Book Review:
The Breastfeeding Book
The Breastfeeding
Book
Martha Sears, RN and William Sears, MD
Little Brown, 2000
Available from LLLI, 900-7, $14.95
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 37 No.
1, February-March 2001, p. 14
Reviewed by
Beth Moscov
Boulder Creek, California, USA
One of the most prolific
writing teams in the world of parenting books has written another one.
This time, Martha and William Sears have written The Breastfeeding
Book.
This book focuses on breastfeeding
from birth to weaning. Addressing this broad topic, the book includes
chapters on getting started, common concerns, nutrition and fitness,
a consumers' guide to breastfeeding products, the father's role in breastfeeding,
nighttime breastfeeding, special needs, and toddler nursing. As in past
books by the Sears', the writing style is accessible and the book is
possible to read in small sections (an advantage to mothers of babies
and small children). The information on choosing a breast pump, pumping
at work, milk storage guidelines, and other helpful tips, is very useful
considering the number of mothers who return to work while continuing
to breastfeed. The portrayal of breastfeeding as much more than simply
a feeding method makes this book appropriate to LLL Group Libraries
and members.
An important consideration
when contemplating this book for Group Libraries is whether or not it
adds something that THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING does not. Many
of the same topics are covered in both books. However, the books may
complement each other because topics are often covered in different
ways and styles. This may broaden the array of mothers who can be reached
as the varying styles may appeal to different mothers. This book might
do best in a Group Library that already has a few different general
books on breastfeeding and which the Leaders are looking to expand the
selection.
Some of the best reasons
to read this book include the excellent description of how to get the
baby latched on, as well as signs of whether or not the baby is actually
latched on. There is a small chart called "Nipple Nuisances" on pages
30 and 31. In "Nipple Nuisances" the authors present a list of various
problems with latch-on and ways to correct them. As many Leaders find
they are looking for more ideas on explaining a good latch-on, this
section in particular is useful. In addition, there is a nice presentation
on fat and cholesterol and the importance of each to babies. So much
media attention has been given to their reduction that many mothers
may not realize that babies need cholesterol and fat in much higher
percentages than adults.
Ultimately, The Breastfeeding
Book is a warm, fact-filled, "feel-good" book. Just as in past books
by William and Martha Sears, it presents information in an accessible
way, especially for new mothers who may only have a few minutes at a
time to read. Many mothers who have read other Sears' books will find
the writing style familiar. And it always helps to have a doctor's view
when we feel the need to support our parenting choices to others. Dr.
and Mrs. Sears have done it again!
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:31:58 UTC 2007.
