Reader Responses to Parenting Rules You Can Break

In “Parenting Rules You Can Break” (April/May), I agree that women are under pressure to carefully consider recommendations about behaviors while pregnant and be wary of those that lack solid research. However, it seems prudent to abstain from alcohol, even though evidence is inconclusive. Why risk problems? Consider a pregnant woman who has a history of substance use disorder and interprets Oster’s message to suggest that drinking alcohol while pregnant is okay. Further, the claim that messages based on research get “sensationalistic, clickbait-y headlines” in the media applies directly to the title of this article and Oster’s book: “Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know.”

I read with interest “Parenting Rules You Can Break” (April-May) featuring Professor Emily Oster. At my first appointment with my obstetrician in 1970, he asked, “Have you decided to breast-feed your baby yet?” He continued to ask this question at subsequent appointments. I eventually noticed pamphlets on breast-feeding in the waiting room and took one home. At this time, I was studying a book by Dr. Spock about child care. In the section on how to sterilize bottles and nipples, the procedure seemed beyond my capabilities. So at my next appointment I answered in the affirmative. “Good,” he said. “You are my patient, not your baby. I want what’s best for you,” and he mentioned contraction of the uterus among other benefits. For me, it was the better choice; free, available, and easy. Also, any weight I had gained dropped off precipitously.