William Sears (physician)

William Sears, M.D. (born 1939) is an American pediatrician known for his work in attachment parenting, breastfeeding, and alternative medicine. He has authored or co-authored over 40 books, including "The Baby Book" and "The Attachment Parenting Book."

Sears received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He practiced pediatrics in private practice and taught pediatrics at several universities, including the University of Southern California School of Medicine and the University of California, Irvine.

His work emphasizes the importance of close physical and emotional contact between parents and children, particularly during infancy. Sears advocates for practices such as breastfeeding on demand, co-sleeping, babywearing, and responding sensitively to a baby's cues. These principles, often referred to as the "7 B's" of attachment parenting, are intended to foster a strong parent-child bond.

Sears's views have been both influential and controversial. While many parents have found his advice helpful in building close relationships with their children, some medical professionals have raised concerns about potential risks associated with some of his recommendations, particularly regarding co-sleeping. Critics also point to a lack of rigorous scientific evidence supporting all aspects of attachment parenting and some of his other recommendations, particularly in the area of alternative medicine.