“Moms can learn a lot of things crucial to breastfeeding, such as finding a comfortable and effective position, how often to feed, along with other things like what’s normal or abnormal for stools, weight gain, etc.,” says Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC, Lactation Director of Motif Medical who recommends reading a breastfeeding book before the baby arrives. Consider breastfeeding books that fit your needs, provides illustrations for easier understanding, and matches the tone you’re looking for. We carefully considered material, tone, value, and illustrations when reviewing products. Here are the best breastfeeding books available for nursing parents. Price at time of publication: $20 for paperback Price at time of publication: $18 for paperback Price at time of publication: $17 for paperback Price at time of publication: $25 for paperback Price at time of publication: $19 for paperback Price at time of publication: $20 for paperback Price at time of publication: $17 for paperback Price at time of publication: $44 for paperback
What to Look for in a Breastfeeding Book
A breastfeeding book can sometimes be more helpful than the internet or in-person advice, since parents can physically hold the book, flip to the topics of most interest, put the book down (hello crying newborn), and easily pick up where they left off. But not all breastfeeding books are for all people, so here’s what to consider when choosing for yourself.
Your Needs
Are you struggling with a specific part of breastfeeding or are you overwhelmed about the whole process? If you’ve got breastfeeding almost down pat, but are struggling with something like milk supply, it may be best to find a book that addresses that specific problem. However, if you’re caught up in your emotions and need further guidance, consider a more extensive guide. “Once we are sleep-deprived, anxious, or even urgent, it’s really difficult to take in new information that can be applicable in our situation," Georgakopoulos says. “A lot of obstacles that we face can be lessened, or even avoided, with a good foundation in breastfeeding education.”
Illustrations
Consider finding a book with helpful photos or illustrations. The images can be useful for applying the practices you’ve been reading about. Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.
Tone
If you’re looking for educational content but also a book to ease your worries, you may want a book with a more conversational tone. A book with personal anecdotes can help you feel empowered and understood as you move through your journey of learning how to breastfeed. Finally, Georgakopoulos reminds new parents that while a book is a useful tool, there are limitations. “If there is a present or foreseeable issue with the breastfeeding relationship and/or anything indicative of a health concern, it’s best to reach out [to a professional] as soon as possible,” she says.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year old daughter. Maya read a few parenting books, but didn’t have a breastfeeding specific one. With her first baby, she was ready to get out of the house and went to an in-person breastfeeding support group when her son was 4 weeks old. She still texts some of the friends she met in that group daily, travels with them and their families, and can’t believe they met each other with their boobs out. If you experience extreme pain or you have lots of difficulty getting your baby to latch, reach out to your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant. The may be able to see what the issue is and help you start nursing comfortably.
