The Complete Book of Breastfeeding: The Classic Guide

by Sally Wendkos Olds, Laura Marks

The Complete Book of Breastfeeding is a recognized classic in its field. Now it's been completely revised and updated in a new fourth edition—non-doctrinaire, informative, and friendly, it is the most accessible and authoritative book, as much required reading for expecting and new mothers as a pregnancy guide and baby name book.

All healthy mothers should consider breastfeeding for the first year of a baby’s life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and this is the book that will help women give their babies the healthiest start possible. Written by Sally Wendkos Olds and a new co-author, Laura Marks, M.D., The Complete Book of Breastfeeding, Fourth Edition offers a comprehensive introduction to breastfeeding—how to get ready before the baby arrives; how to involve fathers and siblings; and the best diet and foods for mom. There are sections on dealing with problems at the hospital; extensive information on exclusive pumping (EPing); the best systems for giving supplementary bottles to a breastfed baby; the safest sleep scenarios for babies; breastfeeding in public, including laws affecting breastfeeding mothers. New data about preterm infants is presented, and special situations—multiples, breast cancer, overweight and large-breasted women, breast surgery, tattoos and piercings—are also discussed in detail. An expanded chapter on weaning features sections on breastfeeding past infancy. Also new is an appendix of online resources.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Adult, Health, Reference

449 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Skye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outdated. I am completely clueless about breastfeeding and I feel that I need to find more updated and accurate books to read than this one. It was rather annoying that every other paragraph at the beginning of the book was about the mother getting support or she will fail pretty much. I get it, mothers will need support, but it’s not the end all to breastfeeding. Even I know that.

[Rachel Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was useful and informative. There were a lot of chapters that I skipped because they currently don't apply to my situation, like the working mothers chapter. It had a lot of information in it though, and very likely could provide help for a large variety of people in many situations, including those with premature and adopted babies.

I think it will be more useful for me to refer back to once I start breastfeeding. I had a bit of an information overload, and had difficulty processing what they were saying because, as a first timer, I have no frame of reference until I start. I logged some of the information away, and put the book back on my shelf for easy access once Little Baby comes.

[Erika Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! It was so helpful to have on the nightstand and answer common questions (and a few uncommon ones). I also enjoyed the updated verbiage so things were explained in a neutral tone, not condescending to those who may incorporate supplementing or have other medical problems interfering with breastfeeding. I have read many breastfeeding books in preparation for my child, and by far this was the most helpful and enjoyable one.

[Sara Liebman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for advice on how to sustain breastfeeding as opposed to starting. So I didn't read the chapters about the very beginning of breastfeeding but I did read the parts about maintaining and there was some good advice. However, I also found the book's preaching about breastfeeding off-putting because everyone's situation is different. I also was not a fan of the assumptions that the book makes about partners and how much partners may or may not support the mother.

[Sarah]

I read way to much non-fiction for the more... woo-woo parts of this to fly for me. I spent a lot of time skimming the more emotional writing. That being said there was a little bit of useful information in there for me, mostly about storage.
I checked it out of the library and that's honestly how I'd recommend getting a copy if you're interested.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

+ الكتاب فيه معلومات كتيرة ومفيدة.
+الفصول متقسمة بشكل منظم بتسهل الوصول للمعلومة.
- متوجه بشكل أساسي لسكان الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.
- المعلومات ساعات بتتعاد بشكل ممل.
- أسلوب عرض الفكرة أحيانًا فيه تطويل بدون داعي.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The general science/history of lactation and encouragement of was well done. But everything written around it and specifically regarding relationships was disgustingly outdated. We order from catalogs and June Cleaver lives next door. Just focus on the breast/milk stuff and try to ignore the rest.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I much prefer this book as it doesn't harp on having an all-natural birth every paragraph like "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" book does.

[Audrey]

A comprehensive guide on breast feeding tips and troubleshooting strategies. Although chapters do have repetitive information. Look forward to sharing with the breastfeeding mothers I work with.

[Ness · Rating 3 out of 5]

SF Library

Informative, comprehensive book.

[Zainab Zaidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative.. Loved reading it! i breastfed before reading it!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the 4th edition (2010). Very informative book, great resource. Note the legal aspects are USA focused.

[Angela Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot of outdated information in this book, I'm sure. For instance, I don't know that current medical professionals would recommend drinking cocktails or beer just before breastfeeding!

There's also a lot of information that's really only relevant to the early 70s and attitudes at the time. Although, these attitudes do go through cycles, so maybe its time will come again. There's certainly a lot of information provided specifically to allow a woman to defend her decision to breastfeed. There's also plenty of information to reassure her husband that breastfeeding is not only a good idea, but one wish he should help her to assert and to defend against naysayers.

Despite the interesting historical viewpoint, there's still plenty of useful information for anyone looking to breastfeed. I certainly learned a lot and would recommend people do read this book.

It's written in a very relaxed style and goes through all the things you might need to know about breastfeeding. It's written with the idea that you probably haven't discussed breastfeeding in any depth with anyone you know who has done it (either because it's just not done or just not discussed). Because of this presumption, it makes it a very good book for beginners!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, but take with a grain of salt. Some of the chapters are so militant about breastfeeding that it is excessive. For example:
* Don't take the free formula from the hospital because you might use it in a moment of weakness (uh, no, I can give it to the daycare because we have to have a can of formula for backup)
* If you're not producing enough milk, you don't have enough support from the people around you.
* If you're stressed out about not producing enough milk, it's your support group that's the problem
* Don't give your baby anything but breast milk at the hospital or during the first few weeks (Definitely seems extreme if poor baby has nothing to eat for more than a few days)

I read about how breast milk is the BEST thing for baby over and over again which becomes annoying. At least the later chapters *finally* make it ok to give baby formula depending on your circumstances.

Still, a lot of useful tips.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the 2 or 3 breastfeeding books I looked at, this one was my favorite. It covered the most topics and was most down-to-Earth. It also goes into good details and logistics, something that I appreciated. And while it was very definitely "breast is best" it didn't feel like it beat that over the head to the extent others I read did. Instead, it focused on how the generations that favored formula meant we lost a bit of the community support for breastfeeding, both in terms of society and in terms of women teaching/guiding women.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for a friend of mine who was considering breastfeeding and I just had to read it because I had trouble when I breastfed my children. I sure don't plan on having any more children, but I do wish I would have had this book to refer to when I was nursing my babies! It covers just about everything an expectant or nursing mother needs to know about breastfeeding and answers many more questions some may not even consider asking. Great book! I highly recommend it!

[Imperfectlyrua Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource, lots of good information with little dogma attached, for those who find the Womanly Art to be a little over the top. I do have one caveat, however. The nutrition information is out of date which makes me think this book needs another revision.

(The Womanly Art is also a fantastic resource with a better nutrition section, but the writing can come across as a little over enthusiastic at times.)

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this book cover to cover, but read large chunks and used it as a reference the first several weeks post-partum every time something confusing or frustrating would come up regarding breastfeeding (which was often!). It answered almost all of my questions in a clear and balanced way. I only wish it had more info on mixing bottle feeding with breastfeeding, and breastfeeding issues for non-newborns (this is in there, but not covered in depth).

[Bad Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the older version (1987) and I know which info is still current and what is incorrect, but I should probably read the latest. I certainly hope some of the language has changed and there isn't so much crap like "fulfilling your birthright" as a woman by having babies, or wanting to "give of yourself to your husband." Ugh.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was published in the 90's and it felt a little outdated. There were sections about toughening your nipples, which I have been told time and time again that this is not necessary (I think it is something that used to be recommended). I ended up skimming some of the chapters and I felt that I got a lot more useful information from the book, Mothering Multiples.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother-in-law gave me this book in the hospital. One of the things in my life that I am proudest of is that I breastfed my daughter. I gave her life, and I sustained her. It was not easy, but it was worth it. Our bond is stronger because of that, and my daughter is healthier.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I haven't been very active in reading fiction books because I've been reading pregnancy/breastfeeding/parenting books for about a year now. Thankfully, I'm getting back into reading for pleasure again.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me finally be able to nurse. It gave good advice without making me give up or feel bad. I belive all moms who wish to nurse should read it. I was not able to nurse my first 3 children for long. But my 4th I made it to 11 moths before baby selfweaned. This book made it possible.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I attended a nursing class and read this after that. I found it reinforced some of the ideas the nurse had spoken about. I skimmed over large chunks though. Still a good read for those wanting to understand positions and latching techniques.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative read without being overly judgmental or too touchy-feely. I feel a lot more confident about breastfeeding after having read this. I'm sure it will be a frequent reference once the baby is born.

[Heather J · Rating 4 out of 5]

All you need to know about breastfeeding in one book! I prefer this book to "The Nursing Mother's Companion." There is better information and overall organization with this book.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes....yet another breastfeeding book. This one is definitely geared towards the mom.

[Cws]

649.33 Eig

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't actually read this book cover to cover. I read most of it, though. A lot of the information I had already read elsewhere, but this is a very good breastfeeding resource.