Through Dr. Joffe's advice, which advocates formula and nothing but veg (and eventually fruit and…read moremeat), my baby started weaning off of breastmilk at 5 months, despite my best efforts to continue breastfeeding. When I explained that I was committed to breastfeeding for the first year, Dr. Joffe told me that I would feel better once I stopped because it was affecting my hormones and emotions.
I totally agree that babies should get vitamins and minerals from veg, fruit, and meat but when my baby wasn't gaining weight, Dr. Joffe insisted that I keep offering 8oz portions of pureed veg per serving. He seemed unable to address my specific situation, instead holding tightly to his regular plan. He also encouraged 2% cows milk at 11 months. At nearly every visit, instead of addressing my kid's slow growth and small size, he'd lament the obesity crisis in this country and remind me that my kid will break my heart someday.
Once we left the practice, I learned that the AAP advises not restricting fat at all for the first two years because it's essential for baby's brain development and such tiny people *can not* become obese. Babies should virtually never get 2% milk. It's now clear that we narrowly avoided a disaster by switching doctors when we did. My kid is slowing getting back on track for growth, but I can't imagine what would have happened if we had stayed with Dr. Joffe.
He does have a sleep plan, but it's just that "sleep begets sleep" so you should make your kid sleep. There really isn't more to it than that, other than not feeding your baby at night. Some babies just sleep better than others, and any book will provide much more detailed assistance than Dr. Joffe.
One of the best things about the practice is that Dr. Joffe will actually return your phones calls promptly and in person. However, when I got a copy of the file, none of those (many many first time parent) phone calls had been documented, so I feel like the big picture was lost and can't be transferred to the new doctor. The phone calls were never particularly helpful anyway.
In our interview, his spiel sounded very soft, supportive, progressive, and holistic. But if you value breastfeeding, are considering cosleeping or ECing, or are even slightly left of old-school western medicine, look for another pediatrician. That first year of bonding and nursing can't ever be replaced and I regret spending any time with Dr. Joffe.