[.ca] The Breastfeeding Book (ISBN 0316779245)

Fantastic Book For Attached Parents, Plus Others:
I think its important for people to realize that the Sears promote Attachment Parenting. They have NOT created a basic breastfeeding book leaving out their basic principles, so if you bought this book expecting mainstream, you should probably have researched some more. Don't complain when the Sears deliver exactly what us attachment parenting people WANT. Nonetheless, it has great information about breastfeeding, but if you are not a believe in Attachment Parenting, sure, you are going to be annoyed. Perhaps a different book, or just read the knowledge and leave the theory. I don't understand why people would buy a book written by them, then complain about the Attachment Parenting values. Do your research before buying!

love-hate relationship with this book:
Breastfeeding went horribly for my first child, so I approached it with some trepidation with number two. Luckily, it has gone pretty smoothly (he's now 6 weeks old). This book is loaded with useful information and re-reading it this time was helpful (Dr. Sears said I could have caffeine! Hooray! Fire up the Starbucks!) and answered a lot of questions I was having. HOWEVER...as someone who bottle fed her first child after giving breastfeeding my all (even the lactation consultant said I'd done my best, go to formula) I did find Dr. Sears's attitude toward bottle feeding and bottle feeding mothers really appalling. He has a sidebar on page 48 where he refers to "Mothers of the bottle-feeding set" and makes them sound completely neurotic with sterilizing and preparing formula and counting ounces. On pages 7-8 he refers to the "stinky stools" of the formula fed baby and how the parent changing the child will have a look on their face of "mild aversion to downright disgust" and how the breastfed child will see "happiness rather than disgust...perhaps a perk for building self-esteem." Give me a break. His AP philosophy has some very good points to it, but making a child's self esteem dependent on a parent's cheerful demeanor during diaper changes is ridiculous. So I'd say this book is helpful if you just look up what you need in the detailed index, go right to that page and read what you need. It's fine to have the opinion that breastfeeding is best and everyone should at least try it, but I think his obvious disdain for bottle-feeding mothers (who may have no other choice, who may be giving breastfeeding another try)is unfortunate. I feel sorry for any mothers of children in his practice who, like me, were unable to breastfeed a child.

Not completely won over:
This book has great tips for breastfeeding. However, I am not so sure I like the Sears' attitude. I am not a fan of co-sleeping and think they hit it a little hard. I agree with some other reviewers that they are too negative regarding bottle-feeding. I have been lucky with breastfeeding my baby girl, but have many friends that have had problems and the rigid outlook of the Sears is not very helpful. Take their advice with a grain of salt - you are the mother, do what you think is best.

A must for new moms:
I love this book. It offers great advice for new breastfeeding moms. Every time I have had a question or concern, the answer has been in this book.

A "Can't live without" book for every breastfeeding mother..:
I purchased this book during my pregnancy so that I could research the option of breastfeeding. It not only helped me make my decision but I continue to use it for a reference. Any woman who is breastfeeding must have a copy on hand to answer the many questions they will have throughout their breastfeeding months. It teaches you how to recognize problems before they need medical attention. It truly helps you appreciate the wonderful bonding period you will have with your baby.