Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins

[snugglekitty]

I read this book for my work; it is on the required reading list for ALACE doulas. I enjoyed it and thought it was well-written. I think it would make a great resource for a nursing mom.

My one complaint with it is that it is perhaps a little bit TOO gung ho on the breastfeeding issue. I mean, yes, I think that breastfeeding is the best way, and there's lot of research that backs that up, but it can be very difficult and doesn't work for everyone, and I think that those who cannot breastfeed would probably feel discouraged or even alienated by this book. It seems that according to the author, there are no good reasons to stop breastfeeding except for "feeling resentful," whatever that means. Personally, if you know it's time to stop (anything), I think you should stop then, BEFORE you start feeling resentful.

But otherwise, I liked the book. I'd give it three stars, but moms actually using the material right now would probably give it four.

Comments

[hanseth.livejournal.com]

Out of curiosity, have you ever read any of the La Leche League manuals (specifically, Womanly Art of Breastfeeding)? I did a project on them in college -- comparing recent versions to versions going back decades, looking at the changing perceptions of motherhood. I wonder how this book would compare, both in attitude an in instruction value.