Many important studies have been published over the past decade proving what Mother Nature has known about infant feeding all along: breast milk is the healthiest source of sustenance for newborn babies (it's also the most affordable).  Scientific research supports the benefits of breastfeeding, from the many nutritional benefits of breast milk on the immune system, to the psychological nurturing that occurs between mother and baby when nursing.

New mothers need access to reliable information on the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as resources to help them with difficulties that may arise.  From engorgement to low milk supply, plugged ducts to an overactive letdown, a new vocabulary must be learned, as well as a greater knowledge of biology.  And don't be surprised if you find yourself marveling over the many awesome functions performed by a new mother's body.  Speaking from personal experience, I know just how difficult things can get and how out of control those early days spent with a newborn baby can feel if feeding problems arise.  After thousands of dollars spent on four separate lactation experts, it wasn't until my baby was five weeks old that I learned he had something called a tight frenulum.  In English, this means the delicate piece of tissue attaching his tongue to the floor of his mouth was too short (or tight) to allow him to extend his tongue into the proper position to latch.  I also had something called Reynauds Syndrome or nipple vasospasms, an incredibly painful condition about which I will spare you the details.  But trust me on this one: pain is an understatement. 

The point I am trying to make is you need to be prepared for strange and mysterious breastfeeding complications, which hopefully won't, but may, happen to you too.  If you plan to breastfeed, learn as much as you can about the experience and be sure to have a back up plan if difficulties arise.  I can't tell you how many mothers I know who gave up breastfeeding after a short time because they were not prepared to deal with complications – common problems that can be addressed fairly directly with the right guidance and support.  If your dream is to breastfeed, do your best to make that dream come true. Educate yourself about the process and know where to turn should you need help.  Remember, there's no need to be afraid or to expect that you'll have problems, but there is great peace of mind in being prepared. 

Below is a list of excellent resources to support breastfeeding mothers, including written materials, support groups, and videos.  And keep in mind many hospitals have lactation centers with experts on hand to help you get started.  Use these services!  Lactation experts have been formally trained to diagnose and treat infant feeding problems and, in many cases, hold a bachelor's, master's, nursing, or even PhD degree in lactation.  If you find you need additional support at home, ask your hospital lactation center, midwife, or doula for a referral to a local lactation expert or check the web for lactation support services in your area. 

Breastfeeding Books
  • Huggins, Kathleen. The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition. Harvard Common Press: 2005.
  • Cadwell, Karin. 100 Questions & Answers About Breastfeeding. Jones And Bartlett: 2008.
  • Kedrowski, Karen M., Breastfeeding Rights in the United States. Praeger: 2008.
  • Kendall-Tackett, Kathleen & Nancy Mohrbacher. Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers. New Harbinger Publications: 2005.
  • La Leche League International. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition. Plume: 2004.
  • Newman, Jack & Teresa Pitman. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers Revised and Updated: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America. Three Rivers Press: 2006.
  • Rubin, Stacey H. The ABCs of Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom Needs to Know For a Happy Nursing Experience. AMACOM: 2008
  • Sears, Martha & William Sears. The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning. Little, Brown and Company: 2000.
  • West, Diana. The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk. McGraw-Hill: 2009.

Why Breastfeed?  Links:

Benefits of Breastfeeding: U.S. Breastfeeding Committee 
http://usbreastfeeding.org/Issue-Papers/Benefits.pdf
Breastfeeding Benefits From Top to Bottom 
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020300.asp
How Breastfeeding Benefits You and Your Baby 
http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-breastfeeding-benefits-you-and-your-baby_8910.bc
Quantifying the Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Summary of the Evidence 
http://www.paho.org/English/AD/FCH/BOB-Main.htm
Top 10 reasons to breastfeed 
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/breastfeedinginfo/tp/tpbfing.htm
Breastfeeding Web Sites
Breast is best
http://www.breast-feeding-information.com/
Breastfeeding online
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/
La leche league
http://www.llli.org/
Mothering magazine
www.mothering.com
Instructional Resources
Dr. Jack Newman's Visual Guide to Breastfeeding
http://www.drjacknewman.com
The Pump Station
http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstationLactation experts extraordinaire! Select the Resources tab for a wide selection of lactation information, including videos.