The Sears have loads of personal experience as well, having breastfed all of their eight children. The Sears' are very Attachment Parenting oriented and even though this is a book about breastfeeding, their views on parenting seep through, encouraging parents to co-sleep, use a baby sling and extended nursing.

The Breastfeeding Book is very thorough and easy-to-read. Its encyclopedia format makes it simple to find information. The illustrations contained in the sections about latch and feeding positions are helpful. Everything a new breastfeeding mom needs to know is covered - preparation for nursing, through the early days, a father's role, identifying common newborn problems, expressing and storing breast milk and much more.

Typical of the other Sears' books on parenting, there is a helpful question and answer section at the end of each chapter covering many of the questions new breastfeeding moms may have. If you've read any of the other Sears' books, you'll be instantly familiar with their writing style. Despite having nursed my first child to thirteen months, I've found this book to be very helpful. The chapters cover:

• Why Breast is Best
• Getting Started
• Common Concerns
• Nutrition & Fitness
• Taking Medications
• Troubleshooting Problems
• A Consumer's Guide to Breastfeeding Products
• 20 Tips for Breastfeeding While Working
• Night-time Breastfeeding
• The Father's Role in Breastfeeding
• Special Situations
• Funny Things That Happen
• Toddler Nursing & Natural Weaning

Its encyclopedia format makes it simple to find information and most importantly, quickly! Having a toddler and a new baby myself, I've found this book easy to read in bits at a time. It seems odd to need a book to tell you how to do something that should be so natural. But as the Sears' point out, breastfeeding is a learned art, fortunately it's a rather simple one, but there certainly are tricks to make the experience a successful one and this book gives you everything you need to know. The Breastfeeding Book helps you learn to trust your instincts and develop confidence in yourself and your milk supply - something every new breastfeeding mom struggles with in the very beginning.

I recommend this book highly for anyone wishing to nurse her baby. I wish I had it as a reference tool when I had my first child! This book would make a wonderful baby shower gift.

Book review by Bridget Watson

To Purchase:
   • The Breastfeeding Book at Amazon U.S
   • The Breastfeeding Book at Amazon Canada
   • The Breastfeeding Book at Amazon UK