The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated 8th Edition Paperback – July 13, 2010

First off- you might not like everything you read in this book. When I started reading it, I was a formula feeding mother (that should tell you something!), and had not followed any advice or research disclosed in this book. However, reading this was a revelation to me. This book is meticulously cited, and there are no claims made without research to back it up. The authors do not sugar coat this information, so if you are like me when I initially read it, you might be slightly taken aback. But if you are looking for a book on breastfeeding that is chock-full of legitimate research and valuable information, this is the book for you.When my son was born, I was told I shouldn't be nursing if I was planning on consuming any alcohol, or taking any medication, etc, etc. (though there are plenty of medications that you definitely should NOT be taking while nursing, that are plenty that are perfectly safe to take while nursing, and many doctors and nurses take the "safe" route by just telling you to formula feed- rather than look up safety information on drugs while nursing. For those who are interested in this, I would recommend reading Dr. Hale, who has compiled a vast amount of information related to risks of specific drugs while nursing). I was also told that my child "needed" to be supplemented with formula from day one (false). All of this misinformation I received within a few weeks of having my child. Soon after, my son's pediatrician began telling me how my breastmilk (which was already in very low supply, thank you unnecessary supplementation!) lacked vital nutrients that formula (specifically, Similac) provided. I was a young mother, and confused. I had been breastfed myself, and before I had my child I never imagined I would end up bottle-feeding, or get bombarded by so much (mis)information from supposedly credible sources. Taking my ped's advice, I stopped breastfeeding completely, and formula fed instead. A couple months later, I found out that pediatrician had had her med school paid for, in full, by Abbott (makers of Similac). Coincidence? Yeah, right.It did not take long for me to understand what a terrible (personal) mistake this was. My son became sickly. At least once every three to four weeks, he would contract some type of illness. Stomach virus, bad cold, fevers, you name it. This is when I heard about re-lactation, and immediately decided this was what I wanted to do. I had heard good things about this book, so I decided to pick it up as an additional resource. Though I had not re-lactated when I read this book initially, and hated some of what I read (yes, formula is bad for babies), it was a harsh wake-up call. Furthermore, I found the text surprisingly encouraging and motivating, despite some of the harsh truths it seemed to brutally convey at the time. It made me feel empowered with new knowledge, as a mother, and confident in my body. Amazing.My re-lactation attempt was successful, and was for me, possibly the best decision I ever made. As soon as I began producing milk again, my son stopped getting sick. No more colds, no more stomach bugs, no more all-nighters screaming. I would never claim that breastfed babies never get sick, but they DO get sick much less often, and with much less severity, than formula fed infants (babies fed formula are 14x more likely to be hospitalized for illnesses, if that tells you anything). But more than the health benefits that my son gained (he is still nursing almost 18 months after re-lactation, and still hasn't gotten sick), we gained a tremendous bond through our nursing relationship. Nursing is amazing for so many reasons that most books and professionals never discuss (save this book). It comforts, consoles, strengthens and empowers both mother and child. As a feminist, it pains me that so many who claim to represent women and equality (cough, Joan Wolf, cough) treat breastfeeding as a curse, a terrible chain, or enslavement. I feel that my experience, made possible by this book- has left me feeling empowered as a woman and as a mother.Some of the topics discussed or advice given you might not like or wish to pursue, which is understandable. The topic of co-sleeping is controversial, and though some would love the information and advice given on it, others might not be inclined to at all. If you don't have an open mind, this might not be the book for you. But if you value research-based information, detailed accounts of nursing at all ages and situations, you would love it. Certainly this might be too much information for some. For me, it was just right. If all this sounds good to you, get this book. If you are like me, it might just change your life.

I initially bought it and read it while still pregnant to prepare for breastfeeding. It definitely helped me a lot in navigating the challenges early on (my baby had a tongue tie). I was also more aware of what options I had and "breastfeeding lingo" so to speak, so discussions with my lactation consultant were a lot easier.What I love about this book though is it goes beyond breastfeeding - it's the most reassuring book I've ever read as a first time mom. Instead of giving specific "do it this way" advice, the book encourages you to listen to your baby and to trust your instincts. The authors remind you - because of your baby's instinct to cry and reach out to you if he needs something, and your mothering instinct to want to soothe him - that you are fully capable (serious complications aside of course) of taking care of your baby, and that things will work out and that as a mother, you will know and do what is best for your child.The first 6 weeks (especially the first two) were so hard and I found myself re-reading this book again and again. The amazing thing was, almost everything they said was spot on. When my daughter turned 6 weeks, she went through a phase when she would not want to be put down. I had to have her in my Moby Wrap constantly. When I read the part on "why babies cry", they said something like "the number one reason babies cry is because they miss their mothers, and this tends to peak at around 6 weeks". Bingo!The quotes from other mothers were very reassuring as well - I remember crying after reading a quote saying, after 6 or 8 weeks, everything gets better. In hindsight (my baby is 10 weeks now). Back then, my baby was 4 weeks old and it was comforting to know it wasn't just me being a stupid, incapable mom, that all mothers out there go through this. And the 6-8 week mark? Spot on. After 6 weeks I began to enjoy being home with her all day, and after 8 weeks, I wasn't terrified if we had to step out of the house anymore.I got the kindle version which was great for one handed reading while breastfeeding. Being able to search the book also came really handy. Note that some lactation consultants give the book out as part of the initial consultation fee, and if you become a member of La Leche League, you can get a free copy as well.

I am a daughter of a lactation consultant and currently training to be an LBCLC. So an update on the book. I feel that many women are writing reviews on this book based on their experiences with their infants but that is not a review on the book. This book is meant to support mothers in the LLL way of Breastfeeding. It is an excellent support to mothers who breastfeed. I appreciate the advice it gave and it was very helpful to me as a new mom. I recommend it to all pregnant moms and actually gift it if possible to all the moms I know.I will mention that breastfeeding is all about support so get as much support as you can.Beautifully written to help you adjust to motherhood and especially a guide in all of your breastfeeding concerns. I especially appreciated the advice since it felt the advice my mother would give me. Passed down wisedom on how to adjust to a big change of motherhood. It is an essential read for a pregnant lady to read and then attend a LLL meeting and see a woman breastfeed and how it is an incomparable bond!