Old Gems: The Child Health Care Books I Read As a Young Mom

Sadly, much of what our pediatricians are telling us these days is suspect.

My eyes began to open when our dear friend’s beautiful son had a serious life-threatening reaction to his 4 mo. DtaP which she was told would ‘protect him‘! She stopped those dangerous “well baby/child” visits— so did we —and our children grew up healthier for it.

If you want to take your baby to the doctor and listen to whatever she or he says, this list of “old gems” of classic childhood healthcare and birthing books isn’t for you.

I’m an ‘old’ RN and have experienced enough through the years to know to avoid conventional, allopathic ‘wisdom’ that isn’t benefiting our children.

I’m becoming bolder to speak out so young families don’t have to experience the pain and frustration of a dead or permanently injured child.

If you feel stuck with increasing ill health of your children despite constant doctor’s care – see if this list piques your interest!

These are not heavy reading, but convey timeless, valuable health information that is increasingly scarce and on the way to being lost!

For the sake of your baby or child (and your peace of mind), be a researcher and please investigate these old gems! 

(Also, consider there may be a time when the internet may be unavailable and having hard copy could be a lifesaver!)

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” ~ Proverbs 18:15

My Old Gems: Child Health Care Booklist

Beyond Antibiotics: Healthier Options for Families, 50 (or so) Ways to Boost Immunity and Avoid Antibiotics by Drs. Michael A. Schmidt, Keith W. Schnert, et al

How to Raise a Healthy Child In Spite of Your Doctor, by Robert S Mendelsohn (1987)   (**This is one of my most treasured early books)

Homeopathic Medicine At Home by Maesimund B. Panos MD, Jane Heimlich

Male Practice: How Doctors Manipulate Women, by Robert S Mendelsohn (1982)

(Review: “One-of-a-kind. Shocking. Not to be missed. Mendelsohn diagnoses the systemic problem in Western medicine. His climax comes early, at the beginning of Chapter 3, and from there he fleshes out his thesis, unyieldingly and mercilessly.”)

Be Your Own Doctor by Rachel Weaver M.H.

Don’t Scratch Every Itch, by Dr. Lendon Smith (Homespun Advice from an Old-fashioned Doctor)

Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth, by Grantly Dick-Read (2013)

(The front cover photograph of Childbirth Without Fear is of mum Gina who describes the birth: “8:23am His head delivers….My body tingles with joy. I begin to scream I LOVE YOU BABY! over and over again as his body delivers. I can’t stop myself from saying it. I’m so overjoyed. I feel like a lion roaring these words. I feel ferocious and strong. I feel beautiful and powerful. I feel completely conscious and primitive. He is born into mine and Cody’s eager hands. There are no words…the perfect birth!”) (Jump straight in to chapter 3; the first two chapters are no longer relevant.)

Improving Your Child’s Behavior Chemistry, by Dr. Lendon H. Smith (1977)

The Infant Survival Guide: Protecting Your Baby From the Dangers of Crib Death, Vaccines and Other Environmental Hazards

Child Birth & Breastfeeding & More

Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth, by Robert A. Bradley

(Time proven and uber-helpful and insightful. Two young women very close to me have just gone this route and loved it!!)

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin, midwife (2003)

(Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. She gives comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.)

Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding: From the Nation’s Leading Midwife (2009)

(You’ll find answers to virtually every question you have on breastfeeding)

Clinical Guide to the Use of Vitamin C Abbreviated, Summarized and Annotated by Lendon H. Smith, M.D. (with a foreward by Linus Pauling, Ph.D) (1991)

A reader supplied me with this complete FREE downloadable PDF.  It is so valuable that you will want to make hard copies. (It could save a life if you have enough Sodium ascorbate powder on hand and use it ORALLY with understanding and without hesitation.) Here is how to use Vit C (sodium ascorbate) for whooping cough. ORAL DOSAGES for Vit C here.

(I am still keeping my eyes open to find this book in an old bookstore! What a treasure – and the price reflects it.)

The Encyclopedia of Baby and Child Care (1972)

(Although in his later years, Dr. Lendon Smith was labeled as a “quack,” his insistence that proper diet plays a huge part in the development and behavior of a child is sensible and, I believe, true.
This particular book was a “must read” as ordered by our oldest’s pediatrician.)

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: La Leche League, 8th Edition, by Diane Wiessinger 

Herbal Healing for Women, by Rosemary Gladstar (1993)

Doctor Yourself: Natural Healing That Works by Andrew W. Saul

More Old Gems for Parenting

The Strong-Willed Child, by James C. Dobson (1977)

Dare to Discipline, by James C. Dobson (1985)

The Parents’ Answer Book, by James C. Dobson (2003)

(This comprehensive, easy-to-access book provides reliable, biblically based information to help parents raise healthy, God-honoring kids. Discipline, sibling rivalry, sex education, and spiritual development are just a few of the topics covered in this extensive reference.)

And More 

You will find more of my ‘old gems’ here on health, and ‘how-to’ homestead, garden, and be prepared.

If you have a solid recommendation that helped you, please share in comments.

“Thus saith the Lord, ‘Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.'” ~Jeremiah 6:16

Print this booklist before going to the library!

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