A review by rthnbrg
The Nursing Mother's Companion, 7th Edition, with New Illustrations: The Breastfeeding Book Mothers Trust, from Pregnancy Through Weaning by Kathleen Huggins

2.0

There were definitely things I liked and learned from this book, but it was very repetitive and with a good editor could probably cut at least 50 pages. I also had problems with some of the tone and recommendations. The author recommended lots of medications and supplements without also mentioning that the reader should consult their personal doctor or nurse-many things can interact with other medications that one is already taking and either become dangerous or cancel out the other’s effects. She also explicitly recommended ignoring the dosage guidelines on the bottle of at least one supplement, but again this should be done with consultation of your personal medical caregiver not a random nurse who wrote a book and knows nothing about your personal health…

She was also very condescending about anything she decides is “unnatural” childbirth (basically anything that isn’t a spontaneous, unmedicated vaginal birth), supplementing with formula, pacifiers, and insists that co-sleeping/bedsharing is always safe and the right choice for everyone. In one part toward the end, she said “Despite what people say, your baby won’t be smothered by the covers, by you, or by your mate.” This is NOT A GUARANTEE she can make.

I can’t recommend this book unless you’re prepared to take it with many grains of salt. Speak with your & your baby’s care team if you need advice, information, or referrals to the appropriate lactation support.