Cathy,

The newest (1997 ed.) Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is very different in
content from the one available 21 years ago.  I shared it with the mother
having difficulty with latching because the section on this topic had some
clear illustrations and step-by-step discussion on getting a new baby
latched on.  In the 1997 edition, also, all the advice is now referenced at
the end of each chapter.  The mother in question went on to read other
sections on her own, and is now going through the rest of the book because
she has found it helpful.  We also have "Bestfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding
Right for You" in our LLL group library available at every meeting.  It's
very good, too.  I do worry about the side-by-side illustrations of "right"
and "wrong" positioning and latch.  I fear that some mothers will mistake
the wrong way for the right way.  The photos are excellent.  Huggins'
"Nursing Mother's Companion" isn't in the latest LLLI catalogue.  I'm not
sure why.  "Nursing Mother's Guide to Weaning" is, though.

There have also been major changes in such LLLI publications for mothers as
the bimonthly magazine for members, "New Beginnings."  (In the old days it
was called "La Leche League News").  Take a look at these as they are
today.  They are dealing with issues like working and breastfeeding,
all-night toddler nursing, and others as well, in a way that recognizes the
frustration and even anger that difficult situations can evoke in harried
mothers.  Solutions enlist the help of other mothers who have experienced
these situations.  And they present a variety of options that have worked
for different people.  In the old days I felt that LLL brushed over angry
feelings, but I no longer have that sense.  I've been impressed!  And I am
so often struck by how much knowledge and ability to give very specific and
practical help with individual situations we have gained in the last 10 -
20 years.  We really have come a long way in breastfeeding.
(The 1997 Breastfeeding Answer Book and the 1998 Leader's Handbook also
give great, practical and supportive information to LLL leaders that wasn't
available 10 - 20 years ago.)  And new LLL Tear-Off sheets give mothers
practical help for specific problems, and are easy for leaders to mail to a
mother at home, when appropriate.
Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, Wisconsin
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