Cathy,

One very useful assignment in my CLE course was to read a breastfeeding
book for parents.  I bought and read quite a number so that I could put
together a reading list for my classes.  This is my current list.  There
are doubtless other good books which I haven't read.  For this list, I
will add a few comments not on my reading list (which I try to keep very
positive and as non-controversial as possible).

Breastfeeding:  Pure & Simple by Gwen Gotsch, La Leche League.  Short,
easy to read, lots of pictures, and good, up-to-date information.  All
the basics, plus answers to common questions.  116 pages.
Breastfeeding:  A Parent's Guide by Amy Spangler.  Complete and
up-to-date breastfeeding information.  Easy to read.  Lots of lists and
tables.  Accurate illustrations.  105 pages.
Why Should I Nurse My Baby? By Pam Wiggins, IBCLC.  Excellent basic
breastfeeding information.  Large print.  Easy to read.  64 pages.
The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins, The Harvard Common
Press.  A complete book on the art of breastfeeding.  Easy to read.  A
thick book, but the print is large. 220 pages.  (I think reading this
book, plus the Womanly Art, Breastfeeding:  Pure and Simple, or BF, A
Parent's Guide would make for a great basic foundation.  I think this
may be the best book I've read on nursing older babies--I have found
some information, such as certain biting prevention techniques and info
on usual frequency of breastfeeding at certain ages only in this book)
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League.  The classic
breastfeeding reference.  Complete information. Each chapter is a
self-contained unit, so it may be cumbersome if you try to read it from
cover to cover.  Lots of short stories about women who have overcome
difficulties and who have had positive breastfeeding experiences.  446
pages.  (The repetition of information in each of several situations
where it may be needed [I was required to read it this way for my class,
so found it rather annoying] and frequent references to La Leche League
are main drawbacks of this book as far as I'm concerned.  Teaching moms
to advocate for themselves and their babies is a plus.)

--
Bonnie Jones, RN, ICCE, IBCLC
from the sunny S.W. USA
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