This book from La Leche League International may be more expensive than other breastfeeding books, but it is the most comprehensive book about breastfeeding that I know of. Recommended for mothers and breastfeeding professionals alike, this is an extensive (almost 720 pages) guide that is crammed full of solutions, tips and guidelines. This book would make a wonderful shower gift for a pregnant friend.

3rd edition (January 1, 2003)

Also from LLLI:
Breastfeeding Your Adopted Baby
by Kathryn Anderson

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

Reader Reviews:
An extremely thorough text which answers all the questions., June 17, 1999

Reviewer: A reader from Reno, NV

This book is designed to educate and easily provide specific facts and information to the health professional and lay person who is interested in breastfeeding and finding their way through the process. The Breastfeeding Answer Book really answers all the questions and directs you to the appropriate resources for back up and more information. This is a permanent fixture in my library.  

The Nursing Mother's Companion Revised Edition
Kathleen Huggins

This is a very popular breastfeeding book with a well-organized format making it easy to look up different topics. The information ranges from common concerns like how to make sure an infant is getting enought milk and preventing sore nipples to more specific topics like night waking, and breastfeeding while working. Includes a rating of breast pumps and an appendix on medications and breastfeeding.

Hardback copy 5th edition (March 25, 2005)
Paperback copy 5th edition (March 05, 2005)

Reader Reviews: none at this time

Combining support and encouragement with hilarious antecdotes and great illustrations, this book is a comprehensive guide to breastfeeding for pregnant moms who are still deciding whether to breastfeed, or the mother who already is breastfeeding and may be having trouble. The book provides very in depth information about breastmilk and covers many breastfeeding situations from common to obscure. If you (or a friend) are pregnant and still on the fence about breastfeeding, you must read this book! A perfect blend of advocacy, solid information and attitude!

Reader Reviews: none at this time

A beautiful book, full of the gorgeous photography of Nancy Durrell McKenna. Great breastfeeding information and solid advocacy. The introduction provides a fascinating glance at the history of breastfeeding and an anthropological view of breastfeeding culture. Ms. Kitzinger is a strong advocate/activist for breastfeeding and is not soft spoken about her beliefs. For the mother who is not like-minded, this book might seem rather heavy handed at times, but for breastfeeding zealots such as myself Ms. Kitzinger's directness is a breath of fresh air. A worthy addition to your bookshelf.

Reader Reviews: none at this time

Nursing mothers that are looking for a book to help them justify their decision to wean early may want to find a different book. The authors provide strong arguments against early weaning and the book is full of information and support to help women continue breastfeeding through a multitude of situations that often lead to early weaning. I like this book for it's pro-active stance on breastfeeding, the honest information about the problems with formula and the history of early weaning in Western culture. You'll find this book a very helpful resource for successful breastfeeding and for countering the anti-extended nursing attitude that is still prevelant in our society. When you are ready to wean, you will find tips on methods like postponement, substitution, and distraction to help make weaning a positive and gentle experience.

Reader Reviews: none at this time

A wonderful source of support for nursing mothers who have decided to continue breastfeeding their child past the first year. Actually, I would also recommend it for mothers who haven't decided to (or even considered if they should) keep nursing their older baby. I would suggest reading it when your child is still an infant as it may enlighten you to the benefits of extended nursing and give you the strength, knowledge and motivation to keep on nursing instead of weaning. You'll find tons of information about nursing toddlers, weaning suggestions, stories from mothers, quotes from moms and nursing toddlers, how to deal with critisism from non-supportive friends and relatives, and much more.

Reader Reviews: none at this time

The authors have compiled a thorough exploration of the history and culture of breastfeeding and breast milk substitutes and an indepth analysis of the nutritional and immunological differences between breast milk and formula. The economic and political aspects are fascinating and even shocking, describing how formula manufacturers and corporate greed, the U.S government, sexism and many other factors have contributed to the currently low breastfeeding rates in the U.S. and the promotion of artificial baby milks in developing countries. A book for activists, advocates, health care professionals and above all, parents.

Reader Reviews: none at this time

An indispensible addition to the library of anyone who counsels breastfeeding mothers, this little red book can be used by nursing mothers as well though it is a bit technical at times. The medical community is (in general) woefully undereducated about the safety of medications and breastmilk. This often means that mothers who need to take medicine are told to wean their babies when it isn't neccessary. A copy of this book belongs in every doctor's office, pharmacy, and hospital. If you are a breastfeeding mother/advocate who has the money to spare, consider gifting your pediatricians office with this book. If you don't have the money (I sure don't!) consider strongly recommend this book to every doctor you visit.

Reader Reviews: none at this time