by Julianne Smith for Library Journal
 

If a 375-page book on baby poop sounds—well, crappy—then you’re probably not the parent of an infant. Those who have been there know that diaper inspection is the be-all and end-all of baby charting, and anything unusual can have mom and dad running to the doctor, sample in hand. Former nutrition-oriented chiropractor Palmer offers inclined parents the opportunity to examine all the symptoms and ­nonissues that poop represents. With information on gut flora and food sensitivities to runny stools and a kid who just won’t go, Palmer helps parents consider whether the cause is celiac disease, a call for probiotics, a change in diet, or just plain normal. VERDICT Thick with scientific citations and references, this book definitely has a place on library shelves. An affordable purchase worth consideration.

Baby Poop: What Your Pediatrician May Not Tell You ... about Colic, Reflux, Constipation, Green Stools, Food Allergies, and Your Child's Immune Health is recommended reading (and a recommended bookshelf reference) for any parent (especially new parents) who may find that baby poop actually is a better indicator of a baby's underlying health than any other diagnostic method.

What's in a baby's diaper can help parents differentiate between different kinds of illnesses and is just as important as paying attention to what goes into a baby's mouth; so before you toss that diaper without a second glance, consult Baby Poop - and then take a closer look.

Chapters discuss the basics of baby poop, from why early imbalances in a baby's flora can lead to serious intolerances and diseases later on to how parents can not only pay attention to warning signs, but interpret them for better medical assistance.

From serious diarrheal illnesses and new bacterial threats to common over-reactions to various forms of baby poop and how to differentiate the serious from the everyday, this book provides the basics and specifics that take into account all the factors affecting a baby's stool.

Medical discussions include assessments of normal infant health challenges and their benefits as well as their detriments, and provide quotes and research from other physicians and medical sources.

Add charts ("Are You Seeing Green?"), discussions of formula choices and dietary options and effects, and genetic inheritance considerations and you have a well-rounded discussion that all parents should be familiar with: one that links baby poop to all kinds of conditions, options, and health impacts both positive and negative.

--D. Donovan, Senior eBook Reviewer, MBR

Review Rating:

5 stars!

Reviewed By Gisela Dixon for Readers’ Favorite

Baby Poop: What Your Pediatrician May Not Tell You about Colic, Reflux, Constipation, Green Stools, Food Allergies, and Your Child's Immune Health by Linda F. Palmer is a comprehensive and extremely useful book on baby poop and what it can tell us about the health of the baby. Baby Poop explains and describes in detail what to watch out for, signs of healthy or unhealthy stools, and remedies and preventive measures to improve the health and immune system of the baby. Linda Palmer also discusses in detail all of the common digestive ailments or illnesses that can afflict babies, such as colic, reflux, constipation, along with a detailed explanation of how the gut works and the best ways to treat it. 

I thought Baby Poop was a treasure trove of relevant information that every parent and caregiver should keep handy. Linda, who is a doctor as well as a mother, has an excellent writing style that can explain even somewhat scientific concepts in a language that a lay person can easily understand and relate to. I found all of the information on this sometimes neglected subject fascinating and I was equally impressed with Linda’s knowledge and depth of information. Baby Poop also comes with an excellent glossary as well as an index at the end, which makes it very easy to locate information quickly. All in all, this is a great book that I would highly recommend every parent, guardian, or caretaker to keep ready for quick reference - it may be the only book you will need on this subject!

Review Rating:  5 stars!

Reviewed By Faridah Nassozi for Readers’ Favorite

All parents with babies, whether it is their first or the fifth, always have at least one major goal in common; the need for information about what is going on inside the tiny body and how to ensure that their new bundle of joy has a happy and healthy start in life. This information can come in many different packages, and one of the sure ways to know what is going on with your baby is through the package he/she leaves in the diaper. Unfortunately, when you are looking for information, you will realize that baby poop is probably one of the most ignored parts of a newborn's daily cycle. In her book titled Baby Poop, Linda F. Palmer provides insightful information on what you should be looking out for in the diaper and how this is going to help you solve many baby complications. The book explains in great detail the story your baby's poop tells you about what is going on inside his/her body and what you can do to ensure that your baby has a comfortable and healthy start.

Baby Poop by Linda F. Palmer is an invaluable source of information for parents on how to ensure that babies start life healthy and comfortable. The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to handle the various discomforts and challenges your new baby is going to face as he/she adjusts to the new environment. Are you worried about constipation, reflux, food allergies or the nightmare that is colic? Knowledge is the best weapon, and Linda F. Palmer's Baby Poop is the perfect place for you to find all the knowledge you need. Whether you have just had your first baby or your fourth, or just planning to have one and want to know what to expect, this book would be a worthy read for you and a valuable addition to your baby library. A countless number of parents are going to find this book very helpful.

Review Rating: 5 stars!

Reviewed By Katelyn Hensel for Readers’ Favorite

Baby Poop by Linda F. Palmer is a must-have guide for looking at your child's well...poop! Before you run away thinking I'm crazy, just hear me and Ms. Palmer out. Our babies aren't able to tell us what's wrong. They simply cry, coo, eat, and poop. Using those tools to tell us what's going on in their little bodies is key to understanding our little one's health and Palmer focuses on the icky smelly denominator because it has the most information to tell us. There were photos of real life moments with parents, babies, and doctors that really added to the aesthetics of the book. I learned so much from the text...from the natural balance of an infant's intestinal bacteria to tons of other stuff I never would have thought to ask about poop. 

Linda F. Palmer clearly has done her research and is well studied in infant healthcare and treatment. The book was scientific, well written, and contained an enormous amount of information all about poop. Though it can be an icky topic, there is no doubt in my mind that it is also an extremely valuable tool to help care for your babies. Baby Poop should be right up there on the shelf with What to Expect When You're Expecting for future and current parents. It's a great, intelligent, and useful resource that has a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor thrown in for good measure. I mean, how can you not enjoy a book about cute babies even if they are a bit smelly at times! By using this book, at least you will be able to tell what that smell means for your baby's health.

Baby Poop: What Your Pediatrician May Not Tell You
by Linda F. Palmer, DC
Sunny Lane Press

Linda Palmer is concerned about what comes out of your baby—that’s right, baby poop—and she’s written a book on it. A strong immune system in the formative years lays a critical foundation for lifelong health. The bedrock for this trend is found in the digestive system, and your baby’s bowel movements deliver clues about the state of flora development (i.e. the establishment of sufficient, healthy bacteria in the GI track), which will help stave off allergies, autism, bowel diseases, and other autoimmune illnesses. Any adult should know that antibiotics wreak havoc with these flora, and the same is true for a baby. However, other factors such as surgical birth, premature birth, non-breast feeding, overly sanitized water, and industrialization also come into play. Palmer is both a mother and doctor, and in a clear and concise style, she delivers the science with compassion and statistics. This book attempts to define this fundamental health issue, sweep away the rumors and bad science, and empower parents to take control of their child’s health through education, prevention, and support.