Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage

Our baby boy is due in a few months, so I knew I wanted to pick up a breastfeeding book to read through well before his birthday. I really loved the reviews for this book and also loved that this book was published more recently. I was also looking at "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", but since I had read that one when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter (10 years ago) I was worried it wouldn't be as updated. You would think that parenting books would never really age, but with how much times are changing I just felt better having more "updated" information. I was very happy to see that this book was also very light/thin. I am already reading pregnancy and baby's first year books that are as big as a dictionary (and all include some small information about breastfeeding as well) , so I was happy that I wouldn't be spending months on this particular book alone. I just wanted a small book full of the most important and needed information on the topic. And this book delivers! I read through it all in less than a week (also reading other parenting books, so others could most likely read this all in a day or two). I highly recommend reading through this book cover to cover before baby arrives (especially if you are a first time mom) and then when baby arrives use it to flip through to certain parts that you need for your particular situation, if needed. It has a lot of information that is good to know before starting your breastfeeding journey. That way if you happen upon an issue you already have some information about what may be wrong and can easily flip back to that part of the book and troubleshoot. It is also helpful when you need to talk to a lactation consultant or your child's pediatrician about a possible issue. This way you have an idea of what help you might need already and can spend the appointment time troubleshooting/finding solutions rather than spending the entire appointment trying to figure what the problem may be. The best part about this book and what set it apart from many other breastfeeding books is that the reviews and the book itself says that it takes a non-judgmental stand when it comes to your decision to breast or bottle feed and for how long. I had issues with breastfeeding in the past with my other three children and didn't last as long as I wanted to due to other circumstances, so I didn't want to feel shamed by a book if I happen to not breastfeed exclusively for the 1-2 years that most medical professionals suggest. And this author fully understands that everyone's situation is different and some might not be able to breastfeed for as long or at all. So if you are still trying to decide if breastfeeding is for you or if you are trying to hang in there and are just not sure if it is right anymore you don't have to worry about judgement from this book. It even includes stories from other breastfeeding moms who have to supplement with formula or donor milk. Aside from breastfeeding it also devotes a chapter to pumping (for working parents or others who might want to only pump and bottle feed or for NICU parents), introducing solids and transitioning from breastfeeding. It is a light read, but has a lot of useful information!

If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby, then Latch is the book for you!I read it as part of the list of books to complete for my postpartum doula certification and I liked it so much that is now part of my personal library so the families I support can borrow it.Is quick and easy to read. Covers everything you need to know about breastfeeding prior to actually sitting down and breastfeeding. I love that it gives you the basics for every stage of breastfeeding in a non-judgmental and fact based sort of way.Plus, it leaves you feeling empowered because it does not overwhelm you with information that you don’t need to know while pregnant.

I totally bombed breastfeeding my first son, and I want to do better with the next. Anxiety, not having a support group, just failing left and right with something that should be natural made me not breastfeed as long as I wanted to. I already read the book, and I plan to keep it with me during the hours of difficulty and stress this time around.Nothing too surprising... but all good information. A quick read which is nice for either a mom or a new mom.I also read "The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality", which I highly recommend. It is true in American culture when are as supported and valued as a mother, and even though a lot in this book might not be suitable and accessible easily, it will give a lot of ideas to think of for your new mommy future.

I love that this book isn't the size of 15th century Bible, but it has most of the basic information.Quite too long chapter about going back to work for me, but I suppose that's a personal preference.

My mother bought this book for me after giving birth. I was having difficulty producing enough milk. The author covered the information in depth (starting with the stages of breast feeding including pregnancy, milk production, feeding an infant, returning to work and weaning). Some of the most helpful tips for me were:-Breastfeeding mothers need about 500 more calories a day for a total of 2,000 calories and also need to drink plenty of water. This includes eating a snack and drinking water while pumping.-Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. Breastfeed frequently in order to increase milk supply and pump for 15 minutes afterwards.-The most common herbal recommendations are fenugreek, goat’s rue, blessed thistle, moringa, alfalfa, and shatavari. (Although the book did not go into detail about these supplements, I was then able to research them more and order a supplement off of amazon).-Eat lactogenic foods including oats, barley, leafy green vegetables, almonds, cashews, brewer’s yeast, fennel, and beets. (I would notice an increase in my milk supply on the days I would eat some of these foods).Other topics covered were: cracked nipples, engorgement, plugged ducts, thrush, mastitis, and latching issues(and more).I would recommend this book to anyone considering or who is breastfeeding. I have already bought this for a couple of friends who have asked me for breastfeeding advice. I would have felt more prepared if I had read this book prior to delivery. If you are going to pick just one book to read covering everything you need to know about breastfeeding, choose this one!

I bought this when my first born was 11 months old and I still found it extremely educational and useful. Hats off to the writer who made this so quick for busy moms to read, yet also chock full of illuminating insights, helpful tips, and plenty of resources for future exploration. Wish there were more books out there like this - quick reads that satisfy what knowledge you’re looking to gain - pertaining to other aspects of motherhood!

I really enjoyed this book, it taught me a lot about breast feeding as a first time mother. After reading this I felt so much better and felt so much more comfortable with my journey breast feeding. I would absolutely recommend buying this book if you plan on breast feeding.

It's very shallow - it didn't solve my problems that I had during the first weeks.I would suggest to look at more reliable book.

This book really helped me learn about a lot about breastfeeding; its and easy read has great illustrations and tables making it easy to follow. I read it whilst pregnant and i referred back to it many times during early months of postpartum

Read it in three hours while I was in the worst part of breastfeeding and scared I'd have to stop. Best part is the illustrations and tips for how to get comfortable nursing, and also the confidence building explanations of what normal looks and feels like as breastfeeding continues.