Review – ‘Mama Milk: A Breastfeeding Mum’s Story’

I recently had the privilege of getting to read a rather fab e-book written by Sinead Hoben, founder of  www.breastfeedingmums.com and author of the Breastfeeding Mothers Blog. Sinead’s book, ‘Mama Milk: A Breastfeeding Mum’s Story’, charts her journey through breastfeeding her three children, and as mum to a breastfed baby myself I was extremely keen to read another woman’s story – and ‘Mama Milk’ certainly didn’t disappoint!
Throughout the book I really identified with Sinead’s experiences – from the naiveté of those early days thinking that breastfeeding was something that would just ‘happen’, through the pain of cracked nipples caused by poor positioning and beyond to the trials of feeding in public and the appearance of baby’s first teeth!
Written in a relaxed, conversational style, the book is really easy to read and understand, something which is essential for any busy, sleep-deprived new mum or mum-to-be afflicted with ‘baby brain’!  As well as Sinead’s own considerable experiences, it’s packed with information and links both to her informative blog and also external organisations that can offer help and support to breastfeeding mums. Each chapter is also expertly rounded off with a list of ‘top tips’ designed to summarise the content – a welcome alternative to so much of the confusing and conflicting advice that’s often given to mums who are just learning to breastfeed.
While all of the information contained within the pages of ‘Mama Milk’ is undoubtedly very useful, for me the book’s true value lies in the fact that it is a real account of what it’s like to breastfeed. Sinead talks openly about the well-documented physical problems associated with feeding a newborn, such as sore nipples, engorgement and the dreaded mastitis, but she also pays a lot of attention to those parts of breastfeeding few new mums are prepared for, such as the sheer exhaustion, hunger, negative attitudes from other people and leaky boobs!
On more than one occasion I laughed out loud as my own personal experiences of breastfeeding were reflected in Sinead’s many anecdotes – having been similarly unprepared for the experience of breastfeeding I could really sympathise with her tales of round-the-clock feeding, unhelpful advice from other people and the often hilarious trials of feeding an older baby. In reading her words it was also lovely to reflect on the many wonders of breastfeeding – those magical night feeds and the thrill of watching your baby grow and thrive on the nourishment you are providing as well as the profound bond it forges between mother and child.
Even for a fairly experienced breastfeeder, the book had some eye-opening information including suggestions on alternative uses for breastmilk – next time around I will certainly be trying out Sinead’s tips on using it to cure nappy rash and even sticky eyes!
‘Mama Milk’ was a wonderful read for someone who already has experience of breastfeeding, but had I read it prior to the birth of my baby I feel it would have been truly invaluable in preparing me for the realities – positive and negative – of breastfeeding. I honestly believe that a lack of information and support is the reason so many mums give up (or worse, don’t even try) breastfeeding, and a resource such as this would have gone a long way towards making me feel less alone and more normal during what was an extremely challenging part of my journey into parenthood.  While the book is not an exhaustive resource on breastfeeding, it is much more comprehensive than much of the information currently available and more importantly I feel represents a realistic and fairly typical view of what it’s actually like to make breastfeeding a real part of your new life with your baby.

I have several pregnant friends who are planning to breastfeed their babies and I will certainly be recommending that they put ‘Mama Milk’ on their maternity leave reading lists!

‘Mama Milk: A Breastfeeding Mum’s Story’ is priced at £4.99 and is available to download from Sinead’s website, www.breastfeedingmums.com.