I opposed1950s Method from the beginning of the programme. I found it cold, and selfish, as it puts the parents' ,not the baby's, needs in the centre, as it should be. In my opinion, the moment your baby comes to this world, your life as a mother should revolve around him or her. You should cater for all your baby's needs and always be ready to cuddle it and calm it down, sometimes walking with him in your arms for hours in the middle of the night. Young babies cry often and sometimes it is difficult to soothe them, but it is not the reason to leave them on their own in the dark room to cry their eyes out. If I could say sth.to the 1950s advocates I would say: don't forget that this baby has spent 9mths cushioned in the womb, where he didn't know the feeling of being cold or hungry, then he has been suddenly delivered into the outside world and this must have been a huge shock for him. That's why he is crying,and needs to hear his Mums heartbeat,her voice and experience her affection!

Isabel, Gloucestershire,

If someone like Claire advise you not to breastfeed in public but on the toilet instead, that says it all. That was the moment when I switched the telly off. A person like that can't give quality advice.

Lydia, London, UK

I am all for routine - but newborns should get what they want, when they want it - that's what mothers ( and their breasts ) are there for!

It makes me laugh, it really does. I would give advice is someone asked for it, because I am a mother. Would I take advice from someone who has never had children, and has never breastfed? No!! How on earth would she know what it's like?

I believe babies should also be in the same room as their mothers at night, at least for a few weeks, and this has also shown to be a factor in preventing SIDS.

Mothering is a learning curve, and it's fine to ask for help, but there is plenty of help out there from other mums and health visitors who have actually got the experience.

It's about time women in this country were given the chance to shine, to use their initiative, be applauded for being there for their children when theyr'e tiny. It really is the hardest job in the world, the most important one, and can be wonderful and fulfilling.

Penny, leamington spa, warwickshire

I think it's up to the individual parents how they parent their baby and children. I don't agree fully with any of the 3 methods on the program in question, least of all the 1950's style. I did feel the 1960s method was the closest to my own parenting style until they said they don't breastfeed in public, something I have always done without any problems at all. I just parent how I think is best for my baby girl. That's all any one can ask of us. If people want to pay someone vast amounts of money to teach them how to care for a baby then they are missing out on the vital lesson of parenting: Follow your own instincts and learn from your baby as they are all so different and change and evolve constantly. It is sad that we are losing so much confidence in ourselves in the first place that we feel we have to keep consulting 'experts'. Having said that I know not everyone has family they can ask for support or a postive parenting experience of their own to draw upon.

Trudi Dyer, Gloucestershire, UK

I feel that parents considering using Verity's methods for any future babies should perhaps get a dog instead of having a child. They eat every four hours or so and can be put in the garden for long periods of time.

Natalie, Nottingham, UK

The likes of this woman Ms Verity is what this country is about, honours and degree's, does experience of a mother count for nothing these days.

When I watched this programme on television, I was amazed at this womans mad thinking methods. I understand that she did not make these theories up herself, but she obviously is not a mother herself. What people tend to forget these days is there is a reason why people and society moves on from methods.

Many decades ago, woman with black cats were considered witches, and that certainly is not the case these days, revolution and experience I believe this is called.

Tru, hampshire, Englan

Ian Johnson : "Greg said (with regard to using childless Claire's advice): "Think of it like catholic priests and marriage advice : ... "

Great. The blind leading the blind. "

Thanks for that cheap shot, Ian. There are also a lot of unwise presumptions in that statement. Lets hope your own children don't become recipients of your presumptions and prejudice.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

It depends, I guess, on what you are seeking, in caring for your child. If your ulitmate goal is 'control' as seems most important to this woman, then her method may be best. If you seek what is best for your child, then instinctively, parents know that more physical contact and love is best.

Michele R., Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Greg said (with regard to using childless Claire's advice): "Think of it like catholic priests and marriage advice : ... "

Great. The blind leading the blind.

Much better to empower yourself to make your own informed decisions. Ask people you respect who have been there and done it themselves, preferably recently, and who will respect your right to take or leave their advice.

Ian Johnson, Christchurch, New Zealand

Ilana, Toronto "Who in their right mind would seek advice on infant care from someone who's childless??"

Firstly because their method might actually work, and produce happy children, and so why not ask their advice? And further because they bring some measure of objectivity not found in the emotional maelstrom of parents.

Think of it like catholic priests and marriage advice : catholic priests hear all the details due to the confessional, and are exposed to real marriages all the time. In time they become experts in marital relations. They won't be generalising the particular, like the anti Clair Verity brigade: rather they will eventually know that what works for some may not work for others.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

Who in their right mind would seek advice on infant care from someone who's childless?? Why do people these days seek out 'experts' on so many things? If I had a baby I'd ask advice the way normal people have for eons - friends and family members who've had children.

Ilana, Toronto,

I have not long had my second baby. Both my children were sleeping through the night by 6 and 8 weeks repectively. I had their moses baskets next to my bed, I cuddled them and gave plenty of eye contact whilst feeding and they are both healthy and happy and LOVED.
I am very pleased to see that Tommee Tippee revoked their invitation to Claire. I use TT's Cottom Bottom nappies and would bin them in an instant if I thought they were promoting her methods!

Rebecca Smisson, Elgin, Moray

I think Julie Masters is repeating that urban legend of the Romanian cleaner that hugged the babies on the wards of her rounds, while the babies in the other wards died supposedly from lack of being hugged.

Come on, out with your references, Julie.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

It's just wrong. A baby spends nine months inside you, being a part of you. That doesn't just stop the moment you give birth. Babies need that closeness, they need love as much as anything else. I can't bear this woman. I don't think anyone who hasn't had children is in a position to give advice on this. It all adds to the overall climate of women not being confident in their own instincts and common sense, how awful that some women must be so removed from their own instincts that they would listen to Claire Verity instead of the needsof their child.

Abigail, Gloucestershire,

As a child protection professional, i also agree that CV's methods are bordering on abusive and would have child protection concerns about any parent who did not show emotional warmth towards their new born baby except for ten minutes each day. Research done into Eastern European orphanages showed that baby's which were left to cry and only picked up for changing and feeding, mostly died and the ones that lived were severelly mentally disabled and failed to thrive.

I am surprised that the child protection element has not been explored in greated depth by channel 4.

Julie Masters, Mitcham, Surrey

This is a good article - there's enough here to allow people to judge for themselves, I think. On the one hand you've got Ms Verity making statements not founded on useful facts (e.g. criticising the NCT for looking appalling - possibly true but hardly relevant). On the other hand you've got FSID (the experts in cot death) pointing out that there is research evidence that clearly demonstrates that if eveyone followed her advice, more babies would die.

Thanks, Times, for some very useful reporting.

Julia, Chipping Sodbury, UK

Claire Verity is simply advocating neglect and abuse. I am social worker and if her methods were practiced by an average working class young mum, her infants would automatically be put on the at risk register. The fact that she has mentored the rich and famous does not legitimise her practice. Channel 4 needs to take responsibilty this is not entertainment it makes distressing viewing. Aside from the issues surrounding the long term emotional impact this treatment may have, new born babies can experience a host of medical problems particularly in the first weeks of life. If babies are left for hours what are the consequences?

Joanne, London,

Parent death? Oh yeah, I hear every day about parents dropping dead from a bad case of parenthood.
What a completely idiotic comment.
Yes, let's encourage parents to hit their babies 'hard'. What a great step forward.
You aren't related to Claire Verity are you, Greg?

The term 'witch hunt' has never been so apt.

Cece, London, UK

I personally found Ms Verity's methods disturbing to watch, being as it is in my opinion nothing short of neglect.
Bringing up a baby is not easy, however mostly I believe it is a matter of common sense. It is not common sense to emotionally abandon a baby. We are all human beings and we all require love and affection at all ages of our life, and most importantly at the very beginning when we are helpless and reliant on our parents
We do not need research to see what happens when this basic love and affection is denied; we need only to look at Ms Verity, cold-hearted, lonely and miserable.

K Aston, Worthing, West Sussex,

Greg Lorriman,
I'd just like to know how many parents do you know that have died from the exhaustion of having a child?

Yes children can be frustrating but as an adult you should have the ability to control your anger and channel your frustration into something more positive i.e. not smacking your child because you can't control your own emotions, what an example that would set!

And yes I am a parent of a 2 1/2 year old and a 10 month old, I also work part time on night shifts at the weekend so I'm very familiar with exhaustion but I don't think it'll kill me!

Sam Graham, Wirral, Merseyside, UK

Shame on Ms Verity. She should try to get some children of her own and see how it works.
People like her symbolise the cruel side of depraved humanity, seeking to deprive humans of God's gift - children - and the responsibility that comes with having them. I have a beautiful daughter and my wife and I have enjoyed cuddling her from the day she was born.
Thankfully, people like Ms Verity only cater to insecure, silly, rich characters who lack the parenting skills that they can easily get if they drop some of their uppity attitude and learn how to take care of children.

Emeka Madunagu, Lagos, Nigeria

Oh for God's sake, why are you calling this woman a childcare expert? She knows nothing about children, she disregards all up to date real expert guidance based on real evidence, and she has absolutely no childcare qualifications - not even a basic level NVQ.

She is a disgrace and Channel 4 are a disgrace to be giving her airtime as if she is a contender. It's like having a bunch of scientists discussing the nature of Earth, with one of the contributors being a paid up member of the flat earth society. Or a bunch of historians discussing the holocaust, one of them being David Irwin. It is simply not valid. What an outrage that bringing up human beings, is being treated with such irresponsible frivolity by a broadcaster. Disgraceful.

Jean Molloy, Rochester, Kent

A supposed professional sees fit to go against research and a sound evidence base with regards to key issues in the early days of parenthood. Feed on a strict schedule and babies sleep in a seperate room. Ms Verity believes that her opinion is more important than those of the W.H.O. I would like to know how much more than £1000 per day she recieved for this programme, and how much new business it has generated for her. C4 says that the parents are still following her routines and that this somehow justifies the inclusion of this method of childrearing. The parents appear to be more concerned with their opportunites to have wine and meals out - than their children are left alone to scream. A case of power, control and prioritisation of needs being played out with vulnerable infants. I dont think a witch hunt is taking place - more a case of concerned parents reacting to dangerous & incorrect advice. i believe the remaining 2 episodes show more worrying flaunting of health advice.

linda thompson, glasgow,

I was horrified watching that woman on Bringing up Baby.Does she not understand the damage she is engendering in those babies' futures?
No eye contact, no cuddles, except at strict feed times, no whatever else.I was too shocked to remember her bullying tactics further.
I'm surprised at the parents allowing this to happen to their new borns.The babes don't get another chance at bonding and experiencing loving, caring cuddles.They won't be able to turn the clock back and start again, after they've realised what they've done.We only get one chance at it.Her methods are damaging beyond belief.
What makes her think that all the aspects of loving care are to be put aside in favour of her wicked 'routine'?
How will the baies grow to feel comfortable and loved, if the parents do not show it?
The delight in watching one's baby respond to your eye contact is immeasurable and valuable.
I feel Channel 4 are being immoral in allowing this and I feel it is a cynical search for ratings.

diana nutley, Richmond, Surrey

Richard - You ask why babies should sleep in the same room or even the same bed as their parents and I can tell you why: because it's easier and less tiring to do the night feeds when you don't have to get out of bed and stagger down a dark corridor into another room to do it! Oh yes - and your baby is less likely to die of SIDS if they're in with you for a few months. Which counts for something for us, if not for you.

My children have all slept in with us and been breastfed on demand, and guess what? I still have a good marriage, I work, volunteer and study and have a happy and productive life. All three are now happy to sleep alone. They are also hugely confident and independent. There's no evidence that children who have extended close contact at night with their parents as newborns, or are breastfed on demand for an extended period are in any way dysfunctional as adolescents and adults. In fact all the current research seems to show that the very opposite is true....

Gabydolores, London,

CV's methods confirm only one thing: in this country, if a wealthy couple from Chelsea brings a child into the world in order to resent, spite, and ignore it within 24 hours, it's "disciplined parenting". If a couple on benefits from Glasgow brings a child into the world in order to resent, spite, and ignore it within 24 hours...

Heather, Glasgow,

Why should women be bullied into breast feeding by the politically correct brigade? Why should babies sleep in the same room, let alone the same bed? This new age thinking is stone age thinking that does not work in the modern age where both partners work. It might be OK for those middle class mums who prioritise baby over the rest of the family, and like to feel the centre of attention at all times. The family is more than mother and baby; it is the whole family that has to function well. As it happens both our children slept in their own room from the word go, and within a a very short time they were sleeping through most of the night. Imagine the separation anxiety all those 1980's children will have. Most bullies at school are pandered to at home.

richard, newcastle, uk

So let me see, she has no children of her own but knows the best way to raise everyone elses'. My children are happy, unspoiled and polite. They are hugged whenever I or they feel like it. The problem with teaching parents to ignore the basic needs of a child is that the child grows used to it and normally proceeds to do things to get their attention. Hence the juvenile delinquents

Bonnie, Florida,

In Romanian orphanages, children were shown to have suffered severely from not being cuddled or interacted with. What Ms Verity likes to do with babies appears not to be far off this extreme and abusive regime. Channel 4 should be ashamed of having allowed her to play with the lives and future happiness of babies who cannot consent to this. If I saw a baby on its own in a garden howling, I would assume the carer or parent had been severely incapacitated in some way and call the authorities.

Lucy, Richmond, Surrey

Claire Verity charges £1000 a day to coach rich insecure parents into ignoring what little remains of their human instincts. And for what purpose? In order that they can go out to dinner apparently. Why have a child if you do not wish to nurture it?
It is to be hoped for humanity that professional private bullies in childcare will always come as expensive as this. It may help to ensure that the damage is chiefly inflicted on children whose parents can later afford the psychiatric expenses.
And yes, I am an experienced parent myself.

Caroline Palmer, Aberystwyth, Wales

Claire Verity should not have been given air time. The abuse of babies is being used to create 'controversial' programming.
When I email CH4 the 'health' controls they claimed they had in place were inadequate to say the least. There must be a hole in Chanel 4s ethical policy with regard to use of newborn babies to allow this sort of programme.

Stefan szczelkun, London,

I was present at the baby show in Harrogate on one of the days when CV spoke. There was only one lady who asked a question about breastfeeding on her 'schedule' and commented that her advice was contrary to what the NHS and the WHO and the La Leche League all recommend. CV asked security to remove her.
There was no bunch of hecklers or bullies, just an ordinary mum there with her family. She was told to leave because she spoke the truth !
I think we all know who the real bully is.

Julie Thomas , Keighley, West Yorkshire

I have never been a member of the NCT, but I am shocked that this woman has been airtime to promote child abuse. I have three children and of course I was tired! However, there is plenty of solid research that says if a child's needs are met at the beginning, they soon gain a sense of security and learn to communicate their justifiable needs, not complain all the time that they haven't been cuddled: or worse, after night after night of being on their own with no cuddles, develop a 'learned helplessness' that their needs are not worthy of being met.

Claire Verity should not be allowed anywhere near babies: that is not a witchhunt, it is common sense, which perhaps Social Services should be involved in.

Angela, Cambridge, UK

After watching the first two programmes it will be fascinating to hear the responses from the NSPCC, The Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ofcom and other child protection agencies. I believe the government petition launched against programmes of this type has over 1500 signatories already.
If you have not seen the programmes already, I believe you can watch them again over the internet on the Channel 4 website and read the viewers reactions on their forum. Warning though, if you have children or are a first time parent, it makes for very emotional viewing. My partner and other friends were in tears watching it. The uproar appears to be for a very good reason. Anyway, if you can watch it again, do so and make up your own minds.

Gordon, Wrexham, UK

Ms Verity shows that rich people love the idea of having a baby as long it doesn't infringe on their time of selfinvolvement.

However, most mothers have babys because it aint a fashion statement and young and old know how lovely it feels to be hugged and feeling safe.

Studies have shown that the connection between the parent and the baby is vital for its development into a "normal" human being.

I don't believe this is a witch hunt.

I think it is great to hear mothers being more confident in voicing their oppinions.

Lets not forget what works for one might not work at all for another mother. At the end of the day having a baby is about loving her/him unconditionaly and teaching them love, respect, curisosity and teaching them to think for themselves.

Esther, Manchester,

There is never any excuse for smacking a child hard in anger. Whilst exhaustion is obviously a problem for many new parents, there are other ways of dealing with it, leaving the room before you do something stupid that you later regret for instance.

Parents have a responsibility to care for their children and whilst children can be frustrating at times one of the main ways they learn behavior is by copying their parents.

Unfortunately Claire Verity's methods will always prove attractive to those looking for a quick fix, children will change your life and that is a fact, anyone stupid enough to think they can carry on exactly as before should re-evaluate whether they really want children.

Joanne, Manchester,

Cot death is one matter, but parent death is another.

Cot death has been studied endlessly, but the terrible effect of exhaustion and frustration on the parents will doubtless have its effect: damaging or lethal.

Counter to our feelings: it may be safer for the child to be smacked hard in anger than for the parent's frustration to build and go out of control.

I don't know anything about Claire Verity, and don't have kids of my own, but I can see the total exhaustion of my Brother, who has three. If her method works, it may be justified over and above the statistical risks of cot-death.

However, perhaps we should study the methods of hunter-gatherers that may not have lost the traditions of child-rearing that have evolved over many millions of years, and which are likely, I think, to be something of an improvement over anecdotal child-rearing stories and nappies.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK