See how to enter to win one of three copies at the bottom of this post.
A few years ago I gave a talk to a class of nutrition students at a local university. One of the students asked, "What technological advances have been made in breastfeeding recently?"
I was stumped. Technological advances? Well, maybe pumps have gotten better, and some insights about breast physiology and about breastmilk are the result of technology, but really, nature had this one figured out long ago.
If I had to assign a theme to the 8th edition of the La Leche League classic, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, I think that this would be it. Many of the updates come from wonderful new research and documentation of babies and mothers' innate instincts. Baby-led breastfeeding and biological nurturing, to name a few.
This isn't just a minor updating of this classic book. It's a major rewrite, with some wonderful additions and changes:
1) Partners are in. This may sound funny, but the first thing I checked when I received an advance copy was whether the terminology regarding mothers' partners had changed. I was pleased to see that 'husband' had been changed to 'partner.' You may or may not see it this way, but I'd been bothered by the statement in the last edition: "we are convinced that breastfeeding and mothering progress more easily" in households with a husband, wife, and children. Not all nursing mothers are married or partnered. Many of the mothers I work with are partnered, and often legally married to, other women. I find this change to "partner" to be far more inclusive and respectful of the diversity of breastfeeding families.
2) "Technique" is out. The latch and positioning section has had a very significant revision, with a strong emphasis on baby-led and 'laid back breastfeeding.' This represents a departure from the way breastfeeding positions have traditionally been taught (cradle, cross cradle, football, etc.). In fact, the section that does mention these positions has an "if you must know" feel to it, and there is some rejoicing at the lack of a "list of instructions" for latching the baby on. At the risk of seeming behind the times, I have to say that I have mixed feelings about this. Obviously I only see mothers who are having problems, but I find that a more directive approach is almost always a life saver for moms having pain and latch difficulty. I do use a baby-led approach to initiate feedings, but I usually encourage moms to be pretty directive when the baby actually latches. I also know that there are many roads to the same destination, and I'm willing to give anything a try (though I'm not sure how we'll do a reclining position in a doctor's office). I guess I'm all for letting babies lead, as long as they don't lead you into a dark alley. Clarification: I just re-read this and realized that it makes it sound as if I'm not a big fan of baby led or laid back breastfeeding. I am. I've particularly found baby-led breastfeeding to be a wonderful approach, and I've seen it help a lot of moms, especially with breast refusal, nipple confusion, and weaning from nipple shields.
3) Breastfeeding begins with birth. There is a prominent focus on the relationship between birth and breastfeeding. This is timely given the current trend toward medicalization of childbirth, and because there is often little discussion of the effect of birthing practices on breastfeeding. The irony, of course, is that when the first, mimeographed edition of The Womanly Art was published, mothers were just starting to push back against twilight sleep and the wide use of obstetrical interventions. We've come full circle.
4) Modern concerns, new tools. In a nod to the realities of 21st century motherhood, this edition includes entire chapters on sleep and working and breastfeeding, as well as a section on exclusive pumping. There are new practical tools, such as a "tech support" section with quick reference information on topics like blebs, engorgement, and mastitis. There is a tear sheet toolkit with selected pieces of information moms are likely to refer to and might want on their refrigerators.
5) But it's still an art. Finally, acknowledging the current emphasis about the power of breastmilk, sometimes to the exclusion or dismissal of breastfeeding, there is an argument in this book for the art of breastfeeding. Put another way, this book, while integrating the best of modern technology, never strays from the breastfeeding relationship itself. Just like nature intended.
To enter to win one of three copies, leave a comment below by July 26, 2010. One entry per person, U.S. addresses only. Winner will be chosen using random.org, notified by email, and announced in the comments section. Book will be mailed by publisher. Please note: Winners who do not respond to email within 3 days forfeit prize, and alternate winners will be chosen.I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
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