This text is written at a basic level for individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds who desire to support the breastfeeding family with accurate, concise information. The purpose is to guide breastfeeding caregivers in their care of breastfeeding mothers and their children. A majority of lactation consultant texts are written for individuals with a health-related background. In contrast, this text fills a void for a comprehensive text for providers without a healthcare background. This book is written for lactation caregivers who ""enthusiastically promote and support breastfeeding."" This book has a broad scope from historical aspects to lactation anatomy and physiology to complication management. In addition, the psychological and professional issues specific to lactation are discussed. This broad scope is well covered and timely for the breastfeeding caregiver that desires to provide comprehensive lactation consulting. The glossary, professional resources, and index are thorough and user friendly. Unique to this text is the inclusion of the critical review of scientific literature for continued knowledge acquisition. I recommend that future editions include some color photos to enhance the content. I strongly recommended this book for beginning lactation consultants from a non-health background. The comprehensive scope and easy reading with user friendly chapters will promote its use by lactation consultants.
This text covers a variety of topics in the lactation consultation field, beginning with breastfeeding promotion in the modern world, and examining the professional role of the lactation consultant, as well as basic anatomy, physiology, nutritional needs, high-risk babies, and breastfeeding techniques. Lauwers and Shinskie, both breastfeeding consultants, emphasize attitude and approach in counseling new mothers, and offer suggestions about how best to work with women during this "sensitive period" for both mother and baby. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: Lisa R Roberts, DrPH, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN (Loma Linda University)
Description: This seventh edition book covers subject matter pertaining to the art and science of breastfeeding, as well as professional issues for lactation consultants. Structural elements designed to enhance learning include cross-referencing topics with the International Board of Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) core competencies. Each chapter begins with key terms and ends with key takeaways at a glance. Spanish and English glossaries are available at the end of the book. Additional online resources include online study questions, flashcards, and a digital glossary for students, and educators have access to brief PowerPoints for each chapter. The previous edition was published in 2016.
Purpose: The authors note in the preface that this lactation text is unique in its focus on counseling and communication skills, designed to enhance interactions with families and consultation effectiveness. The authors aim to provide practical insight for students and clinicians, while also serving those preparing for the certification exam. These worthwhile objectives are met, and the current edition contains needed updates addressing current cultural issues that impact breastfeeding support for families. The book mentions that scores of full-color figures and tables are included in the text, with full-color clinical photographs as both text and online resources; however, only gray-scale images are in fact included, other than a few color plates at the end of the book.
Audience: The target audience is primarily educators, students, and interns. Additionally, novice clinicians and seasoned professionals alike may find value in the approach and up-to-date information presented. Not only are both authors IBCLC certified, but the lead author is also a fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association. As recognized experts in the field, readers can have confidence in their knowledge gained and in their own preparation for certification.
Features: The book is organized into five sections, each with a distinct focus. After introducing the lactation consultant role and history, cultural perspectives are discussed, and part 1 concludes with empowerment, adult learning, and effective counseling, as well as practical approaches to be included in breastfeeding consultations. Part 2 contains lactation science, nutrition, the use of formula, and safety factors affecting milk. Next, part 3 covers the prenatal to postpartum continuum, regarding issues affecting the decision to breastfeed through to the weaning period. Challenging counseling situations and practical approaches to specific special care circumstances are addressed in part 4. The book concludes with part 5 examining professional standards, the role of the IBCLC, critical appraisal of research, and encouraging readers to engage in lifelong professional learning.
Assessment: The content included in the book is of high quality and useful to the intended audience. The online content is hindered by the lack of user-friendliness. Competing titles include one from the same publisher and an award-winning title, Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 6th edition, Wambach and Spencer (Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2021); Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care, Campbell et al. (Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2019), an award-winning first edition title; Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician, Walker (Jones and Bartlett Learning), 5th edition to be released in December 2021; and a few other texts with significantly more online content. However, the authors' claim of this text being unique with its focus on counseling and communication skills may enhance the readers' experience and practical application. Additionally, by mapping the chapter topics with recommended curriculum and core competencies, this book is comprehensive in its approach, whereas some titles have specific foci.
