Book on breastfeeding

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32846, 21 February 1972, Page 7

Book on breastfeeding

La Leche League groups in Christchurch will shortly be using a new edition of their manual, “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding,’’ as they provide

mother-to-mother advice and encouragement to those wanting to succeed in this , natural help to good : mothering. The new edition, published! In England, is in an attrac-| five hard-cover, yet costs! little more than the previous soft-cover version, says Mrs Jennifer Wyboume, president of the Christchurch chapter of the La Leche League of New Zealand, in commenting on a review of I the manual printed recently on the literarv page of “The Press.”

“In the 14 years since it was first written by the seven founding mothers of the league, this widely-praised l book has sold over 200,000 copies, and it is now available in French, Spanish, and Braille as well as English,” says Mrs Wyboume. “The many professional publications in which it is recommended include the ‘Journal of Pediatrics.’ ‘Nursing Times’ (England), and ‘American Journal, Diseases of Children and Pediatrics.’ Dr Neil Begg, medical adviser to the Plunket Society, commends it as ‘a fine manual,’ in his book. The New Zealand Child and His Family.’

“A small illustrated I booklet containing material from the manual has been produced by the La Leche League of New Zealand and has gained an immediate enthusiastic response. Since 1970 four printings, totalling 60,000 copies, have been distributed i throughout New Zealand at 'the request of the Plunket and . hospital nurses, doctors, 'Health Departments, antenaI tai class instructors, parents centres and La Leche League leaders and groups. Many have expressed appreciation of the contribution the booklet (intended only as an introduction and help in the early weeks) is making to the suc- . cess and enjoyment of New Zealand mothers wanting to breastfeed. Typical is the 1 comment of one: ‘lt makes me feel I’m not being antiquated ■ in breastfeeding my baby.’ ‘ “ ‘The Womanly Art of : Breastfeeding’ offers basic information about the ' simple natural act of : breastfeeding, and also ; many practical helps—how , often and how long to nurse, - how to be sure you have enough milk, when and how ; to wean, and so on. Child--1 birth, nutrition, discipline,

and other aspects of child care are discussed from the viewpoint of the breastfeeding mother. Good mothering is the emphasis throughout. Written by women who have enjoyed nursing their own babies, it shows an understanding of just what a new mother needs to know.

“Thus, keeping on the basis' of friendly conversation be- 1 tween mothers, it meets the need for reassurance and encouragement as well as factual information. One Christchurch mother says, ‘lt has given me confidence that I can feed successfully and has prevented me from any worries over the rather irregular hours Carolyn chooses to keep. It seemed to fill me with a new confidence to breastfeed’.”

Mrs Wynbourne said the manual could be obtained' through the La Leche League leaders listed in the free; booklet, or at the monthly North, South and East Christchurch group meetings. Those interested in obtaining a copy were welcome to contact Mrs Mary Brown (583-156), Mrs Rachel Walker (525-872), or Mrs Lesley Everest (BEL--8923). Loan copies were usually available.