Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding: From the Nation's Leading Midwife

I am a labor, delivery and postpartum RN and mother of a 10 month old. I loved this book. It was factually accurate and provided information I have not found in other breastfeeding resources. In particular, I appreciated her realistic view of women returning to work and continuing to breastfeed. She had excellent information about the use of a breastpump and what to expect while using one. I also liked her more "moderate" view on breastfeeding unlike the the La Leche League's book. It was nice to hear a more moderate voice in the world of breastfeeding. This book was also quite educational and discussed some rather fascinating accounts of lactation, such as women who were able to lactate post-menopausal and prior to pregnancy. I found this quite interesting and of value to discuss in a culture that seems to have the belief that lactation is difficult or unimportant. The only section I was somewhat ambivalent about was her discussion about "nipple phobia." While I do agree that our culture is "phobic" of seeing a woman's nipples, I'm not sure that the label adds value to the destruction of this state in our culture. Other than that, this book was the best breastfeeding resource I have ever read.

I loved Ina May's wisdom and guidance in this wonderful book. I am due with my first child in September and I know I will have this book by my side as I embark on breastfeeding. I especially enjoyed the personal stories and detailed pictures/descriptions on different breast feeding holds. She also has an entire chapter devoted to troubleshooting breasfeeding problems and many natural remedies for things like thrush and sore nipples. I also think it's important to banish the negative images of women who choose to breastfeed, especially in public. Ina May talks about "nipplephobia" and how the US does not have enough protection for breastfeeding moms. I am SO glad I read this book. and I am sure you will be too. Thank you Ina May!!!!

If you are into exclusive breastfeeding or are trying to learn more about it, this is a great book to get lots of information. Would definitely recommend to any expectant mother. Probably includes way more information compared to what you get taught in a class. Get comfortable with your breasts and talking about it. Book has pictures and drawings to guide the reader. Really easy follow along and it covers lots of topics regarding breastfeeding and newborns.

I found that as a first time mom I knew more about breastfeeding, and was better prepared than some 2nd or 3rd time moms I had talked too. I credit the thorough covering of this book to helping me to successfully exclusively breastfeed my twins by avoiding mistakes that could damage my supply. As with Ina May’s Birth book, I felt that this too was a little overkill with the antidotes, and only made it 1/4 a way through those before I skipped to the more informative 2nd half.

This book gave me great perspective and encouragement on breastfeeding when beginning my first journey. I read while pregnant. So much knowledge and also wisdom!

Before giving birth, I read “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” which is the number one book I’d recommend to anyone who is going to give birth. I read her breastfeeding guide a couple months into breastfeeding and I wish I’d read it before! It is full of knowledge of best positions, complications that can arise and what to do about them, and things I didn’t know before (like you don’t have to have just given birth to lactate!). She discusses breastfeeding as something natural and instinctual and not to be ashamed of! Breastfeeding is something that I thought would come so naturally but there really is a lot to learn and be aware of. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who is going to breastfeed!

Very helpful, a must read

This book was amazing! Ina May really has done it again. While I enjoyed her "Guide to Childbirth" book, this one was leagues better. In this book, Ina May fills you with practical knowledge, the likes of which is missing in modern American society, and complements it will a range of science based information. There are also personal stories spaced throughout the book that are invaluable and enlightening. This is the first book during my pregnancy that I've read from cover to cover. It WILL be going in the hospital bag for delivery and will be, I'm quite sure, dog eared by the time my child is a month old. It really has everything you need to find confidence that you're making the best choice, find info on WHY it's the best choice, and find that practical knowledge that will be necessary to succeed.

A bit hippyish- but great to get you in the mindset that breastfeeding is the most normal thing even if it’s challenging at the start (especially the women’s stories). Love Ina Mays books.

Fino ad ora il testo migliore sull'allattamento: introduzione biologica e concettuale molto chiara, consigli, storie vere, ma mai lunghe o noiose, conclusione positiva sul contesto storico culturale. Lo consiglio, tenendo presente che risale comunque ad una 15na di anni fa.

During first 4 weeks of newborns life i had a lot of breast feeding problems, very sore nipples, bleeding nipples, cracked nipples, 2 bouts of mastitis, problems latching on, colic and my baby was diagnosed with reflux disorder. I saw 4 midwives and 2 lactation consultants who all told me that my latch was fine and couldn't work out why I was so sore and baby was reacting the way that she was when we put her to the breast. we wouldn't have got such a quick diagnosis of the reflux had we not recognised the symptoms from the information in in mays guide to breastfeeding. the quick diagnosis led to a very simple medication (infant gaviscon) that has improved both my childs and our lives considerably. I have also recovered unbelievably fast and prevented further mastitis infections from the info in this book. At 2 am when you are fed up and need a quick answer (sounds daft i know) i have referred to this book. hence we kept it bedside until very recently. Its a really interesting, practical book, i strongly recomend that you read it as well as ina may gaskins spiritual midwifery Spiritual Midwifery to help squash any birth fears, it certainly helped me.

Dieses Buch ist einfach nur toll - war von Ina May Gaskin ja auch nicht anders zu erwarten. Die vielen Fakten zu Beginn über die Vorteile und den Sinn des Stillens sind für manche vielleicht Wiederholung, doch es dürfte für jede noch was Neues dabei sein.Und sollte man ZweiflerInnen in der Umgebung haben, tun diese Kapitel sehr gut. Es gibt Infos zur Vorbereitung, zum Stillen am Anfang und in den folgenden Monaten, zum Abpumpen und Füttern, zur Brustpflege. Und hier gibt es einige Tipps, die man in anderen Büchern nicht findet und die wirklich wichtig und entscheidend sein können. Zum Beispiel, dass nicht jede Muttermilch gleich lange haltbar ist. Oder dass man verhindern kann, dass die Muttermilch beim Aufbewahren und Einfrieren ihren Geschmack sehr verändert. Oder welche Salbe für wunde Brustwarzen möglichst viele Infektionen und Probleme verhindert. Solche Tipps können eine Stillzeit verbessern und verlängern. Danke Ina May!

Very informative book and inspiring for any mother planning to breastfeed. Explains what you can do before your baby arrives to ensure you can breastfeed successfully. Also explains in practical terms how it all works. Ina May is one clever lady!