Rating: 
Summary: More "why to" than "how to"
Review: As a full-time, exclusively breastfeeding mom, I'm rather disappointed after reading all the glowing reviews. While the book's humorous, pithy presentation does make for a more entertaining read than most, it has a defensive tone and is rather militant in its pro-breastfeeding stance. Many times while reading, I found myself thinking, "OK, I breastfeed. I bought your book. You already got me. Now get to the point."In fairness I would recommend this book for first-time mothers of babies less than six weeks old who have experienced criticism because they choose to breastfeed and are looking for validation and the occasional bit of helpful advice. I enjoyed reading the funny, though not really usable, comeback list for people who would undermine breastfeeding efforts (i.e. "I'd be arrested if I didn't feed my child" and "I'm just doing it to annoy you.") The "frozen-pea-bag-as-a-malleable-ice-pack" idea is very helpful. The anecdotes do enable better reader engagement. It's certainly more affordable. However, I would have liked more complete and rounded coverage, and a lot less bias for mothers, unlike myself, who are actually having trouble breastfeeding. "Man the mammaries, full speed ahead" is not always the best advice. For example, when a mother experiences uncomfortable milk overabundance not related to third-day postpartum engorgement, that may not be the desired condition aspired to in the book. The author profiled a mother like this, who was struggling with spraying and choking her baby. I thought, "finally!" but when I turned the page, she changed the subject and happily described freezers full of stored (and spoiled) milk, and recommended closing the windows so that the neighbors wouldn't hear you complaining about the pain. When seeking help on how to breastfeed if a second pregnancy occurs, I got a couple of paragraphs on how your re-colostrumed milk might taste different to an older child. When looking for advice on how to promote sleeping through the night, I found pro-co-sleeping advice that recommended even more frequent nursing. When she started describing moms who tearfully sought counseling after losing refrigerated breast milk (i.e. "liquid gold") after a power failure, I felt very discouraged. I'll also mention that the author is adamantly anti-pacifier and anti-bottle, and admittedly wrote this book after her own children were beyond the age at which her advice could be applied to them. She is also in the habit of telling moms what they are "doing wrong," which is a counter-productive practice in a world of infinitely unique babies. Again, it's an OK book if you need the affirmation, but lacks in the practical advice area if you've already made the commitment to breastfeed.
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding source of information in a fun format!
Review: Janet Tamaro deserves a medal (imho). She manages to include all the information about breastfeeding that you could ever possibly need, want or desire, in a book that is unbelievably fun to read. From the origins of Artificial Baby Milk (waste products from cow's milk - yum!), to how to help your husband feel connected and involved, this book covers every aspect of breastfeeding that you might need to know. Re-lactation, and general problem solving are just part of the scheme. I loved the 'come-backs' she includes for moms who get hassled by friends, strangers and loved ones (i.e., 'Are you still doing that?!' Reply: "Feeding her? Yes, can't I get arrested for child endangerment if I don't?") I personally own two copies of this book, just so I can loan one copy without fear of losing it permanently. This book makes a wonderful baby shower gift that will be referred to again and again.
Rating: 
Summary: No humor, not lighthearted at all
Review: I am also a physician and was completely dissapointed with this book. It's views were very JUDGEMENTAL and as my husband calls it, from the "Milk Nazi's". As someone who strongly wanted to breasfeed, and had to struggle with breasfeeding after a C/S, and multiple lactation consults, I was looking for a supportive, lighthearted book that will guide with troubleshooting. This is NOT it. I did not like the author's attitude or style. I have read multiple child/lactation/parenting books in addition to all the medical and pediatrics books and this is the WORST book that I've read. Do not waste your money.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't have gotten through without this book
Review: I'm keeping myself anonymous because I am a physician who shouldn't have needed this book. But deciding to breastfeed was a real struggle for me because it wasn't something that I grew up with--no one that I knew growing up nursed their babies and it was considered to be a dirty thing. Once I got into med school and understood all the benefits I knew that I had to nurse my future children but psychologically the idea of it repulsed me. When I finally got pregnant and started reading the standard books they didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know. What I needed I found in this book. It is funny, practical and by the end of the first chapter I was inspired and excited about the challenges of nursing. I couldn't put this book down and I swear that it made all the difference for my perception of breastfeeding. My mother undermined my dedication to nursing every step of the way and while she didn't mean to be hurtful I couldn't have dealt with it as smoothly as I did if I hadn't read this book. I still almost never nursed in public and am so happy for the women who do. One of the other reviews said to read this only if you were dedicated to nursing and I feel exactly the opposite--This book convinced me when I was wavering because of my ingrained bias against it.
Rating:
Summary: This is the one to read!
Review: As an expectant mom with NO knowledge of breastfeeding, I needed a resource that would get me comfortable with it and get me started with everything I need to know. I got about 5 different books from the library, and this was the only one I read cover to cover. It's now on my registry and wish list for some kind soul to buy for me. The lighthearted approach makes for easy, enjoyable reading. It was a joy to spend time with this book, rather than a chore. In fact, I think my husband will even enjoy it! The information is top-notch, and very motivational. If I ever doubt the value of breastfeeding, all I have to do is re-read Section 1. It gives the real story behind formula and the formula companies. It convinced me once and for all that breastmilk is what babies should eat. The practical suggestions and solutions will be very welcome once the kidlet comes along. The book is divided so once you hae your baby, all the info you need for that stage is in one spot... no hunting around in the index or table of contents. So in short, BUY this book, and get the others from the library.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read for breastfeeding mothers
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was helpful, thoughtful, and entertaining. I do not consider Tamaro a "milk-Nazi," as someone else wrote. I find that term to be extremely offensive. This book tells it like it is. Read it when you are pregnant. Then read it again after baby is born. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Best that I have read yet!!
Review: This is the best book I have read! It is supportive, informative and easy to read. You don't have to be in the medical industry to understand. If you are looking for support in giving your child the best - this is it. If you are looking for a technical book, this is not the one for you. If you are not 100% committed to breast-feeding, you may even find it offensive. I read it 8 years ago for the first time and have given it to expectant mothers as a baby gift - if she was planning to breast-feed. Everyone loved it. It is truly a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Love this book!
Review: The book absolutely saved my breastfeeding relationship! I read it in the first few weeks of breastfeeding my daughter. At a time when reaching for the formula samples seemed like a good thing to do, this book convinced me that breastfeeding is worth it. It addresses many of the problems new moms are likely to encounter, as well as giving reasons to breastfeed. If you need a pep talk, a refresher course, or an introduction to breastfeeding, this book is it.
Rating:
Summary: Highly offensive.
Review: Before I even start this review, I will admit that I only made it through the first two chapters. These two chapters were absolutely horrible and made formula sound as though it were created by Satan himself. Sorry, but I just don't believe this sort of biased propaganda. Basically this book told me that I was a bad mother for formula-feeding my first child due to low milk supply. According to the author, low milk supply isn't even a real condition and I was just not trying hard enough. Nothing could be further from the truth. I was looking for an informative guide with practical information about how I might be more successful breastfeeding my second child. I did NOT find it with this book. The formula bashing in the first two chapters borders on the ridiculous. There are a whole lot of 'facts' supposedly based on studies but those studies are not adequately cited. I have written college term papers that were better researched than this. Do yourself a favor. Skip this one.
Rating:
Summary: Informative, practical and supportive of all kinds of moms
Review: After reading another book that is supposed to be the "authority" on breastfeeding, I was so relieved to read THIS book! Where the other book made me feel like I shouldn't even bother breastfeeding if I wasn't going to confine myself to my home, this book dealt with reality--for SAHMs AND working moms. Unlike another reviewer, I really didn't find any of the non-breastfeeder bashing... but then I had the previous book to get over--and that one REALLY ran you through the mill if you considered doing anything other than staying home to feed your child. This book gave you information that really helps dealing with reality. After all, some of us have no choice but to work. And even if you stay home--how do you deal with life situations (like death in the family) that throw you and baby off course? They will tell you what to be prepared for in backlash if your schedules get thrown off or you need to pump for baby--but in a way that instructs you on getting through it. Not in a way that scorns you for it like other books might. I found the tone of this book to be overall supportive of mothers in a variety of situations; and the information was so detailed. Sometimes they didn't give you every last detail, but let you know that something existed (specifically with positions--of which I only had read about 3 in the "authority" book, and this one described 4-5 and named several others for you to investigate on your own if need-be). They also dove right into the information without wasting your time on "the joys of motherhood" in general (which I find hard to imagine anyone trying to convey through the written word! Especially when they take up multiple chapters to do so!). This book is to the point and complete!!
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