Book Review! The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a wonderful book for mothers who need guidance with the idea of breastfeeding their infant.  Written by an ever-changing group of mothers who call themselves the “La Leche League International” who have strived for the last 56 years to develop and refine all the information contained in this book.  Since they’ve had so much time to refine their work, the La Lech League has a vast amount of information which aligns with the research on breastfeeding and because it is “The leading source of breastfeeding support and information” for mothers and soon-be-mothers the quality of application is evident.  I have a friend who recently had her first baby and recommended this book to me telling me that it helped her understand more about breast feeding and what to expect as a new mother to the area.  The reason this book was so helpful to my “new parent” friend was because of all the real life experiences this book shares as well as the vast amounts of topics it explores.

                The wonderful thing about this book is that it not only focuses on breastfeeding an infant but explores other topics as well!  And it applies to new mothers or returning mothers alike; walking the reader through the steps of having a baby.  It starts out with the first part labeled “New Beginnings”- where the reader learns about breast feeding and if it is right for them.  Other topics this book covers are birth (with areas of how to cope with a difficult birth), weight watchers, emotional roller coaster (dealing with your out of “whack” hormones), nursing schedule, concerns you may have with your baby through their growing stages, sexual life with partner (labeled: “Is This the End of Sex?”), sleep routines for baby, working mothers, pumping, weaning, dealing with a baby’s death, and technical support during breastfeeding (ex: Blebs, Blood in your milk, Colic, Eating Disorders, ect.).

                This book was a great easy read that was designed so that anyone can use it.  The stories in it will make you laugh and cry, but also learn.  I’ve loved having this book in my home, it has helped me feel more comfortable with my body and my future decisions of breast feeding my own infants.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to breastfeed their child or who even has questions of breastfeeding!