International Baby Whisperer
EXPERT NEWBORN CARE
BY GABRIELLE KERSON
THE PEOPLE WHO SHAPED MY THINKING
Trusted Voices
One of the greatest privileges of caring for babies is realizing that there is always more to learn.
Over the years, certain researchers, physicians, psychologists, educators, and organizations have profoundly shaped the way I understand newborns, child development, and the families who entrust me with their care.
Their work has challenged assumptions, answered questions I didn't yet know how to ask, and reminded me that caring for babies is both an art and a science.
These are the voices I return to again and again.
Before You Begin
You don't need to read every book. You don't need to follow every expert. And you certainly don't need to agree with everyone you'll meet here. Think of this page as spending an afternoon in the personal library of someone whose career has been devoted to newborns and the earliest days of family life. These thinkers have expanded my understanding, challenged my assumptions, and helped me become a better caregiver. My hope is that one or two of them become lifelong companions on your own parenting journey.
How This Page Works
Who They Are
Why I Recommend Them
Where to Begin
A brief introduction to their background and why their work matters.
A thoughtfully chosen starting point, whether that's a book, article, podcast, or interview.
My perspective on how their work has influenced the way I care for babies and support families.
More Trusted Voices
Continue exploring the researchers, physicians, educators, and organizations that have shaped modern newborn care.
Dr. Dan Siegel
TRUSTED VOICE
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Author & Founder of Interpersonal Neurobiology
Dr. Siegel transformed the way I understand children’s emotional development by bridging the gap between neuroscience, psychology, and the lived experience of relationships.
TRUSTED VOICE
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Psychotherapist & Author, Founder of The Center for Connection
Tina Payne Bryson has an extraordinary gift for making complex science deeply actionable for parents.
Parenting Consultant, Author & RIE Associate
Janet Lansbury
TRUSTED VOICE
Janet Lansbury’s approach to respectful parenting is the foundation of much of my own philosophy.
Developmental Psychologist, Author & Founder of the Neufeld Institute
Dr. Gordon Neufeld
TRUSTED VOICE
Dr. Neufeld fundamentally changed the way I think about attachment. His work helped me understand that dependence and independence are not opposites—they are deeply connected. He reminds us that children become confident and capable because they first experience secure relationships. This perspective has shaped how I support families during the earliest months, encouraging parents to prioritize connection over performance and relationship over rigid expectations.
Developmental Psychologist, Professor & Author
Dr. Alison Gopnik
TRUSTED VOICE
Dr. Gopnik has profoundly influenced how I think about children's curiosity. Her work reminds us that babies are active learners from the very beginning, constantly observing, experimenting, and building an understanding of the world. She invites adults to see childhood not as preparation for life, but as a unique and valuable stage of life itself.
Pediatrician, Author & Founder of Happiest Baby
Dr. Harvey Karp
TRUSTED VOICE
Dr. Karp helped normalize many newborn behaviors that parents mistakenly believe are signs something is wrong. His explanation of the Fourth Trimester and the calming reflex has reassured countless exhausted families. While I draw from many approaches in my work, I continue to appreciate how clearly he explains why newborns need support as they adjust to life outside the womb.
Clinical Psychologist & Author
Dr. Mona Delahooke
TRUSTED VOICE
Dr. Delahooke encourages caregivers to look beneath behavior rather than reacting only to what they see on the surface. Her work emphasizes the nervous system, emotional safety, and understanding children's responses through compassion rather than judgment. This perspective has deepened the way I support both babies and parents during stressful moments.
Economist, Professor & Founder of ParentData
Dr. Emily Oster
TRUSTED VOICE
Emily Oster brings a valuable perspective by helping parents understand how to evaluate research and make informed decisions. While her work differs from that of developmental psychologists and pediatricians, I appreciate her emphasis on evidence, transparency, and acknowledging uncertainty where it exists. She encourages parents to replace fear with thoughtful decision-making.
Early Childhood Educator & Founder of RIE®
Magda Gerber
TRUSTED VOICE
Magda Gerber's philosophy continues to shape respectful infant care around the world. Her work encourages caregivers to slow down, observe carefully, and recognize babies as capable individuals from birth. Many of the approaches I value today—including respectful communication, observation, and independent exploration—can be traced back to her pioneering ideas.
Organizations Worth Bookmarking
The next section highlights the organizations and educational resources I recommend most often to parents looking for trustworthy, evidence-based guidance.
Meet the Voices
Each profile below introduces one of the people whose work has most influenced my approach to newborn care.
Continue Your Journey
One of the greatest privileges of caring for babies is realizing that there is always more to learn. Over the years, I have curated these resources to help you navigate the beautiful complexity of the early weeks.
Books Worth Reading
Explore the books that have most influenced my philosophy of newborn care.
Research & Articles
Return to trusted organizations for current research and practical guidance.
Everyday Moments
Browse practical topics like feeding, sleep, attachment, development, and play.
Working Together
Learn how I support families during the earliest weeks of life.
Browse by Topic
🍼 Feeding
😴 Sleep
❤️ Attachment
🧠 Development
🩺 Health & Safety
📚 Bookshelf
Questions I Hear Often
What is the most important thing a new baby needs?
Beyond basic safety and nourishment, a baby's most vital need is a secure, responsive relationship. This emotional foundation is the catalyst for all future learning and well-being.
How do I know if I'm doing enough?
When should we reach out for professional support?
Gabrielle's Reading Philosophy
I believe that reading for new parents shouldn't be another chore on a long list. It should be an act of self-care—a moment to step back and see the big picture. When we understand the science of our baby's development, it doesn't just inform our decisions; it settles our hearts.
"The more I learn about babies, the more I return to the same simple truth: loving relationships remain the foundation upon which everything else is built."
If You're Looking for Support
While self-study is valuable, nothing replaces personal partnership. If you feel you need a guiding hand through your first weeks, I would be honored to walk with you.
RETURN TO GABRIELLE'S LIBRARY