Looking for a Good Comprehensive Breastfeeding Book

Updated on September 02, 2008
B.R. asks from Grimes, IA
22 answers

I'm looking for a breastfeeding book that covers the stuff that comes after breastfeeding is well established. Everything seems to talk about the beginning, but I'd like to see something that covers how to start adding solids (we've been doing solids for months, but I still wonder about tips and advice), how to know when to drop feedings, how to nurse a child that is 1+, pumping at work as your infant drops feedings. Even the lactation nurses I've talked to seem to be so much more focused on getting breastfeeding established (important, to be sure, but I'd like something that shows the whole picture)!

Are there any books you moms have read or resources you've used that helped you continue navigating the breastfeeding experience? Thanks:)

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C.D.

answers from La Crosse on

Seconding what Ericka I. said in her response. The Breastfeeding Book by Dr. Sears is what you want to get.

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K.Z.

answers from Minneapolis on

"The Milk Memos" is a great book for the transition back to work. I highly recommend it. Entertaining and informative!

Also, I used the following Web sites a lot when I was bfing:

www.kellymom.com
www.workandpump.com

Good luck!

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L.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

I know Jack Newman is the leading authority on breastfeeding right now but I'm not sure about books he has written. Google him and see if he has a website.

Le Leche League does a lot with breastfeeding to a year and beyond. Try contacting them for resources.

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C.C.

answers from Bismarck on

I'm still nursing 15 month old twin girls, although I'm about done. I used the La Leche League website a lot for all those questions you are talking about. They have very extensive information on breast feeding toddlers, breast feeding more than one child, adding in solids but making sure not to completely wean them of the breast during the process, yeast overgrowth, mastitis and it goes on and on. Each subject has several different links to various articles and even a list of resources and books beyond the website if you need more information. Basically the site is like hundreds of books in one place. Maybe you could start there with some of your questions and then buy one of the books listed as resource for more info. I found enough information on the site that I didn't feel the need to buy any books. Oh and it's great you are doing so good with it. Way to go! Oh and a word of advice, do keep pumping if that is working for you. Try to stock up as much as you can in the freezer for when you are done breast feeding.... I've maybe got a month's worth, if that. I wish I had more.

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M.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

I loved the Martha Sears and Dr. Sears books on breastfeeding - full of science AND practical warm advice.

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C.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I liked The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, too. Good luck!

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L.Y.

answers from Wausau on

I used the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Le Leche League. It really helped me. :)

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M.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I like the Dr. Sears Breastfeeding book; I also have a friend who is a Le Leche League leader and she has a ton of resources, as well as the LLL library. I think you'd find everything and more with these three sources. You can call any Le Leche League leader in your area at any time or I'd be happy to give you my friend's contact info.
Best wishes!

M., mom to two darlings, 5 and 2.

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S.C.

answers from Des Moines on

Better than any book is GOING to a La Leche League meeting! I know here there is an evening meeting and a morning meeting, I love the opportunity to get out and meet other mom's and get and give input in person!

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C.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Once breastfeeding has been established, a lot of books don't bother going further because a lot of what happens is by instinct and by the baby's preferences and direction. Like someone else has said, La Leche League is probably going to be better than any book as you'll get to talk with other moms who've breastfed, many for extended amounts of time (think until baby is 2 or 3 years old). Each league also has their own library of breastfeeding books that you're allowed to check out. If you want to look for a meeting near you, try looking on www.lalecheleague.org.

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J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I like "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" which is a a La Leche League International book. It covers all the things you mention.

Good for you for breastfeeding!

J.
SAHM to CHarlie (3) Joey (20 months) and Baby Girl due Nov.

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D.P.

answers from Milwaukee on

Someone else already said it, But "The Nursing Mother's Handbook" is just the best. I used as my guide for all three of my children, I would not have made it with out it.

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E.I.

answers from Duluth on

try www.askdrsears.com and check out some of his books! they have the breastfeeding book which is pretty comprehensive. its also fantastic.

remember, the most important thing is to listen to your instincts. you will know. :D i breastfed my son until he weaned himself at around 20 months. :D fantastic.

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D.

answers from Milwaukee on

Contact the la Leche league, they have plenty of resources to help you

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S.S.

answers from Green Bay on

I loved The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding as well. I also have the Nursing Your Toddler book. They both are very helpful. I have nursed all three of mine for well over a year. Good luck!
S.

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T.C.

answers from Des Moines on

I liked The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition by Kathleen Huggins.

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S.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi B.,
I was a 'breastfeeding expert' according to the State of North Carolina and gave lots of advice on breastfeeding long before I had my own kids... so I had a lot of information at hand when my turn came. That said, for me the best book was "Bestfeeding", which I think is British. It just spoke to me better than any other nursing book. Good luck!
S.

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T.S.

answers from Des Moines on

I just wanted to thank you for asking about this. My little girl will be 9 months old this next week and I have been looking for a book like this too.

Thank you! Great advice that's been given too!

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J.J.

answers from Omaha on

The Baby Book by Dr. Sears -best book and very complete

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A.G.

answers from Milwaukee on

I Really enjoyed the book "So That's What They're for" It is very blunt but has great advice. The only thing I didn't really like about it is it really bashes bottle feeding to the point where they make you feel like you would poisen your child giving them formula. Obviously breast milk is the best, but gosh! this book gets sort of rough! But we've been happily breastfeeding for six months now!

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J.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

http://www.llli.org/

everything should be here...they have several books as well. I have used them as my source when it comes to breastfeeding.

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J.A.

answers from Omaha on

La Leche League has a great library of books to check out and also, anything by Dr. Sears is outstanding and very helpful.
J.

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