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Rating: 
Summary: Worth reading,once... but borrow, don't buy it
Review: A somewhat interesting look at the history of La Leche League International, Inc. (for a more thorough history read The LLLove Story and Seven Voices, One Dream), it's Catholic roots, unique type of feminism, and how this all has affected the organization.
That being said, while it is somewhat interesting, it was somewhat shallow. The author makes reference to various ideas in feminism and Catholic theology, but fails to expound upon them. There seems to be the assupmtion that the reader is already familiar with all of the ideas, feminism and Catholic theology, that La Leche League is being compared and contrasted with. Perhaps this author was a bit more ambitous than capable?There is a rather good, but gentle, critique of certain La Leche League practices and ideas. Again, though, the author only mentions areas that seem to need review and reflection without much explanation or offer of solution. Altogether, it is a book worth reading once (but not buying, just go to the library) if you are interested and want one perspective as a starting point. It is to be stressed though, that this book is only a starting point on any of the topics that it would claim to cover (La Leche League, feminism, Catholic theology). Without a more thorough understanding of these topics than the author offers up, it really isn't possible to understand the interplay they have had with La Leche League as an organization
Rating: 
Summary: A crticial and needed examination of La Leche League
Review: DeJagger Ward explores the history of La Leche League and uncovers the Catholic theology roots within its philosophy of mother-baby togetherness. As a former La Leche League leader herself, DeJagger Ward offers a unique inside-look into an organization that empowers women to breastfeed. The best chapter is chapter 8, "Asking Hard Questions" where DeJagger probes and critically offers analysis of the areas where La Leche League needs to grow and improve if it is to continue to reach out to all women. DeJagger also points out areas where La Leche League philosophy may marginalize some women, particularly in its philosophy and how it functions. Highly recommended to all involved in La Leche League as a book to use in measuring how the group is or is not meeting the needs of all women. A good read for anybody who would like to understand the politics of breastfeeding within American culture and learn how La Leche League works in helping the mother-baby breastfeeding dyad. Dejagger's analysis of women's roles, family structure and gender issues in family paradigms are supurb. Includes interviews with La Leche League founders and women involved in the politics of breastfeeding. Well referenced. La Leche League may find some parts of this book controversial. An excellent analysis of La Leche League from a feminist basepoint.
Rating:
Summary: A crticial and needed examination of La Leche League
Review: DeJagger Ward explores the history of La Leche League and uncovers the Catholic theology roots within its philosophy of mother-baby togetherness. As a former La Leche League leader herself, DeJagger Ward offers a unique inside-look into an organization that empowers women to breastfeed. The best chapter is chapter 8, "Asking Hard Questions" where DeJagger probes and critically offers analysis of the areas where La Leche League needs to grow and improve if it is to continue to reach out to all women. DeJagger also points out areas where La Leche League philosophy may marginalize some women, particularly in its philosophy and how it functions. Highly recommended to all involved in La Leche League as a book to use in measuring how the group is or is not meeting the needs of all women. A good read for anybody who would like to understand the politics of breastfeeding within American culture and learn how La Leche League works in helping the mother-baby breastfeeding dyad. Dejagger's analysis of women's roles, family structure and gender issues in family paradigms are supurb. Includes interviews with La Leche League founders and women involved in the politics of breastfeeding. Well referenced. La Leche League may find some parts of this book controversial. An excellent analysis of La Leche League from a feminist basepoint.
Rating:
Summary: While I agree with the other reviewers to a point....
Review: I would like to reiterate the advice to borrow, not buy this book. It reads like an expanded term paper, and for those familiar with La Leche League, the book could easily have been condensed to the length of a term paper. Some interesting ideas, but repetitive.
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