Book Reviews
The plan is to have a page here on the site with book reviews on some of the major BF related books, and parenting manuals, so if you have, or have read, any of them, perhaps you could send in a few lines, or more if you like, telling us all about it - was it good, would you recommend it, what did you like, what were the downsides and positives, how much did it cost etc. This way we can all share info and not end up wasting our money!
SEND ME YOUR REVIEWS BY CLICKING HERE
And before you all run out to buy them on the recommendations and reviews listed here, remember that they may be available through the library, and also many Breastfeeding Support Groups have a loaner service where you can take books away to peruse at your leisure in return for a contribution to their book fund - usually a couple of pounds. Katie also advises that it's worth considering that sometimes it can be cheaper to buy from eg amazon.com rather than eg amazon.co.uk - even with the shipping costs.
The Breastfeeding Answer Book - La Leche League.
This book has practically every answer to practically every question you could possibly think of with regards to breastfeeding. It is easy to use and fairly easy to read whether you are a breastfeeding mother or a breastfeeding counsellor.
The book contains help and advice for expressing, breastfeeding premature babies, relactating, pregnant/tandem breastfeeding, pumps etc and even an up-to-date list of drugs and their compatability with breastfeeding.
Whilst the book is incredibly expensive, it is worth every penny and if you search around you can usually find one cheaper than the standard price of around £60. Failing that the book before the 3rd revised edition is equally good for breastfeeding mothers (although the medication list would probably need updating).
I have to admit to reading this book simply because it is a fascinating read that I thoroughly enjoy!
Katie.
Note: there is now a pocket-sized version which is brilliant. Again, only available from America, but worth it. Shel
Breastfeeding Special Care Babies - Sandra Lang.
This book is really aimed at those providing care for special care babies ie midwives, nurses etc. However, it is full of information that would benefit the mother of a special care baby.
The book contains chapters on topics such as basic breastfeeding, positioning and latch, breast problems and also maternal drugs. The other chapters are what make this book so helpful for those wanting to breastfeed or who are breastfeeding special care babies, i.e. alternative methods of breastfeeding, expressing, milk supply (inc. artificial stimulation of lactation, relactation and expressing the fat rich hind milk), and breastfeeding the vulnerable baby.
I would say that it really is an essential book for those in such a difficult situation. Despite being geared towards health workers, it is fairly easy to read and use with some useful diagrams and photos. I found that it also emphasised how important contact and skin to skin contact is, not just for the baby but the parents too, which was nice to see.
Altogether the book is informative and interesting. The book is fairly expensive but if you do shop around you can usually find a better price and it is worth it.
Katie.
The Impact of Birthing Practices on Breastfeeding - Mary Kroeger and Linda J Smith.
Fantastic read, especially for those planning on or training to become breastfeeding counsellors. It shows why so many mothers and/or babies are unable to breastfeed successfully and why we should go back to making birth a more natural process. Sometimes it is heavy reading but very interesting and worth the effort. Definitely reccomended. Bit expensive though but you can always check out amazon.
Katie
The Milk of Human Kindness - Defending breastfeeding from the global market and the AIDS industry - Solveig Frances, Selma James et al.
An interesting read, especially for those who liked 'The Politics of Breastfeeding'. I felt it could be a bit sexist in some places (towards men) and wasn't really sure how they felt about AIDS but, they still raised some very interesting points about the AIDS 'industry' and its promotion of formula. I didn't find this book to be hard going and it has to be said, I now have more questions about AIDS, BFing and formula companies that I would like answering such as - why does Nestle have a patent on synthetic lactoferrin for treating HIV etc when we could just be encouraging BFing?!!
Katie
Adventures in Tandem Nursing - Hilary Flower.
A must for anyone who is currently pregnant and breastfeeding, or breastfeeding a baby and a toddler. Since reading this book I have felt alot more at ease with what is going on, why my toddler has reacted they way she has and that in most instances it is normal. I have found support in this book that I found difficult to find elsewhere. I have discovered the ability to say 'no' when I am just too touched out (I would put the baby down just to have Kaya jump into my lap for a turn lol all day). I would really reccomend this book for BFing counsellors and trainees as well, I couldn't find anyone who really knew anything about it. Good read, it got a few tears and laughs out of me, was thoroughly informative, encouraging and supportive. Not too expensive either.
Katie