Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs - Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight, Optimize a Baby's IQ, and Reduce Colic and Allergies

by Hilary Jacobson, Hilary Jacobson

'Mother Food,' by Holistic Lactation Consultant Hilary Jacobson, goes beyond recipes and remedies to show, in easy-to-read language, the link between what a mother eats and her milk supply. This book has been praised by organizations such as La Leche League and ILCA, and recommended to mothers by lactation consultants, midwives, pediatricians and doulas. You will
'Mother Food' inspired the handouts and recipe collections found in hospitals. It combines knowledge, wisdom, and empathy, and builds resilience and confidence in new mothers.

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Cookbooks, Nutrition

346 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Astrila · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book tries to include every possible bit of information from any old wives' tales and rumors as well as science. It even contradicts its own advice in separate chapters. Better not to read it at all, since without verifying info from other sources an uninformed reader wouldn't be able to tell what's true and what's very questionable.

[Lynn Godek · Rating 2 out of 5]

5 stars for comprehensive information on this topic, 1 star for Organization, so over all, it was ok. Would I recommend it, absolutely. I'd also recommend the author publish a new edition.

The information seems to be well researched but is presented in spatterings here and there. Also in an effort to be comprehensive some information may contradict itself. Nevertheless I appreciate the inclusion of "old wives tales" as they may ring true for some and not for others.

[M B S · Rating 5 out of 5]

so interesting

Couldn’t put it down and I don’t even have low supply. Fascinating information and so well researched and informed. I found the section on postpartum exhaustion particularly interesting.

[Rebekah Snyder]

This book... is a lot of information.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the nutrition information in this book really fascinating. She writes in such a way that I really have made some changes to our diet. Although, sometimes when I was reading it, I would feel like I had to change our diet completely and that would stress me out. I prefer to do baby steps.

I'm a nursing mom who has had to supplement all four of my children due to my body only making skim milk and slow "delivery" or let-down. I tried to include more of the healthy fats, like she recommends, but it didn't do much to turn my milk into cream...it just expanded my already large post-partum middle section. But I'm accepting this as a glitch in my own body. I still found the research she did fascinating. Although I no longer stress to make sure I'm always eating lactogenic foods all of the time, I make a point to eat them frequently.

This book is also great to educate us about lost traditions in eating healthy. I also enjoy reading the bits she includes about traditional foods from other countries and cultures throughout the world.

[Andrea Jardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I will be picking it up again come next March/April to prepare for this next baby but for now I will let it collect a little bit of dust. It is definitely a reference book. I did find it a little hard to follow as I felt the information was all over the place and not as organized as my Type A brain likes to follow : ) But it was very neat to learn about the effects of natural foods on your body even beyond breastfeeding. I especially enjoyed learning about the difference between good fats and bad fats in your diet and the importance of keeping good fats in your diet in moderation... and then I ate a bowl of ice cream : ) Just kidding but I have incorporated Vitamin D milk into my diet as a source of good fats and I have stopped buying light and skim and fat free products because of all the alterations done to them. Very interesting!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for any breastfeeding mom, especially one interested in nutrition and alternative medicine. I used some of her recommendations to help me overcome a mild case of mastitis without having to resort to antibiotics. She recommends eating a whole foods diet with minimal processed foods and offers suggestions on how a busy new mom can cook and prepare nourishing foods for herself and her family. I found her writing to be very encouraging and supportive and will often re-read a section of the book before bed to help me relax and remind me of how important and special breastfeeding is.

[Carlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good although not terribly helpful for me since the focus was on fixing breastfeeding "issues" which, I haven't really had. How to boost your supply, how to get around duct problems, how to handle infections...etc. Might be good to keep around for reference just in case. I kind of thought it would have more information about breastfeeding nutrition which, the author did touch on lightly...how to make your milk more deeply nutritious via foods you eat...etc. Liked that part of the book a lot. Will keep it and use it lightly in reference...just not quite as healthy, normal mom focused as I was hoping...its more a problem solving manual.

[Ivon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book full of resources, and advice. As a mom, I just struggled with milk production for my little one. I tried all sort of things. I decided to take a different approach. I bought this book and ordered it with another one. Frankly I don't remember what the other one said as this book just is far too important now in my life. It gives you different things to try, naturally. It is full on herbal, condiment and food advice which can make your nursing experience more gratifying.

I believe that every nursing mother should have this book. Every single one of them.

[Largercircle]

Mother Food by Hilary Jacobson is an interesting resource, but not an interesting read. Her purpose is laudable - but it really is "compiled as an informational guide". There is not much of a narrative, but for the sake of so much information, that's easy to forgive.

[Latha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute necessary read for any breastfeeding mom! Full of interesting and informative information. It has great book about food and diet as well (for anyone). Highly recommend.

[Olga]

I am totally fascinated. I love stuff on nutrition and thought I knew it all, but this book is yet another eye-opener.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I am blown away by the information in this book, so good! I'm about halfway through and love it!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really needs to get out to the mainstream public. Truly some very helpful tips for low milk supply, and just staying healthy in general. The writing style is wonderful and conversational.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for nursing mothers who want to know more than how to get the milk to come out or get the baby latched on.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for lactating moms. Full of really great nutrtional and herbal information. This book was invaluable to me and I am sure I will be reading it again when this baby comes.

[Christa Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful resource and a must read for expecting and new parents.

[Carolina Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful!!!!!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information, but poorly organized.

[Laura Stiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for nursing mothers!