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Bestfeeding: How to Breastfeed Your Baby
For more than a decade, BESTFEEDING has been recognized by midwives, doctors, and nursing mothers as the definitive word on breastfeeding. The culmination of 60-plus years of hands-on experience from three dedicated and internationally respected authors, this newly updated classic blends academic knowledge, clinical expertise, and practical skills to educate first-time and experienced mothers alike. Mothers will find precisely the information they need to help their babies grow and thrive-physically and emotionally-as a result of breastfeeding. The book answers all questions a new mother may have, and it is fully illustrated with dozens of helpful photos and drawings that demonstrate all the dos and don'ts of breastfeeding. In addition to the basics, mothers will find tried-and-true solutions to both common and more unusual problems, as well as remedies for babies with special needs. With its sensitive and informed advice, BESTFEEDING is a supportive reminder of what women have always that breastfeeding is, quite simply, the best way to nourish a baby.
• An illustrated guide to the basics of breastfeeding your baby, with more than 100 photos.
• Topics include the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby; posture and positions; medical and dietary concerns; and causes and solutions to numerous breastfeeding problems.
• Revised and thoroughly updated with new information on feeding multiple babies and adopted babies, and a discussion of the emotional rewards of breastfeeding.
• The first two editions have sold more than 120,000 copies.
• An illustrated guide to the basics of breastfeeding your baby, with more than 100 photos.
• Topics include the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby; posture and positions; medical and dietary concerns; and causes and solutions to numerous breastfeeding problems.
• Revised and thoroughly updated with new information on feeding multiple babies and adopted babies, and a discussion of the emotional rewards of breastfeeding.
• The first two editions have sold more than 120,000 copies.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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July 24, 2016I think that this book gave me the clearest picture of what breastfeeding should be like, without actually having experienced it myself, that I have ever had. The authors did an excellent job of articulating and simplifying breastfeeding in a way that is easy to grasp. I also appreciated their insight into how to best help a woman struggling with breastfeeding; by watching her, offering suggestions, and if hands-on help is necessary, putting your hands over hers. That way she can feel what your are doing, and gain confidence. Getting the baby latched on correctly and then walking away never did anybody any good.
I thought it was a bit strange that this book emphasized sitting-up straight as important in helping the baby get a good mouthful and avoiding the breast pulling-away. This is because I had recently read an article advocating "laid-back breastfeeding." Also known as "Biological Nurturing," this approach is based on the primitive neonatal reflexes (PNR); they found that the very same PNR that were uncoordinated and generally unhelpful (head shaking, leg cycling, arm thrashing) when the mother was in some positions, became smooth and effective reflexes that help establish a good latch when the mother was in a laid-back position. I also appreciated the suggestion of using a band of soft material tied about the neck and looped under the breast, giving extra support for large breasts. That way both hands are free to support the newborn to take the breast. Apparently, this has been a traditional practice among some Native Americans.
I enjoyed learning about how milk composition changes from foremilk (high in volume and protein, low in fat and calories) to hindmilk (low in volume, high in calories). It's kind of like dessert, and it makes sense why it is important to let babies decide when they are full themselves instead of timing feeds. I hope I can remember their explanation about colostrum and why no supplementation is necessary - it seems to be a common misconception, especially with the Amish, that formula, water, tea, or even juice, should be given while waiting for your milk to come in.
The basic steps towards an effective latch:
1. Really take time to calm yourself and your baby. Make sure you are comfortable and in a good position.
2. Hold your baby tucked in close and turned towards you. Support her whole body (especially from her head to her bottom), keeping her head, neck and back almost in a straight line (her head can be slightly tilted back). You can either support using the inside of your forearm (on the same side) or your opposite hand and arm to cradle his shoulders, neck and the base of his head.
3. As you prepare, hold her so that her nose is opposite your nipple when her mouth is closed; that way her lower jaw will be pressed against your breast once she's on.
4. Brush her lips lightly against your nipple, waiting for her to open wide before you move your baby quickly on to the breast (not your breast to the baby). Make sure she gets a good, deep mouthful, not just the nipple. If any areola is showing, more should be beyond the baby's top than his bottom lip. The baby’s tongue should cover his lower gum while feeding; this protects your nipple, which lies safely in the back of the baby’s mouth.
5. Breastfeeding should not hurt, except for maybe the first few sucks. If it does, break the suction by slipping a finger in, take a few slow breaths, and try again to get a better attachment.
6. As the feed goes on, babies pause feeding now and then; allow him to keep on feeding on and off until he lets go of your breast on his own. Give him a short rest, e.g. change his diaper, and then offer the second side.
My favorite quote, found on pg. 217:
“Bottles, schedules, and the separation of mothers and babies are interventions in breastfeeding, in just the same way as inductions, the use of oxytocin in labor, and cesarean sections are interventions at birth.”
I thought it was a bit strange that this book emphasized sitting-up straight as important in helping the baby get a good mouthful and avoiding the breast pulling-away. This is because I had recently read an article advocating "laid-back breastfeeding." Also known as "Biological Nurturing," this approach is based on the primitive neonatal reflexes (PNR); they found that the very same PNR that were uncoordinated and generally unhelpful (head shaking, leg cycling, arm thrashing) when the mother was in some positions, became smooth and effective reflexes that help establish a good latch when the mother was in a laid-back position. I also appreciated the suggestion of using a band of soft material tied about the neck and looped under the breast, giving extra support for large breasts. That way both hands are free to support the newborn to take the breast. Apparently, this has been a traditional practice among some Native Americans.
I enjoyed learning about how milk composition changes from foremilk (high in volume and protein, low in fat and calories) to hindmilk (low in volume, high in calories). It's kind of like dessert, and it makes sense why it is important to let babies decide when they are full themselves instead of timing feeds. I hope I can remember their explanation about colostrum and why no supplementation is necessary - it seems to be a common misconception, especially with the Amish, that formula, water, tea, or even juice, should be given while waiting for your milk to come in.
The basic steps towards an effective latch:
1. Really take time to calm yourself and your baby. Make sure you are comfortable and in a good position.
2. Hold your baby tucked in close and turned towards you. Support her whole body (especially from her head to her bottom), keeping her head, neck and back almost in a straight line (her head can be slightly tilted back). You can either support using the inside of your forearm (on the same side) or your opposite hand and arm to cradle his shoulders, neck and the base of his head.
3. As you prepare, hold her so that her nose is opposite your nipple when her mouth is closed; that way her lower jaw will be pressed against your breast once she's on.
4. Brush her lips lightly against your nipple, waiting for her to open wide before you move your baby quickly on to the breast (not your breast to the baby). Make sure she gets a good, deep mouthful, not just the nipple. If any areola is showing, more should be beyond the baby's top than his bottom lip. The baby’s tongue should cover his lower gum while feeding; this protects your nipple, which lies safely in the back of the baby’s mouth.
5. Breastfeeding should not hurt, except for maybe the first few sucks. If it does, break the suction by slipping a finger in, take a few slow breaths, and try again to get a better attachment.
6. As the feed goes on, babies pause feeding now and then; allow him to keep on feeding on and off until he lets go of your breast on his own. Give him a short rest, e.g. change his diaper, and then offer the second side.
My favorite quote, found on pg. 217:
“Bottles, schedules, and the separation of mothers and babies are interventions in breastfeeding, in just the same way as inductions, the use of oxytocin in labor, and cesarean sections are interventions at birth.”
July 17, 2018
Case studies were ok. The best bit was the advice that it's called "Breast feeding not nipple feeding!"
March 9, 2010
This was another very repetitive self-help book - the basic advice repeated over and over was make sure your positioning is good. There was some other helpful info, but not enough to require a 200 page book. A summary probably would have sufficed to give me all the info I needed. It didn't help possibly that the edition was 1990 (got it from the library), so some of the info was no longer topical.
July 22, 2023
I found a copy of this book at a used bookstore while pregnant with my first child. It was the only breastfeeding book I could find. I remember it was very easy to read and so reassuring. For some reason I thought breast feeding to be a daunting task likely because my own mother did not have success with nursing. This book gave breastfeeding a new light.
When my little one finally arrived, I felt so prepared and confident in how it was all done. I was even excited to feed him. I had him take to the breast within no time. We had very little issues if any other than sore nipples the first few days... Which was NO FUN and the pain made me want to quit but I recalled the book's underlying message of 'just preserver and it will get easier'.
A lactation expert who visited me a few hours after I gave birth told me I would probably not have success breast feeding because my nipple shape and I should invest in bottles (extremely discouraging for a first time mom) but I stuck with it, used all the info I found in this book to troubleshoot, position myself and the baby and probably the most important bit: to relax. My son is two now and we are still nursing and he has never had a bottle or formula.
I've kept this book in my library for when I am expecting again so if I run into any issues with feeding, I can look to this book for advise! Or maybe it'll be a gift to a friend found expecting :) I recommend it.
When my little one finally arrived, I felt so prepared and confident in how it was all done. I was even excited to feed him. I had him take to the breast within no time. We had very little issues if any other than sore nipples the first few days... Which was NO FUN and the pain made me want to quit but I recalled the book's underlying message of 'just preserver and it will get easier'.
A lactation expert who visited me a few hours after I gave birth told me I would probably not have success breast feeding because my nipple shape and I should invest in bottles (extremely discouraging for a first time mom) but I stuck with it, used all the info I found in this book to troubleshoot, position myself and the baby and probably the most important bit: to relax. My son is two now and we are still nursing and he has never had a bottle or formula.
I've kept this book in my library for when I am expecting again so if I run into any issues with feeding, I can look to this book for advise! Or maybe it'll be a gift to a friend found expecting :) I recommend it.
March 7, 2019
This book was helpful- but as others have said, it was simple and repetitive. I enjoyed reading the stories of individual women, and the photos were very helpful. A fast, easy read because it was the same three things over and over. Great for someone who wants info but without doing a lot of reading and research.
June 6, 2019
Great, practical, step by step advice (if a little outdated).
August 13, 2019
Very straightforward and encouraging how-to! I will say it was more helpful to learn from a lactation consultant than from a book, at least for me.
March 8, 2021
lots of practical advise, diagrams and easy to reference and read, but super dogmatic and too much pressure
August 1, 2025
Old-school, helpful & informative
→ 4 stars
→ 4 stars
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April 30, 2016What a lovely book! So straight-forward. I think it would have been useful to me as a first-time mom; maybe even the second or third time around.
However, I would like to recognize a bit more ambiguity in my work with mothers than this book allows.
"Breastfeeding should never hurt, and if it does, it means you're doing it wrong," is one of the basic messages. That may be thoughtful, honest, intelligent, but I'm not sure it's necessary or kind. My own experience of breastfeeding the first time around was that it did hurt, a lot, for at least 6 weeks. And sometimes after that for another 6 weeks or so. I probably was doing some things wrong. But what I was doing right was persisting, getting to know my baby, working with him, telling him and myself we could do it . . .. In retrospect it would have been nice to know that his latch was lazy, I had a mild over-supply, and block feeding would help tremendously. On the other hand, I probably would not have listened if anyone had told me these things. For whatever reason, I believe he and I needed to work it out together, learning how to do it together. It was in some way part of our bonding process. And we made it.
My hope in working with mothers is to encourage their learning process as new mothers - whatever that includes. Simple, clear advice from me is good, and I should know the facts such as they are. But I never want to forget that the mother and baby's nursing relationship is not mine. It's theirs. And I am only incidental to it.
However, I would like to recognize a bit more ambiguity in my work with mothers than this book allows.
"Breastfeeding should never hurt, and if it does, it means you're doing it wrong," is one of the basic messages. That may be thoughtful, honest, intelligent, but I'm not sure it's necessary or kind. My own experience of breastfeeding the first time around was that it did hurt, a lot, for at least 6 weeks. And sometimes after that for another 6 weeks or so. I probably was doing some things wrong. But what I was doing right was persisting, getting to know my baby, working with him, telling him and myself we could do it . . .. In retrospect it would have been nice to know that his latch was lazy, I had a mild over-supply, and block feeding would help tremendously. On the other hand, I probably would not have listened if anyone had told me these things. For whatever reason, I believe he and I needed to work it out together, learning how to do it together. It was in some way part of our bonding process. And we made it.
My hope in working with mothers is to encourage their learning process as new mothers - whatever that includes. Simple, clear advice from me is good, and I should know the facts such as they are. But I never want to forget that the mother and baby's nursing relationship is not mine. It's theirs. And I am only incidental to it.
April 17, 2008
I was worried that I wouldn't be able to relate or "get" the book without a baby to practice its techniques on, but this is an awesome book! It's like a textbook on how to feed your child, complete with mini quizzes mid-chapter to make sure you're following along. It talks about the mechanics of how to breastfeed successfully as well why breastfeeding is different and better than bottle feeding. I highly recommend it to any novice, expert, or someone curious about the subject.
January 23, 2011
Yes it is repetitive, and yes it is preachy about the no-drugs birth (am I supposed to feel guilty that I had to have an emergency c-section?)
Otherwise the info presented is very good especially for first time moms or breast feeders or anyone who's has trouble with it in the past. Definitely recommended for a good reference.
Otherwise the info presented is very good especially for first time moms or breast feeders or anyone who's has trouble with it in the past. Definitely recommended for a good reference.
June 6, 2019
This is a must-read for first time moms and offers a great overview of breastfeeding. There wasn't much in it I haven't learned through experience (4 months nursing) or from a lactation consultant but would have been great to read while I was pregnant. The diagrams and photos are helpful for understanding the mechanics of it all and common errors women make.
October 20, 2008
For anyone who is considering breastfeeding their children, this is a must read. It gave me 100% confidence that I would be able to do it successfully. I learned so much and prize the information that I now have.
January 2, 2010
This was also a good comprehensive guide to breastfeeding- a little less wordy and less personal stories than Ina May;s- but a quicker read with good pics and illustrations. The cover photo kills me- so sweet!
July 30, 2016
A simple how-to. Yes, it's a little preachy and repetitive, but the diagrams seem like they will be helpful -- I may copy some of them to take to the hospital. The proof is in the pudding, though -- will this book help me when I need it?
July 23, 2012
I can't say this is the most helpful breastfeeding book...there are others that are more thorough in coverage, with better illustrations and better written. Stick to Ina May's book or the LLL's Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and you can't go wrong.
December 16, 2007
Love it! How can you not love a book with such fabulous, helpful, reassuring photographs. Wish I would have had it 3 years ago.
January 25, 2008
This is a great help for breastfeeding mothers, and those who would like to become one.
March 16, 2010
Great book, one to keep and refer back to if I have any problems. Lots of illustrations and an easy, quick read (big font!).
November 18, 2010
(Non-Fiction Breastfeeding) Compared to Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Nursing Mother's Companion, this book just didn't match up.
May 17, 2012
Very readable, but a little dated information on breastfeeding
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July 26, 2013Great read.
August 6, 2013
This is the best breast-feeding book I read while pregnant. It was not overwhelming or too detailed like the others. I recommend this book to all my new mom friends and family.
June 21, 2014
I got everything I needed in one section of chapter 2, but it gave me the confidence to breastfeed all three of my children successfully thanks to that advice.
February 22, 2008
Useful. Good presentation. Not preachy. I particularly liked all the illustrations and diagrams.
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December 19, 2017I read a few different breastfeeding books, and compared to the others which I found really helpful, I didn't find it necessary to invest my time into finishing this book- I can't remember exactly why.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews