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5 Best Breastfeeding Books: 2024 Top Reads

Updated
Breastfeeding may be natural, but there's still a lot to learn.

Are you keen on learning all the ins and outs of breastfeeding?

Are you the type of person who likes to hold an actual book full of all the information you need without having to search it all out on the internet? Are you trying to avoid books by unreliable sources or those proven to offer poor advice?

If so, check out our list of best breastfeeding books. We’ve used these books ourselves, and thousands of other readers swear they’ve been helpful. They’ll be a trusted resource for you throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Our Top Picks

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Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Work. Pump. Repeat.
Best for Working Moms
Work. Pump. Repeat.
  • Covers everything about pumping
  • Entertaining content
  • Axiom Business Book Award Winner
Product Image of the The Nursing Mother's Companion - 7th Edition: The Breastfeeding Book Mothers...
Best for New Moms
Nursing Mother’s Companion
  • Thorough book
  • Credible author
  • Well-sectioned book
Product Image of the Ina May’s Guide To Breastfeeding
Best for Twins
Ina May’s Guide To Breastfeeding
  • Author is a midwife
  • Includes health benefits of breastfeeding
  • Includes information on twins
Product Image of the Working And Breastfeeding Made Simple
Best for Pumping
Working And Breastfeeding Made Simple
  • Covers both breastfeeding & pumping
  • Evidence-based insights
  • Addresses baby’s milk needs by age
Product Image of the Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk
Best for Exclusively Pumping
Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk
  • Encourages you to pump longer
  • Well-organized book
  • Covers every aspect of exclusive pumping

Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we prioritize providing you with well-researched and reliable information, ensuring that you can trust our analysis and assessment of the best breastfeeding books. Our hands-on experience, combined with expert evaluations and data-driven comparisons, helps us identify key decision-making factors and rate each book in those areas. We evaluate books from a user’s perspective, considering factors such as readability, practical advice, and expert insights. Our reviews discuss the design choices and their effect on readers, while highlighting what sets each book apart from its competitors. By sharing quantitative measurements of a book’s performance and first-hand supporting evidence, we make it easy for you to make an informed decision on the perfect breastfeeding book for your needs.



The Best Breastfeeding Books of 2024

Here are our favorite breastfeeding books.

Work. Pump. Repeat.

Best Breastfeeding Book for Working Moms

The book “Work. Pump. Repeat.” by Jessica Shortall will help moms balance their busy, demanding careers with their desire to give their baby the best nutritional start in life.

Shortall knows what she’s talking about as she’s a mother of two with a demanding career. When she was pumping for her children, she was traveling worldwide with her job with TOMS Shoes.

This book covers how to craft in-the-office pumping schedules and how to handle pumping if your job takes you on the road for a few days. Plus, it addresses the less-than-optimal pumping conditions many women face while at work. It shows you how to build a freezer stash and even how to handle uncomfortable situations with coworkers.

This book will help you realize that you can get through pumping at work, even if it’s not easy. Lots of women have been trailblazers in recent years, so you don’t have to choose between working and feeding your baby breast milk. This book will give you plenty of encouraging stories and details provided by working women.

Shortall’s conversational tone makes this book an easy and enjoyable read.

Pros

  • Entertained read.
  • Covers everything you’ll need to know about pumping at work.
  • Written by a woman who pumped while traveling globally — if she can do it, anyone can.

Cons

  • A bit heavy on the anecdotes and light on checklists.
  • Even though you’re busy, you might wish this book was a little longer than 208 pages.

Our Ratings

Information
4.5 / 5
Clarity
4.5 / 5
Expertise
4.5 / 5
Practicality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this book has been incredibly helpful, especially as a working mom planning to pump when returning to work. It provided practical tips, real-life stories, and a relatable tone that felt like a supportive friend cheering me on. I appreciated the honest discussions about potential challenges and the realistic goals it helped me set. The extensive resources and advice on navigating conversations with HR were valuable too. Reading this book not only put my mind at ease but also left me feeling confident and well-prepared for the journey ahead.

The Nursing Mother’s Companion

Best Breastfeeding Book for New Moms

Finally, a book that admits that breastfeeding isn’t instinctual. Women who feel they have been given mixed messages about breastfeeding will appreciate this book. Many of us have been told we’ll automatically know what to do when it comes time to breastfeed, but here we read the stories of women who describe how challenging it really can be.

In Kathleen Huggins’ “The Nursing Mother’s Companion,” she informs us that breastfeeding is a good choice, but women and babies don’t always know how to do it without instruction.

This book provides the solid groundwork you’ll need for success, such as breast pump reviews and determining how much milk your baby needs. It’ll also show you have to overcome some of the challenges and setbacks you might experience along the way.

Even more, it offers some non-breastfeeding advice you might be wondering about, like co-sleeping and the risk of SIDS.

Readers can trust that Huggins knows what she’s talking about because she is a lactation consultant and registered nurse.

Pros

  • At 368 pages, this a thorough book.
  • Huggins’ medical training gives her a lot of credibility with readers.
  • Well-indexed book means you can easily find the information you need when you need it.

Cons

  • Some sections can get a bit repetitive.
  • Includes some debatable information, like recommending babies take fluoride supplements. Always check with your pediatrician before giving your baby anything besides breastmilk.

Our Ratings

Information
4 / 5
Clarity
4 / 5
Expertise
4.5 / 5
Practicality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

Got this book as a first-time mom and it's been a great resource for breastfeeding. It's well-organized and covers everything from before birth to weaning. I appreciated having it at the hospital, even if I didn't need to reference it at the time. Since coming home, I've found it helpful for troubleshooting issues like engorgement and building up my milk supply. The tone of the introduction can be off-putting, but the main content is informative and supportive for new parents.

Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding

Best Book for Breastfeeding Twins

This book has a chapter dedicated to breastfeeding twins. Moms with multiples will learn a lot about how to multitask safely.

One of our favorite chapters is “Problem-Solving During the First Week.” When you’re a mom, you may run into setbacks and decide to throw in the towel because it’s too hard. But if you use this chapter to get you through the rough patches, you’ll be that much closer to reaching your breastfeeding goals.

Other chapters involve what to do when your baby gets sick, working outside the home, the basics you’ll need to begin breastfeeding, sleeping arrangements, and even weaning.

Readers who aren’t familiar with author Ina May Gaskin can rest easy that they’re getting their advice from a certified professional midwife with more than 30 years of experience.

This book is 352 pages long and will guide you from your baby’s first day until they no longer need to be breastfed.

Pros

  • The author has tons of experience as a midwife.
  • The book visits the health benefits of breastfeeding, which is a powerful motivator when times get tough.
  • It includes information on twins, which is an area some books neglect.

Cons

  • The section about breastfeeding after returning to work could have been more informative.
  • The book also covers the history of breastfeeding in America, which is something some moms may not be interested in.

Our Ratings

Information
4.5 / 5
Clarity
4 / 5
Expertise
5 / 5
Practicality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Love how informative this book is, as it helped me learn so much about breastfeeding and even corrected some mistakes I was making. However, I do feel it can be a bit guilt-inducing for moms who may not have a perfect breastfeeding journey or make different choices for their babies. Despite this, the valuable tips and insights on latching and nursing have been incredibly helpful for me and my baby.

Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple

Best Book for Breastfeeding and Pumping

This book by Nancy Mohrbacher has a whole chapter dedicated to the different time frames in which women might be going back to their jobs after giving birth. It gives you vital information for breastfeeding and pumping at every stage.

The content doesn’t just include information for moms in the workforce; it also focuses on breastfeeding moms returning to school.

We also love the chapter about realistic pumping expectations.

The experienced author operated a private lactation business for more than ten years.

Pros

  • This is really thorough, covering both breastfeeding and pumping.
  • The author knows what she’s talking about.
  • The section about the baby’s milk needs by age is particularly helpful.

Cons

  • Very detailed book could have been much shorter.
  • Informational but lacks a personal feel.

Our Ratings

Information
4.5 / 5
Clarity
3.5 / 5
Expertise
4.5 / 5
Practicality
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

As a parent who has struggled with breastfeeding in the past, I found this book extremely helpful and insightful. It covers essential topics such as baby's needs by age, breast pumps, storing and handling milk, pumping strategies, transitioning from maternity leave to work, and maintaining a stable milk supply. The practical advice and tips provided in the book helped me feel more confident in my ability to continue breastfeeding while working a hectic job. The author's writing style is easy to understand, with evidence-based research presented in a warm and compassionate manner. However, some readers might find the information too basic and lacking in detail for certain situations, so it may be best suited for first-time working moms or those unfamiliar with pumping and breastfeeding.

Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk

Best Book for Exclusively Pumping

“Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk” by Stephanie Casemore is a good resource for moms who aren’t breastfeeding but still want their babies to have breast milk.

This book deals with the emotional aspect of exclusively pumping and the feelings it can bring up for moms. It also has tips for increasing your milk supply and getting past some of the biggest pumping obstacles.

Moms of preemies will appreciate the special advice just for them, and all moms will like the detailed storage information. Beginners can use the schedules she offers because until pumping becomes a routine, it’s helpful to visualize how often you should be doing it.

Casemore learned about exclusively pumping when she became a mom herself. In addition to being a mom, she’s a writer and teacher who lives in Canada.

The book is 284 pages long and is packed with information to help women with the daily ins and outs of pumping, both emotionally and physically.

Pros

  • This might encourage you to pump longer than you would have otherwise.
  • The book is organized well.
  • Every aspect of exclusive pumping is covered.

Cons

  • There’s a fair amount of repetition, which some moms may not like.
  • The book could have had a more engaging tone.

Our Ratings

Information
4 / 5
Clarity
3.5 / 5
Expertise
4 / 5
Practicality
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

Best resource I've found for exclusively pumping breast milk, this book covers both emotional and practical aspects of the process. As a mom of a preemie, I appreciated the specialized advice and detailed storage information. The schedules provided were helpful in establishing a routine for pumping. While the book is well-organized and covers every aspect of exclusive pumping, there was some repetition that might not appeal to everyone. However, I found this book invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges of exclusively pumping for my baby.

When to Start Learning About Breastfeeding

Your best bet is to start reading up in your first or second trimester. That gives you plenty of time to order your nursing pillow, nursing covers, breast pump, breastmilk storage containers, and other equipment, so you’ll be ready to start when your baby is born.

Breastfeeding should begin right after your baby is born, so you can hit the ground running. Those first few drops of colostrum help build your baby’s entire immune system.

How to Choose a Breastfeeding Book

Any book you choose should have all the information you’ll need to pull off your breastfeeding mission successfully. But in addition to being a comprehensive book, a good book should be all of the following:

Interesting

If you’d rather do anything, including pump milk in public, than read breastfeeding books, you’re probably choosing books that are too boring. You’ll never learn enough about breastfeeding if your eyes glaze over every time you try to read about it. Look for engaging books with personal anecdotes.

Full of Pictures

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words. Nothing helps you understand what an incorrect latch is better than a picture.

Someone You Can Relate To

Most moms like reading books by an author who feels like a close friend or a wise older sister. And if you’re a young first-time mom, you might not want a breastfeeding book aimed at women with lots of experience.

Supportive and Honest

Sometimes breastfeeding can get hard, and when that happens, you’re going to need a little extra encouragement. A book that reminds you about the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby may be enough to keep you motivated. You’ll also want something that doesn’t make you feel bad when you get it “wrong.”


FAQs

What Gift Should Be Given to a Girl on Her Birthday?

That entirely depends on the girl in question, so try to play into her interests. Is she good at painting and brimming with creativity?

We recommend the Acrylic Paint Pouring Kit, because it has a wide variety of colors she can use, plus useful tools. Does she make social media content? A Blue: Yeti USB Microphone Bundle will be perfect if she doesn’t have a mic already.

What Can I Buy to Impress a Girl?

Girls will be impressed that you took the time to get to know who they are and what they want. The most impressive gift won’t be the most expensive gift-it will be something special that relates to her.

If the birthday girl is into all the skincare fads, then a skincare set would be something she could use daily and enjoy. If she likes crafting, then something like a new crafting table or equipment would make more sense.

What Is the Best Surprise for a Girl?

If you want a big surprise, try something she wouldn’t expect. Maybe that could be tickets to an event like a concert or amusement park tickets. Some people would prefer an experience over a physical gift, so this can be a fun idea for adventurous girls.

Also, please note that it’s never a great idea to surprise someone with a pet. Taking care of an animal is a big responsibility that should be planned out and researched by the person who will be owning the pet.

What Is a Thoughtful Gift for a Girl?

Sometimes, ideas for the most thoughtful gifts come in offhand comments. If the girl in your orbit mentions offhand one day that it’s always been her dream to learn how to play guitar, wouldn’t it be thoughtful if you signed her up for guitar lessons? Thoughtful gifts show that you listen.

What Is the Most Romantic Gift for a Girl?

If you want to buy a romantic gift for a girl, you might want to go with the classics: flowers, sweets, love letters, and then add something that relates to your girlfriend.

If she likes cats, we recommend the Jeasona: Women’s Cute Cat Socks. If she’s into the aquarium-keeping hobby instead, a keychain that looks like a goldfish or a watercolor fish painting would be perfect.

The Bottom Line

Half the battle with breastfeeding is not giving up. And to keep you in the game, the best breastfeeding books need to inspire you. That’s why Work. Pump. Repeat. comes out on top for us.

It’s for working moms, those who are dedicated to breastfeeding and the longevity of doing the best for their babies. It’s by someone who has had to walk the walk, not just talk about it.

It will entertain you while you learn. It’s a lot like parenthood in that respect!

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Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.