a research-based approach to raising a child.

Patheos

Dr. Callahan isn’t bossy, and isn’t out to tell you what she thinks. Her book tells you what the science says, and explains how we know what we know, and what things we still need to learn more about. There’s humility and warmth, here, which I think parents of newborns will find reassuring.

The Pediatric Insider

. . . a solid resource for any new parent or parent to be. Callahan does the work of sorting through the science of baby’s first year, so you don’t have to.

Raise Healthy Eaters

. . . a fresh and enlightening approach . . . I'd highly recommend this book to any mom expecting her first child or her fourth.

Uncommon Motherhood

Name a complex or controversial topic and Callahan provides the science on both sides of the arguments to help parents make wise choices.

Psychology Today

[Callahan] takes a compassionate, non-preachy approach with a goal of not telling the reader what to do but rather how to seek wise advice and make smart decisionsand to enjoy having a baby, which is what it is all about . . .

Live Science

This is science-based medicine writing at its best. Callahan doesn’t cherry-pick. She knows how to evaluate the entire body of research and put it into perspective along with practical parenting considerations. She enhances her message with a personal touch, including anecdotes about her own experiences as a new mother and about the experiences of her friends and family. If I had three thumbs, I would give this book a 3-thumbs-up recommendation.

Science-Based Medicine - Harriet Hall

. . . in Science of Mom, Alice Callahan, PhD combines the critical eye of a scientist with the heart of a mother to create a helpful resource for all people interested in evidence based infant care and parenting.

Science & Sensibility (Lamaze International)

[The Science of Mom] should be required reading for all new parents . . . She calms fears and provides parents with real facts. She doesn’t make the decisions for you, but she makes it a lot easier to make sound decisions.

MomSense

The Science of Mom stands out from the crowd...an easy to read, certifiable resource.

American Reference Books Annual

A book long-overdue in the parenting literature.

Momma Data

Reviewer: Jane Houston, DNP, CNM (University of Central Florida)
Description: This second edition presents logical, comprehensive chapters related to a baby's first year, from the day of birth to mixed feeding. It is evidence based with clear writing and discussions of the science underpinning the author's recommendations. The first edition was published in 2015.
Purpose: The objective of this book is to provide factual, science-based answers to common concerns of parents during the first year of their baby's life. Frequent updates have been made to the science since the last edition. I would agree that this is a needed book, especially during pandemic years when in-person pediatric office visits are limited.
Audience: This book is primarily for first-time parents. It has a clear writing style that appears to be written at a reasonable readability level for the typical U.S. adult (seventh- to eighth-grade level). The author has an extensive scientific background in nutrition with post-doctoral work in fetal physiology and general science.
Features: The best aspects of the book are its conversational approach and notated common questions parents might ask about their baby's development in the first year. The style is clear, logical, and unambiguous. There are many references, bulleted lists, highlighted annotated points, and eight appendices. There could be more information on the WHY of the birth outcomes in the U.S. compared to every other high-resourced country, with a DEI lens applied to evidence-based solutions including integration of midwifery care to promote normal births among most families.
Assessment: This book will be useful to parents looking for complex scientific bases for decision-making in their baby's first year of life. The title is somewhat misleading focusing on "mom," as this book focuses primarily on the infant and their development. Similar books include What to Expect the First Year, 3rd Edition, Murkoff (Workman Publishing, 2014), which has special sections on adoption and travel, unlike this current book. There have been many developments over the past six years, particularly regarding the pandemic crisis and impacts on mental and physical health, and this book is justified and possibly very helpful to soothe common fears of new parents.

Doody's Review Service

Yes! An easy-to-read, fascinating review of the science behind new parents' biggest health questions. Many of these issues—infant sleep, breastfeeding, vaccines—will hit your 'Should I panic?' button. With gentle guidance, Alice Callahan puts your fears to rest.
—Tracy Cutchlow, author of Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science (and What I've Learned So Far)

Name a complex or controversial topic and Callahan provides the science on both sides of the arguments to help parents make wise choices.
—Psychology Today

[Callahan's] compassion and empathy for the difficulties of parenting shine through in every chapter, from breastfeeding to vaccines to feeding to sleeping.
—Forbes

Alice Callahan, PhD, combines the critical eye of a scientist with the heart of a mother to create a helpful resource for all people interested in evidence-based infant care and parenting.
—Science & Sensibility (Lamaze International)

[Callahan] takes a compassionate, non-preachy approach with a goal of not telling the reader what to do but rather how to seek wise advice and make smart decisions and to enjoy having a baby, which is what it is all about.
—Live Science

Alice Callahan has written a breakthrough book, combining the compassion, warmth, and angst of a mother with the measured reasoning of a scientist. She helps parents not only understand how science works but how they can access that science to answer their questions. She's found a way to access the scientist in all of us.
—Paul A. Offit, MD, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, author of Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far

A timely and necessary book for parents . . . It will help both moms and dads work together to choose the right parenting methods for them and give them a research-based approach to raising a child.
—Patheos

Finally, someone has brought some science—and some sense—to the mommy wars. Should be required reading for all new (and old) parents.
—Emily Oster, Brown University, author of Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool

A rare gem in the parenting canon—smart, sensitive, and a lifesaver for a generation of parents caught in the nebulous spider's web of Internet 'wisdom.'
—Suzanne Barston, author of Bottled Up: How the Way We Feed Babies Has Come to Define Motherhood, and Why It Shouldn't

Families routinely search for health information. The Science of Mom makes it easy, collecting evidence for health decisions and putting it into perspective with a mom-to-mom connection. Callahan's advice is thoughtful, backed by science, and feels fueled by love. She is willing to provide powerful advice when detailing the science and safety of vaccines. Keep this book in arm's reach as you support your infant for calm and direction.
—Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, Seattle Children's Hospital, author of Mama Doc Medicine: Finding Calm and Confidence in Parenting, Child Health, and Work-Life Balance

Think of all the controversial, hot-button topics that parents obsess about in a child's first year—from vaccines to feeding, bed-sharing to sleep training. Weighing the scientific evidence, Callahan offers balanced insights and in-depth answers—a far cry from the oversimplified advice prescribed by many 'parenting experts.' The result: a must-have guide that's substantive and extremely engaging.
—Jena Pincott, author of Do Chocolate Lovers Have Sweeter Babies? The Surprising Science of Pregnancy

[S]hould be required reading for all new parents. [Callahan] calms fears and provides parents with real facts. She doesn't make the decisions for you, but she makes it a lot easier to make sound decisions.
—MomSense

A fresh and enlightening approach. I'd highly recommend this book to any mom expecting her first child or her fourth.
—Uncommon Motherhood

Dr. Callahan isn't bossy, and isn't out to tell you what she thinks. Her book tells you what the science says, and explains how we know what we know, and what things we still need to learn more about. There's humility and warmth here, which I think parents of newborns will find reassuring.
—The Pediatric Insider

This is science-based medicine writing at its best. Callahan doesn't cherry-pick. She knows how to evaluate the entire body of research and put it into perspective along with practical parenting considerations. She enhances her message with a personal touch, including anecdotes about her own experiences as a new mother and about the experiences of her friends and family. If I had three thumbs, I would give this book a three-thumbs-up recommendation.
—Science-Based Medicine

[A] solid resource for any new parent or parent to be. Callahan does the work of sorting through the science of baby's first year, so you don't have to.
—Raise Healthy Eaters

A book long-overdue in the parenting literature.
—Momma Data

The Science of Mom stands out from the crowd . . . an easy-to-read, certifiable resource.
—American Reference Books Annual

From the Publisher

Think of all the controversial, hot-button topics that parents obsess about in a child's first year—from vaccines to feeding, bed-sharing to sleep training. Weighing the scientific evidence, Callahan offers balanced insights and in-depth answers—a far cry from the oversimplified advice prescribed by many 'parenting experts.' The result: a must-have guide that's substantive and extremely engaging.

Jena Pincott

Alice Callahan has written a breakthrough book, combining the compassion, warmth, and angst of a mother with the measured reasoning of a scientist. She helps parents not only understand how science works but how they can access that science to answer their questions. She's found a way to access the scientist in all of us.

Paul A. Offit

Families routinely search for health information. The Science of Mom makes it easy, collecting evidence for health decisions and putting it into perspective with a mom-to-mom connection. Callahan's advice is thoughtful, backed by science, and feels fueled by love. She is willing to provide powerful advice when detailing the science and safety of vaccines. Keep this book in arm's reach as you support your infant for calm and direction.

Wendy Sue Swanson

Yes! An easy-to-read, fascinating review of the science behind new parents' biggest health questions. Many of these issues—infant sleep, breastfeeding, vaccines—will hit your 'Should I panic?' button. With gentle guidance, Alice Callahan puts your fears to rest.

Tracy Cutchlow

Finally, someone has brought some science—and some sense—to the mommy wars. Should be required reading for all new (and old) parents.

Emily Oster

A rare gem in the parenting canon—smart, sensitive, and a lifesaver for a generation of parents caught in the nebulous spider's web of Internet 'wisdom.'

Suzanne Barston

This is science-based medicine writing at its best. Callahan doesn't cherry-pick. She knows how to evaluate the entire body of research and put it into perspective along with practical parenting considerations. She enhances her message with a personal touch, including anecdotes about her own experiences as a new mother and about the experiences of her friends and family. If I had three thumbs, I would give this book a three-thumbs-up recommendation.

Science-Based Medicine