Why Should I Nurse My Baby?

This is a very brief little manual written by a very knowledgable IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). The intended audience seems to be WIC clients, but also should be good for people who don't like to read much or they don't read very well. (this book is available in Spanish too.) Pamela Wiggins covers the basics: why breastfeed, how to latch on and hold the baby properly, how to avoid pitfalls many women encounter because of our bottlefeeding culture and how to fix simple breastfeeding problems. To my mind there is a strong emphasis on "the doctor" but that may be fine for a lot of people. If that isn't your mindset, further reading may be necessary, or make certain you have a good breastfeeding friendly doctor, a good WIC counselor or lactation consultant and a good support network. "Breastfeeding, A Mother's Gift" by the same author fills in this little book with much more information. I agree with the other reviewer that this is an excellent choice for midwives, childbirth educators, peer counselors, physicians and others who work with new mothers and babies to hand out to their clients.

This book is a great, quick overview about breastfeeding. It would make an excellent handout for childbirth classes or for doulas to present to their clients. Less than 70 pages, it's a very easy read and organized in a way that the reader can use it as a quick reference tool. The author covers the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing to breastfeed, common questions and problems breastfeeding moms face, and pumping, working and nursing. The illustrations and pictures of real nursing moms are helpful. As I begin working as a post-partum doula, I plan to present my clients with copies of this useful book!