The Food of Love: Your Formula for Successful Breastfeeding

by Kate Evans

Written by the author of 'Funny Weather', this book presents a different approach to the traditional breastfeeding guide. Suitable for new mothers, it contains artwork and information needed to breastfeed successfully, together with some honest discussions about the realities of childcare.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Health

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2008

Reviews

[Amity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on breastfeeding I've ever read. A friend who has always raved about it loaned it to me and from the moment I started reading I was hooked. I expected a light-hearted book on breastfeeding with funny drawings to accompany it but did not expect the masterful way Evans combined a conversational, funny, encouraging, matter-of-face tone with well-researched and usefully laid-out factual information complete with, yes, funny cartoons but also helpful diagrams and drawings of different positions, latches, postures, etc..

There were a few niggles here and there -- it was a bit heteronormative and veering on judgey with regards to co-sleeping -- but overall it is a fantastic resource book with the added bonus of being very funny and conversational. I will be sad to return this copy to my friend as I tried to buy it online and it seems to be completely out of stock, everywhere! When I get my hands on (two!) copies, I will be loaning it out to all my doula clients and breastfeeding friends.

[Fi's Journey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I loved the book and the author is hilarious.

Great information about breasteeding and more related topics towards children, parenting and raising a toddler. I found it a very informative yet entertaining and interesting read.

I definitely recommend this to every mother-to-be plus you get to see some fun and hilarious illustrations, which make it an even better read!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious but helpful look at breastfeeding. Bear in mind it's great info mixed with one woman's opinion. The cartoons and her tongue-in-cheek style make for a light read for that first week. An added plus is that it flops open in front of you -- for when feeding takes two hands.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another example that proves that if it has words, I will read it. Will I ever breastfeed again? Unlikely. Will I read a funny book full of ridiculous cartoon babies? Heck yeah.

[Edel Ryder-hanrahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is it that every book on breastfeeding spends a huge percentage battering you over the head with the reasons it's A. Good. Thing. I mean, if you've bought a book on breastfeeding, you're already converted to the good reasons for doing it - I was looking for facts and information, not anecdata and brow-beating.

Anyway, this was high on opinion, low on facts. Worse than that, it was pretty sexist and heavy-handed in terms of assumed gender roles.

I enjoyed the initial chapters and the illustrations, but the rating dropped and dropped as I progressed through it.

I can't say I learned anything from it - other than reaffirming that society thinks baby-rearing is down to those perceived as female and that menfolk are useless caricatures who should be lauded if they do so much as change a nappy. Apparently you should look to your sisters and aunts for help before the father of your child!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book was too long and repetitive at times, encouraging breastfeeding to the point where you just want to yell “I got it! Now cut to the chase!”, it is an informative read, answering many of the questions and concerns you might have regarding breastfeeding (Am I producing enough milk? How do I know that my baby is getting enough? How should I hold her? How much work really is it? — A LOT — Will my boobs sag too much? What could this one symptom mean?) and some other things you probably would not expect to find in this book. I found the section on child discipline (“Beat him when he sneezes”) a valuable surprise.

Fun fact: after a 4-days breastfeeding break, breast milk will turn salty.

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the moment I am giving this 3 stars, as I have not yet tried anything in the book, being pre-baby. However, once baby comes I hope to update my review. As a pre-mum I liked the relaxed tone of this book, many baby books seem to be a bit angsty to me- breast feeding is obviously quite a relaxing thing judging by this. Looking forward to it now!

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amamentar vai muito além de alimentar um filho. É um acto de amor puro. Este livro repleto de humor mas cientificamente consolidado é simplesmente perfeito. Aconselho a todas as grávidas, mães, familiares e possíveis interessados no assunto. É uma verdadeira jóia!

[Katie Stucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the breastfeeding info and illustrations. She lost me when she started pontificating on other aspects of parenting. A quarter of the book is attachment parenting drivel but the rest is good.

[Daisy Souster · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great lighted read for expecting Mums. Take everything with a pinch of salt. I loved this book because it wasn’t too serious, the narrations are fab and it’s funny!

[Amy aka Books, Bakes and Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - I love how Kate puts the information across in a fun and supportive way. Recommend to anyone expecting a baby, especially those interested in breastfeeding.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a funny, cute book on breastfeeding. She does provide references, but bear in mind that many parts are her experience and her opinions (e.g. she thinks of breastfeeding as a part of attachment parenting). With that in mind, I did learn a thing or two and find some references she cited that I looked up myself. All with some very entertaining cartoons mixed in.

As a side note, I found this book helpful to read while pumping at work. Some of the other moms have left breastfeeding books behind, and this is one that just would help me find that zone within a minute or two. Even the parts that I disagreed with.

[Safa Bowskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an accessible book for anyone thinking of, struggling with or enjoying breastfeeding! Packed full of useful information about how to feed, the benefits of feeding and practical tips on parenting. I wish every mum to be could read this! Will be recommending to all of my pregnant friends :)

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It presented breastfeeding and mothering in general in a completely non-judgmental and factual way. Definitely recommend it to new moms.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have loved to have this when I was a new mom; it's smart, funny, political, and you could hold it with one hand while nursing a baby!

[Angela Eschler · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny, interesting, but fantastic info---you get the holistic scoop a lot of other books don't cover. good info on herbs and problems.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best quote, imho, "They're not stretchmarks, they're flames of creation!"

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this book -- lighthearted, supportive, honest, and reassuring. And full of great advice. It will be my go-to baby shower gift!

[Steph H. Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone wanting to breast feed or a current or previous breast feeder. Really empowering and has so much vital information but told in a fun and accesible way.

[LRS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and practical