'An absolutely fabulous book' Cathy Monaghan, senior paediatric dietitian
'A much-needed resource for parents' Sheena Byrom, OBE, midwife
A modern guide to breastfeeding your baby
This easy-to-follow illustrated book takes you through the joy and challenges of breastfeeding, from preparing while pregnant to starting to feed your baby.
With empathetic and caring language, the author - a breastfeeding counsellor - deals with key issues like feeding frequency, latching, mastitis, and cracked nipples.
Uniquely, Practical Breastfeeding represents women and birthing people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, abilities, and gender identities.
It puts a particular focus on the emotional well-being and mental health of mothers, topics often overlooked by other breastfeeding books. With endorsements from breastfeeding consultants, Practical Breastfeeding is the only book you need if you are about to start breastfeeding or if you have encountered problems while breastfeeding.
Expert help
Caoimhe Whelan is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) working in private practice in Dublin, Ireland. Prior to qualifying, she was a voluntary breastfeeding supporter with Cuidiu (the Irish equivalent of the National Childbirth Trust) for eight years. In her 15-plus years of volunteering and working in private practice, she has been passionate about supporting parents.
Reviews
'Practical Breastfeeding is an outstanding and much-needed resource for today's parents. In a world saturated with conflicting advice and often unrealistic portrayals of early parenthood, Caoimhe Whelan offers a breath of fresh air: evidence-based, compassionate, and beautifully accessible guidance. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a mother of three, Caoimhe brings both professional expertise and personal insight to every page. It is an essential addition to the modern library of parenthood.' Sheena Byrom, OBE, midwife, co-owner of All4Maternity and The Practising Midwife Journal
'My first thought when I saw this book was: "Wow, this is beautiful!" As a 36-year-old breastfeeding mother of two, I have never come across illustrations that reflected me and my life so honestly, capturing both the rawness and beauty of motherhood. The book is easy to read and visually enjoyable. It's grounded, supportive and filled with genuinely helpful information. This would make a wonderful gift for anyone who's pregnant or has a baby, toddler, or older child who's still breastfeeding.' Tessa Clemson, Pregnancy and Mummy and Baby Yoga Instructor
'Beautifully laid out in easy-to-follow sections, and completely evidence-based without the dryness that can make books a hard read. I don't think I've seen a breastfeeding book this engaging before, and I think new mums and parents would really appreciate it too.' - Jan Eyde, IBCLC, Breastfeeding Norfolk
'This is an absolutely fabulous book. It covers everything and it is so wonderfully inclusive in every possible way. It has a beautiful uplifting feel about it and balances the benefits with the struggles so beautifully - I think any mum would feel empowered after reading it and know that it is OK to find it hard, but know that it will pass. The illustrations are great - I giggled at the social media breastfeeding yogi!' - Cathy Monaghan, Senior Paediatric Dietitian
'This book is amazing! The illustrations are beautiful, the language is so inclusive, and it covers everything you might want to know about breastfeeding, from conception right through to birth, weaning and sleep. The book is just so stunning. It explains everything so well. If you are looking for a book to buy as a gift or for yourself, that talks about everything to do with breastfeeding, then this is for you.' - Ciara Butler, IBCLC, Midwife, Nurse
