Walker M. . 550 pp . Jones and Bartlett Publishers; , Sudbury, Massachusetts , 2010. . ISBN‐10 : 0763766518 ISBN‐13 : 978‐0763766511 . Price £36.99.
The aim of this text book, as outlined in the preface by the author, is to offer clinicians and practitioners current and relevant information on breastfeeding, lactation and clinical suggestions to facilitate optimal outcomes for families with regards to infant feeding.
This is achieved by exploring a range of subject areas within three distinct parts to the book:
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Part 1 – the context of lactation and breastfeeding.
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Part 2 – infant‐related challenges to breastfeeding.
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Part 3 – maternal‐related challenges to breastfeeding.
Part 1
This part provides a comprehensive review of the biology, anatomy and physiology (maternal and neonatal), and influences of birth practices and care provision in relation to lactation and breastfeeding.
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Influence of the biospecificity of human milk. This chapter offers excellent, in‐depth synthesis of the biochemical properties of breast milk in relation to influences in health outcomes. There are good comparisons made between breast milk and formula milk.
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Influence of maternal anatomy and physiology on lactation. This chapter offers a good review of anatomy and physiology for underpinning clinical practice. Complex information is offered in systematic way to aid understanding and clarity. Common anatomical differences are covered well. A thorough review of the stages of lactogenesis is also provided.
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Influence of the infant's anatomy and physiology. In this chapter specific aspects of neonatal anatomy are drawn together and related to their impact on feeding ability. The chapter includes a comprehensive review of the current tools to assess breastfeeding success. Also a good range of issues are covered that may help to inform and support practitioners working in the areas of infant health or feeding.
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Influence of peripartum factors, birthing practices and early caretaking behaviour. In this chapter there is a good evaluation of labour interventions and their implications in relation to breastfeeding. There is excellent analysis of the evidence and issues relating to supplementation and separation of mothers and babies.
Part 2
This explores the common infant‐related challenges to breastfeeding both in the early and later post‐natal period with an examination of physical, medical and environmental issues.
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First 24–48 h. This section contains some helpful exploration of specific challenges encountered in the early post‐natal period. It identifies some good practical ideas and solutions. There is good use of tables, images and explanations. It would be informative for those health workers caring for families in the immediate post‐natal period.
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Beyond the initial 48–72 h. This chapter considers some of the challenges that may present beyond the first 48 h and looks, in detail, at jaundice, preterm infants, slow weight gain and medication. There is a thorough section on infant feeding care planning.
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Physical, medical and environmental problems. This chapter offers a detailed review of specific physical, medical or environmental challenges to breastfeeding from an infant perspective. It considers vulnerable infants such as twins; infants with ankyloglossia (tongue‐tied), cleft lip and palate and other congenital abnormalities including chromosomal anomalies. The chapter explores how these can impact on breastfeeding success but also how to facilitate effective breastfeeding.
Part 3
This section of the book considers how common maternal‐related challenges can present themselves and ways to manage them in practice.
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Maternal pathology. This chapter offers an in‐depth exploration of the anatomical and physiological challenges a mother may encounter and offers insight into possible management methods.
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Physical, medical, emotional and environmental challenges to the breastfeeding mother. This section considers some maternal predisposing medical conditions and how they can impact on breastfeeding and also health care management and provision. Some environmental and social issues are considered but not explored in any detail.
Overall review
Overall, this book provides a substantial analysis of current evidence and literature associated with breast milk, breastfeeding, lactation and the challenges that may be encountered for the breastfeeding infant–mother dyad. The book is well written with clear concise prose and a systematic approach to discussion of each subject area. It is easy to read making it ideal for all students concerned with the study of infant/maternal health or well‐being.
Also, this book would be of particular benefit for health practitioners such as midwives, maternity nurses, neonatal nurses, health visitors, infant dieticians, infant feeding peer supporters, lactation consultants, infant feeding specialists, paediatricians, neonatologists and general practitioners. It would also be helpful to researchers concerned with infant feeding or nutrition.
There are good use of tables, diagrams, photographs and case studies throughout the textbook. The book contains comprehensive discussions about possible management approaches but it has a predominant focus on the challenges of breastfeeding from a clinical focus. Some of these challenges or concerns are socially and culturally specific and so this text book will be of most use to those practitioners working within Western medicalized models of health care provision.