NCT: Breastfeeding for Beginners

"A very misleading title - doesn't really do what it says.

Imagine that you wanted a book about how to repair a bicycle puncture. You go out and buy 'Bicycle Punctures for Beginners' and expect to find some instructions on how to repair punctures, maybe some clear, labeled diagrams some hints and tips on how to repair particularly tricky punctures, that kind of thing.

What you don't expect is a book about the environmental benefits of riding a bicycle as opposed to driving a car. The importance of riding a bicycle, other people's opinions on bicycles, where you can ride your bicycle and what to do if you can't ride a bicycle. But don't forget, cars are generally pretty bad things.

Whilst this is a slightly exaggerated analogy, this 16 chapter-long book has just six short pages on the actual mechanics of, you know, breastfeeding. There are some pictures, but they're not annotated or labeled in any way. There is talk of different positions and holds but no diagrams of them to relate to (what does an 'underarm hold' look like? No idea? Me neither). In fact, nearly every picture is of a mother gazing adoringly at their baby. Is this the trick?

I don't need beating round the head repeatedly about the benefits of breastfeeding - I've just bought the book, of course I want to breastfeed! Every other book I own and every healthcare professional I come into contact with are doing a perfectly adequate job of backing this up, thanks. What I needed were some guidance on 'How?', not 'Why?'.

There may well be comprehensive books on how to breastfeed out there, but this isn't it. If, however you want a book about pros and cons on breastfeeding as a concept or a general overview, then this is worth a read."
~ Written on 2008-06-20

"I found this book far too prescriptive and not very helpful at all. I actually put it in the bin and relied entirely on 'So That's What They're For'."
~ Written on 2008-01-17

"I really enjoyed reading this book. It was supportive without being too militant. It answered a lot of questions I had about breastfeeding and I am sure I will refer to it often when I have my baby. The only reason why it didn't get 5 stars was I thought it was a little short and could have had some picture or diagrams describing how to position the baby instead of just a written description."
~ Written on 2003-05-16

"Ok as far as it goes but only covers the bare essentials - good if your baby has turned up in a hurry and you don't have time to read more than a few pages! Other books (such as 'So that's what their for') contain more information that answers more questions"
~ Written on 2003-05-02

"This is a great book for first time breastfeeders. Just the right amount of information and you have the security that, coming from the NCT, its going to be accurate, research based information. Every woman coming to breastfeeding for the first time should be issued this book in pregnancy - it covers not only the common things like positioning and how milk is made but also common problems too."
~ Written on 2002-11-09