Monday 2 June 2014

Book review: Breastfeeding made easy by Carlos Gonzalez


I guess nothing in the world can prepare you for something you have never experienced until you actually try it yourself. As I intend to breastfeed I was delighted to know that I have been picked to review "Breastfeeding made easy" book by Carlos Gonzalez (£11.99)- a pediatrician, father of 3 and a breastfeeding supporter. 

He tackles many real life questions from how to get started through to solids and going back to work.  He also covers treating illness, how to succeed in difficult circumstances and the importance of good support and how to access it.  

In his characteristic friendly style, and by tackling head-on the real- life questions mothers have about breastfeeding, he explains:
  • How breastfeeding works, and why most mothers, with support, can do it if they want to
  • How myths and misinformation can derail mothers, and how to avoid this 
  • How to manage introducing solid foods, weaning from the breast, and going back to work 
  • The proven heath benefits of breastfeeding, for babies and their mothers 
  • How treating illness, in mother and baby, needn’t mean the end of breastfeeding 
  • How breastfeeding can succeed even in difficult circumstances 
  • The importance of good breastfeeding support, and how to access it. 
What I wanted to learn from the book: I was expecting for it to give me clues on how to breastfeed, positions, best time for breastfeeding and something that can make breastfeeding easy.

I must admit that after reading the First Chapter I thought that I won't carry on reading as it was too "heavy", it had a scientific feel to it which made it more difficult for me to "attach" to as a book. As I was determined to read the book I carried on with other chapters.
Carlos comes across as knowledgeable, reassuring and a supportive person, which I think is essential. He talks about breastfeeding on demand, that it can not only be what baby wants, but when mother wants it too (within reason).
Throughout the book he mentions the term "western mothers", and the fact that he doesn't approve of their approach to breastfeeding or the way they think e.g. "My milk is drying up, I must give him another bottle" or "Poor little thing, he was crying because he had a lot of gas". He says that breastfeeding on demand has always existed and scheduled feeds are a modern invention.

Carlos gives valuable advice in each chapter but due to the volume of information it makes it difficult to digest as some of us prefer a quick "dip" (for that you can use detailed content section) into the book for a quick answer or someone prefers more tables and illustrations.


Unfortunately for me as a first-time parent (to-be) none of the information properly sank in, therefore I would recommend this book, but for those parents who have time on their hands to read the book and to dig in information, for second, third..time parents who already know what to do but looking for an alternative view.

DISCLAIMER: I was sent the above item for the purposes of this review. All thoughts and opinion are my own. 

31 comments:

  1. I think information books are very much trial and error aren't they as they are taylored to the masses rather than the individual, great indepth review. thanks for linking with #ReadWithMe I have tweeted and pinned this post x

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  2. I am not sure a book would have helped me, plus a book my a man would have been a no for me.

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  3. It can be useful to have books to refer to, but personal help is more important so try to find out who your local breastfeeding supporters/ counsellors are if you can. Good luck x

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  4. I think that it is great to do the reading before the baby arrives as there is little time when the little one is here! I found that the very best advice I received on breastfeeding was a DVD by Clare Byam-Cook called 'Breastfeeding Without Tears'. It is very practical, shows women feeding and how to position the baby. Definitely worth looking out for a copy if you want some advice on how to breast feed. Good luck x

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  5. Sounds like a great book with lots of information. x

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  6. Sounds useful for the right people. I think breastfeeding advice may be better from a midwife who is there with you x

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  7. You know he sounds like he's talking a lot of sense. My advice would always to go to breastfeeding groups even before your baby is born. We make excuses and don't like advice when it conflicts with our opinions, so think it's important to get the facts first. Best of luck with it all.

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  8. I went to groups and alsorts never helped one bit i think we all have our own way , advice is helpful sometimes and its nice to know your not the only one struggling sometimes x

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  9. I'm glad you found the book useful. I think I would prefer a more visual book, I find it hard to concentrate on such a text heavy book with so many distractions around the house. Good luck with breastfeeding x

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  10. I think reading books is OK but nothing can prepare you for the real thing. Maybe this book might come in more useful once you have had your baby?

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  11. Looks at good book , breastfeeding was not good for me as had premature babies .x

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  12. I definitely think the only way is by actually trying. With my first two I had no problems at all but with my third I had loads of issues and so a book like this might have been useful as I was trying to work out what was going wrong.

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  13. Books like this are great and definitely have their place but I'm not sure I would have carried on reading after the sciencey bit ;-)

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  14. It sounds like an interesting read for those who have the time, I'm sure what ever happens will be right though :) x

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  15. What gets me about these kind of books is babies are not textbook, nor is breastfeeding. Every person has their individual experiences and are individuals themselves. I think this book would be good for research purposes only.
    #ReadWithMe
    Laura x x x

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  16. Great honest review! Im currently 39 weeks pregnant and have left the door open to breast feeding but not tying myself down with a decision. Im sure once youve had the baby some of the things you think you didnt take it will suddenly make sense lol!

    Jess
    http://owlcrazymummy.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. Breast feeding is such a personal experience and an individual one - I'm not sure a book can teach you anything a health visitor or a friend who has been through it can.

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  18. Great detailed review. But I do think that books which seem to have all the answers can also add to the stress when things don't go right, so try not to et too caught up in it if it doesn't go as the book says it does!

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  19. Great review! I unfortunately wasn't able to breast feed my children and do feel gutted about that but not much I can do about it now! They are 11 and 8 and happy and healthy :) xx

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  20. The scientific bit puts me off great review :-) #iPotLinkup

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  21. Sounds like a great book with a lot of information x

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  22. I'm not a massive fan of baby books or guides as babies never do what they're supposed to. I would definitely recommend breastfeeding cafes and support groups - they were invaluable!

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  23. I think it's great to read up a bit before baby arrives, and have something to refer to afterwards. Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested

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  24. Sounds like a good book for those who have time to read and digest the information :)

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  25. I think this book could be helpful however I also like hearing info for other mums and midwifes. I am sure however I would have taken something away from this book.

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  26. I really liked this book - I thnk it was very practical and supportive. Easy to dip in and out of. I've passed it to a pregnant friend so hopefully she will find it useful!
    Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested x

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  27. I did not read books about breast feeding before but I just know that I wanted to do it. Luckily, I had my family and friends who were there to offer their support and advice.

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  28. I read every book going when i was pregnant with my first but non on breastfeeding because i didn't want the pressure. I managed to feed and did it my own way. I had so many people throwing their advice at me about scheduled feeds etc but i am glad i just went with the flow, fed on demand and listened to myself and my baby x

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  29. Sounds like an interesting book which may appeal to different people with various levels of experience.

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  30. books can give you an idea, but i don't htink they beat talking to someone who has been there, and getting support if you're struggling

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  31. Sounds like a good book, I think having the right support around me made the biggest difference in making bfeeding a success but it can be hard for many and sadly the right support isn't there.

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