Book review by Rebecca Chin

The first full-length book on breastfeeding during pregnancy and beyond provides both scientific information and mother's wisdom on this topic. In a study, as many as 61% of breastfeeding mothers continue breastfeeding during a subsequent pregnancy and 38% go on to nurse a new born and toddler together. Writing the book while tandem nursing her two children and it was tandem nursing that provided her the passion and curiosity that fueled her to pursuit this subject, the author Hilary Dervin Flower reaches out to the reader with support, assurance, and humor. Tandem nursing is nursing two children of different ages. This can happen when a mother becomes pregnant with a new baby (or adopts one) while an older child is still breastfeeding.

A comprehensive, informative and fun-to-read book, it is recommended for all breastfeeding mothers considering having another child. The book also offers obstetricians, lactation consultants, and family members very important information and insight.

The reader-friendly text is full of mothers' quotes and hilarious cartoons by Beth Hannon. You will also find stories of over 200 mothers from around the world.

Full of good and relevant information written in a easy-to-use format, this book can be read through as an overview or as a quick reference. It covers everything from making the decision to continue breastfeeding or weaning during a pregnancy, discomforts while breastfeeding, changes in the milk, dealing with doubters when facing disapproval, nursing positions during pregnancy and when nursing two (pictures included) to health concerns of the mother and her nurslings.

Common fears and myths are also addressed, such as the real facts about miscarriage and who gets the nutrients first. Hilary Flower has also provided a detailed explanation as to why the normal pregnant uterus only responds weakly to the action of oxytocin hormone until the very end of pregnancy.

In the final part, the book offers personal stories of ten mothers who share their ups and downs and the decisions each mother has made to meet the her children's needs in the unique context of her own family.

I first read this book when it was first published in the 3rd quarter of 2003 only to find myself pregnant and breastfeeding now. I feel this book will provide mothers with confidence and reassurance that "breast milk is best" for their children. And best of all, it affirms that nursing through pregnancy and tandem nursing are not only safe choices but normal ones too.

A Definite MUST-READ and certainly a worthy addition to your library for those interested in the subject of Breastfeeding!