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I think instinct is crucial, and oftentimes is the correct path even if you aren't completely confident. That's been my experience, at least.

I'm going to take a look at this book... I wonder if it really is that unbiased.

I think what passes for instinct is the knowledge you acquire after four weeks of watching your baby's every movement... Before that you are just groping in the dark, although bursting with love. At least, that's what happened to me.
I am going to read the book now that I am expecting number 2! At least it sounds like an entertaining read.
My advice is, in the face of conflicting advice, decide in advance who is your reference, and let it not be your mother! She has forgotten all she ever knew about childcare, and the bits she remembers have been proved wrong in the meantime (my mother was of the talcum powder school)

I don't fully understand the "confidence is more important than instinct" anti-rule. My experience is that going with your instinct is, 99% of the time, the best thing to do, but in the face of dissension or doubt from, say, relatives, you sometimes need a lot of confidence to do that.

I want to clear up the "confidence is more important than instincts" part, since it is about trusting your instincts.

The book states:

"People often tell parents to 'trust their instincts.' Go with your gut and you’ll be confident about your choices. But it takes confidence to trust your instincts in a world of conflicting advice! Nothing builds confidence like hard-earned experience, but in the meantime, you can help build yours by seeking supportive environments. Know yourself
and what makes you feel safe and secure in who you are. Stay away from people who make you feel bad about yourself, and look for situations that make you feel stronger as a parent. Instincts are an indispensable tool, but they’re worthless without the confidence it takes to put them to use."

I soooo agree with Sofia about ignoring Mom (my mom is the only person in my life who worries that my baby sleeps "too much" - how is sleep a bad thing??). This book looks interesting - hard to find a book that combines pregnancy, birth, and baby advice in one.

I don't know. Sometimes my instincts are wrong, but if you're confident about it, it all works out. My instinct to change baby the other night proved wrong when he spewed forth his magical poop all over the changing pad. But, I was confident in my abilities and we both got through it. I cleaned him, he stopped being fussy, and we shared a good snuggle in the end.

evertonpalmer- I'm still laughing

Evertonpalmer, you're my favorite poster! And I'm not just saying that because I'm confident my instincts tell me so, either.