Breastfeeding, Take Two (Book Review)

When I was pregnant with my first child I wanted to breastfeed. My family members had not even tried to nurse a child so I was pretty much alone in the wonders of "how" to nurse successfully. I didn't even think it would be hard, your body is made to do this... how hard can it be?

I did not "succeed" my first time round. I think I cried for weeks thinking I had completely failed as a mother.

When I came across a book call Breastfeeding, Take Two.. I was instantly drawn to it. My second time attempting to breastfeeding was wonderful (after the initial 6 weeks) I knew that I needed to share this book with everyone.

Breastfeeding, Take Two: Successful Breastfeeding the Second Time Around is a new book aimed at mothers who have had previous challenges breastfeeding and who want to breastfeeding their next baby. The book focuses on the emotions surrounding breastfeeding, the social and medical interventions that make breastfeeding difficult, and information and advice needed to help make breastfeeding work the second time around.

The joy of a new pregnancy can quickly be replaced with worry and fear over the prospects of trying to breastfeed the second time around. This book helps to examine those emotions and position you for a more positive breastfeeding experience.

"Our decision to breastfeed, and our ability to breastfeed, are two of the most interfered-with aspects of childrearing, and we as mothers are for the most part unaware of this reality.”

Breastfeeding is a biologically expected activity. It is, for many women, a relationship that is deeply desired, a relationship that is deeply emotional. To lose that relationship is to lose something very real, something that has value and purpose and meaning.

Our biology wants us to breastfeed, wants our babies to breastfeed, but what we experience is a separation between what is biologically expected and what is socially accepted. Breastfeeding, Take Two examines this separation between biology and society and the balance that new mothers seek to find between the two. Written for women who have had previous breastfeeding challenges and who want to successfully breastfeed their next baby, Breastfeeding, Take Two will:

• empower you to trust your body again, and the power it holds

• help you redefine what successful breastfeeding looks like

• examine the emotional side of breastfeeding

• discuss the societal and medical interventions that can affect breastfeeding share information and to help heal form the loss of your first breastfeeding relationship and position yourself for a successful experience the second time around.

Written by a mother of two who has first-hand knowledge of both the challenges and successes of breastfeeding, Breastfeeding, Take Two is part memoir, part self-help, and part social debate. Take a step towards regaining the balance between your biology and society and create a positive, successful breastfeeding experience for yourself— and your baby—the second time around.

I remember after having my 2nd child I so desperately wanted to nurse him. My first experience 2 years earlier didn't work out the way I had planned it, I know first hand how difficult it is to want to breastfeed and try to breastfeed and feel as though I had failed. After reading the book, you find a new confidence in yourself and know that the struggles of breastfeeding a baby is all around. I enjoyed how the book helps you move past the your emotions of possibly not "successfully" breastfeeding a child and helping you gain trust again within yourself to successfully nurse you next child.

This book is wonderfully written. Informative without being overwhelming. Nursing is real life, there are ups and downs, challenging times and wonderful moments, she really helps you understand the emotional issues that can be branded on mothers. Even if you haven't even tried nursing a baby but want to, this is a great read for new mommies and experienced ones alike.

BUY IT!! You can purchase this book online through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. $19.95

*I was given a copy of Breastfeeding,Take Two to conduct this review. No other compensation was given.