The Nursing Mother’s Companion 6th edition by Kathleen Huggins, RN, is the 25th edition of the book. I had purchased it from a used bookstore on our anniversary / baby moon vacation and was looking forward to reading it as I’m hoping to feed our baby through breastfeeding and pumping over formula.
As a nurse, Kathleen gives lots and lots of medical information in a way that is easy to understand, yet is very firm in her conviction. The information on formula is very detailed and negative. While I am hoping to not use formula, I could see where this definitive rejection of using it even as a supplement may be a turn off to some readers.
Kathleen includes lots of information on breast feeding babies including hokds, timing and problem solving and information strategies for babies with special circumstances including premature babies, babies with a cleft palette, babies with Downs Syndrome and twins. There is even information on how adoptive mothers can, with help of their doctors breast feed.
The book gives methodical information and has chapters based on the baby’s age including informative chapters all about baby’s first week. Though Kathleen does repeat herself a bit to drive her points home, there is lots of good information.
One of my favorite sections is the reviews of breast pumps including pictures, descriptions and prices and rental costs for those that tend to be available only for rent. I truly wish I had the most recent 2015 7th edition as the pricing information of the 2010 book is likely very out of date.
Rating – four baby booties out of five
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 