Can anyone recommend a good breastfeeding book please?

[Supercherry]

I breastfed my DS1 exclusively for 4mths, mixed fed to 5mths.

I would have liked to have at least got to 6mths ideally.

So, Im expecting DS2 in October and want to get more informed this time round.

Can anyone kindly recommend a good book please?

In all honestly every book I have read on the subject has been crap. What were the circumstances last time? WHy did you switch to mixed feeding?

Really, Skinupyacunt? I should imagine alot are crap as you say, but was hoping there might be a few good, supportive, informative books out there.

Well every time I talk about last time I feel like I'm making excuses but.... it got to the point where I just didn't feel like I was producing enough milk, especially in the evening. DS wasn't finishing a feed satisfied, I was able to express less and less and in the end I thought right, I'm going to top him up with formula and guess what, he was satisfied.

Downhill slope from there really, plus I had used nipple covers from the first week which may have affected supply.

Breastfeeding had become stressful for me, I wasn't enjoying it but I still felt guilt from stopping.

I want to have a more positive experience ths time round and I think I will be more confident this time too. No more breastfeeding hidden from view or in another room when visiting other people etc.

Politics of breastfeeding is inspiring - if you need inspiring
Otherwise I'd agree with skin - MN is far better!

Thank you Stealthpolarbear, will check that out

Breast is Best, by Drs Stanaway.

It is excellent, and has a chapter for fathers - their commitment to breastfeeding is important too.

Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers -- Jack Newman

Bestfeeding is very good indeed

As is Politics Of Breastfeeding, for some inspiration!

I was given this when doing my bf counsellor training. Very useful.

I agree that the Politics of Breastfeeding is good for inspiration. There are two books of this title, IIRC. Both are good, but the British one is better

I think I have probably read everything going during my breastfeeding years.

The thing to look for is practical advice about latch, and when things start to appear off (eg colic, green poos). After that, it's all about warding off hostility and discouraging comments.

la leche league website was all I used the second time round, brilliant!

Bestfeeding - that's the one I was trying to think of - I'm sure I have that but no idea where it is!

The Food Of Love by Kate Evans.

'Tis fab.

Bestfeeding is good too.

I'll second AnarchyAunt for TFOL

LovedThatBookTiggaxx

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League's book: I'm bf my first baby, nearly 6 months old, and this has been a great reference (although it's a little anti-returning to work for my taste!) and is now seriously well thumbed.

These books tend to be pricy, but maybe your library would be able to get them for you?

www.amazon.co.uk/Womanly-Breastfeeding-Leche-League-International/dp/0452285801

Actually for the "basics" (which the OP probably doesn't need at this point) I think the NHS issued stuff is quite good, Birth to 5 etc.

Thanks everyone! I am looking on ebay in the hope of getting a few different books cheaply.

Stealthpolarbear, thank you for the vote of confidence but I think I do need to know the basics too. Last time the midwife showed me 3 times in the hospital how to get DS latched on but it was unexpectedly painful so I'm not convinced now that the latch was ever correct.

DS had a really strong suck though and at one point I had a blister on my nipple where I had accidentally latched him slightly to the side.

I ended up using nipple covers because I couldn't stand the pain, I was pretty run down with a chest infection and anaemia so the easy option wa good at the time.

This time, I want to get it right from the start if possible.

Oh, you poor thing, Supercherry - being run down and having to learn something new is tough at the best of times! You're doing the right thing by researching it and putting support in place now.

Skin, have you not changed your name back yet?

Supercherry, do check your library - most public library systems now have their catalogues available to search online. I've bought several books but have Bestfeeding out of the library.

However, I've found mumsnet and my local bf support group more useful in succeeding second time round, I failed very early on first time.

Oops sorry, didn't realise the LLL book had already been recommended...

For online material I have found www.kellymom.com/bf/ to be a great resource

I've just read 'The Food of Love'. Would def recommend it!!

The Food of Love is fantastic.

Wow, thank you for all the suggestions. Will see what I can get cheaply off ebay.

Will also come on here when the baby is here should I encounter any problems.