I’ll start with this: baby-feeding questions tend to be high on a new parent’s priority list!
Breastfeeding is an important part of the baby-making continuum that includes pregnancy and birth and is extended with the growing of baby outside the womb. Understanding how to feed your baby is crucial to learn during pregnancy, and knowing how birthing practices can affect breastfeeding attempts can make all the difference.
I love the facility of this book in its simple organization and brevity. I feel comfortable recommending it to any expecting parent, student or client. I think it offers a digestible balance of medical and scientific evidence as well as relatable anecdotes and professional observations… unlike some other guides that may cause a new parent to worry breastfeeding is only for “certain women” or that it’s just too complicated.
The authors mention how drinking to thirst is key; overhydration (such as via IV in labor) can actually hinder breastfeeding success by unnaturally engorging the breast so the baby is incapable of latching. You should be aware this is one risk of IV fluids in labor (as well as plumping up baby — making for a heavier baby to deliver, and what appears to be a more drastic post-birth weight loss when excess fluids are normally shed. Cue the panic for supplements…).
Another example from the book is the precaution about standardization of supplements in many hospitals. You could address this during a prenatal appointment if you feel strongly about exclusive breastfeeding.
My favorite tip from the authors is about choosing breastfeeding positions:
“Think about positions you use when you watch your favorite television show.”
The emphasis on doing what you can to feel comfortable is, I believe, a BIG aspect of what’s missing from many sources of breastfeeding instruction (or rather, support).
I also like all the very specific information about nipple trauma / pain and how these are largely perceived as normal circumstances, though this acceptance is only cultural / social. Biologically speaking, nipple trauma and pain are NOT normal, and indicates expert help is needed.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
If you don’t have it yet, check it out here: Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws For Nursing Mothers, Kathleen Kendall-Tackett & Nancy Mohrbacher
Or feel free to request to borrow it from my lending library if you’re a student or doula client!
Your Labor Neighbor LLC 