Book Review: Practical Breastfeeding

Practical Breastfeeding: An Illustrated Guide for Parents lives up to its title, offering realistic and down-to-earth guidance for infant feeding during the early days of parenthood and beyond. The unique illustrations complement the author’s text seamlessly and inclusively throughout the entire book, visualising the author’s descriptions and conveying the realities of life with a newborn 24/7. The emphasis is not only on breastfeeding techniques but also on adjustment to parenthood, unrealistic expectations, coping mechanisms and support.

From the outset, the tone is understanding and free of judgement. The book covers all the key breastfeeding topics and common breastfeeding challenges such as the principles of milk production, positioning and latching, sore nipples, mastitis, plugged ducts and breast pain while also addressing more complex and multi-faceted experiences. There is thoughtful discussion about low milk supply – a topic the author has studied extensively– combination feeding, feeding with medical conditions, and situations in which breastfeeding may not go to plan. In all aspects, the author offers reassurance, options, and permission to adapt. The language and structure are inclusive—not only in terms of gender and family makeup, but also in recognising neurodiversity and language accessibility. The illustrations give the book a particular strength, making it a usable resource for parents whose first language is not English or for lactation consultants who work with parents who speak a different language or may experience learning difficulties. It is evident that the author was committed to including the latest evidence-based practices. However, since Practical Breastfeeding is primarily a guide for parents, formal references are not always provided within the text. Instead, additional resources are listed at the end. Practical Breastfeeding has not only been a team effort by Caoimhe Whelan and Lauren Rebeck, but also by Nicola O’Byrne, a fellow Irish IBCLC, who provided a chapter on milk expression and pumping. With so much expert input, the book truly is a valuable resource not only for parents but also for healthcare professionals working with lactating parents.

Reviewed by Regina Kincaid, IBCLC, editorial team member