100 books like Breastfeeding Uncovered

By Amy Brown,

Here are 100 books that Breastfeeding Uncovered fans have personally recommended if you like Breastfeeding Uncovered. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of The Politics of Breastfeeding: When Breasts are Bad for Business

Gill Rapley Author Of Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide

From my list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding.

Why am I passionate about this?

I got hooked on breastfeeding when, during my health visitor training, our class had a lecture from Drs. Penny and Andrew Stanway, who wrote the original Breast is Best. I breastfed my own children, became a breastfeeding counsellor and lactation consultant (IBCLC), and championed breastfeeding as a health visitor and midwife. I then worked for 14 years with the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, teaching and supporting healthcare staff to improve standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Throughout, I gained a huge respect for babies’ abilities in relation to breastfeeding. This directly influenced my belief in their capacity to continue feeding themselves when they start solid food, which is my current focus.

Gill's book list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding

Gill Rapley Why did Gill love this book?

This was the book that really opened my eyes to the power of marketing, and the impact this can have on the way babies are fed – in all countries of the world. It’s an absolute classic – a seminal work. It showed me how the infant formula industry (and increasingly the baby food industry in general) uses any tactics it can to influence and distort the dialogue around infant feeding. I was especially horrified to learn how, as a health visitor and midwife, I could unwittingly be used to promote products and practices that had the power to undermine breastfeeding, even while I thought I was supporting mothers and babies to do it.

By Gabrielle Palmer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Politics of Breastfeeding as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As revealing as "Freakonomics", shocking as "Fast Food Nation" and thought provoking as "No Logo", "The Politics of Breastfeeding" exposes infant feeding as one of the most important public health issues of our time. Every thirty seconds a baby dies from infections due to a lack of breastfeeding and the use of bottles, artificial milks and other risky products. In her powerful book Gabrielle Palmer describes how big business uses subtle techniques to pressure parents to use alternatives to breastmilk. The infant feeding product companies' thirst for profit systematically undermines mothers' confidence in their ability to breastfeed their babies. An…


Book cover of Breastfeeding and Medication

Gill Rapley Author Of Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide

From my list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding.

Why am I passionate about this?

I got hooked on breastfeeding when, during my health visitor training, our class had a lecture from Drs. Penny and Andrew Stanway, who wrote the original Breast is Best. I breastfed my own children, became a breastfeeding counsellor and lactation consultant (IBCLC), and championed breastfeeding as a health visitor and midwife. I then worked for 14 years with the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, teaching and supporting healthcare staff to improve standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Throughout, I gained a huge respect for babies’ abilities in relation to breastfeeding. This directly influenced my belief in their capacity to continue feeding themselves when they start solid food, which is my current focus.

Gill's book list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding

Gill Rapley Why did Gill love this book?

Sadly, one of the many obstacles to breastfeeding lies within the healthcare system. For too long, education about how breastfeeding works has been severely lacking in the training of doctors, pharmacists, and a host of other disciplines. The result is that time and again, women who seek help – often for conditions unrelated to lactation – are given advice or care that fails to take into account their feeding choices, Many are told that they must stop breastfeeding in order for either them or their baby to receive treatment. As a pharmacist and breastfeeding counsellor, who, for years, ran the UK’s Drugs in Breastmilk helpline virtually single-handed, Wendy’s knowledge in this area is second to none. In the hands of health professionals, this book has the power to bring about huge change.

By Wendy Jones,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Breastfeeding and Medication as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sadly, women often feel they have no alternative but to give up breastfeeding, having been prescribed or purchased medication. In many cases, however, this is unnecessary. This book outlines the evidence base for the use of medication during breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and Medication presents a comprehensive A to Z guide to the most frequently prescribed drugs and their safety for breastfeeding mothers. Evaluating the evidence for interventions and using a simple format for quickly identifying medications that are safe or unsafe to use, it also highlights those drugs where there is inconclusive evidence. Additional contextual information makes this the most complete…


Book cover of The Breast Book: A puberty guide with a difference - it's the when, why and how of breasts

Gill Rapley Author Of Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide

From my list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding.

Why am I passionate about this?

I got hooked on breastfeeding when, during my health visitor training, our class had a lecture from Drs. Penny and Andrew Stanway, who wrote the original Breast is Best. I breastfed my own children, became a breastfeeding counsellor and lactation consultant (IBCLC), and championed breastfeeding as a health visitor and midwife. I then worked for 14 years with the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, teaching and supporting healthcare staff to improve standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Throughout, I gained a huge respect for babies’ abilities in relation to breastfeeding. This directly influenced my belief in their capacity to continue feeding themselves when they start solid food, which is my current focus.

Gill's book list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding

Gill Rapley Why did Gill love this book?

Whoever said ignorance is bliss was lying! Ignorance about one’s body is a massive obstacle to breastfeeding. As a newly qualified breastfeeding counsellor I remember being amazed at how many women become mothers without really knowing anything about how their breasts work. But why would they? In formal lessons about ‘growing up’, breasts are hardly mentioned (beyond the fact that they will appear at some point) – almost nothing about how they function, and even less about what they’re for. And, of course, most children in the UK never get to see breastfeeding in action. Emma’s book is the antidote to all that ignorance. It’s the book I wish I – and my daughter – had had, aged ten. I’m so glad it’s there for my granddaughter.

By Emma Pickett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Breast Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When breasts first start to grow, no one talks about it. There aren't any greetings cards that say, 'Woo Hoo! Your breasts are developing!' but you get a birthday card when you are ten and that's just about planet Earth going around the Sun ten times.
Why don't we say, "Woo Hoo!"? Because we live in a society where we often get uncomfortable and look at the floor when it comes to talking about breasts. They seem to be important in lots of ways but then there are these confusing rules that say when we're allowed to notice them and…


Book cover of The Big Letdown

Gill Rapley Author Of Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide

From my list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding.

Why am I passionate about this?

I got hooked on breastfeeding when, during my health visitor training, our class had a lecture from Drs. Penny and Andrew Stanway, who wrote the original Breast is Best. I breastfed my own children, became a breastfeeding counsellor and lactation consultant (IBCLC), and championed breastfeeding as a health visitor and midwife. I then worked for 14 years with the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, teaching and supporting healthcare staff to improve standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Throughout, I gained a huge respect for babies’ abilities in relation to breastfeeding. This directly influenced my belief in their capacity to continue feeding themselves when they start solid food, which is my current focus.

Gill's book list on western society’s obstacles to breastfeeding

Gill Rapley Why did Gill love this book?

Kimberly writes from personal experience and from the heart. She pulls no punches. Her book covers a lot of the obstacles you’d expect – societal attitudes to breastfeeding, the formula industry, and so on – but it’s her chapter on ‘the feminist fallacy’ that really spoke to me. I’ve always been baffled by the lack of support that feminist writers have shown for breastfeeding. They talk about it as a chore, as a restriction on women’s freedom, not as something amazing that a woman’s body can do. Kimberly challenges this thinking head on, fearlessly exposing the flawed thinking that has, in the name of equality, blindly followed an agenda set by men, with the result that motherhood is devalued and breastfeeding is framed as simply an issue of ‘choice’. Her conviction provides me with the hope that we can reverse this. Brilliant.

By Kimberly Seals Allers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Big Letdown as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Breastfeeding. The mere mention of it has many mothers wracked with anxiety (how will I manage with work, other kids, what if I don't make enough milk?) or guilt about not doing it (will I be hurting my child ifl choose not to breastfeed? what will people think of me if I choose not to?). This hot-button issue is one we've talked about repeatedly in the media and in celebrity culture. Remember when Angelina Jolie posed for the cover of W nursing her new-born? Oh, the controversy! And when Barbara Walters complained about the woman breastfeeding next to her on…


Book cover of Your Baby's First Year

Sherry Ellis Author Of That Mama Is a Grouch

From my list on for new parents in that crazy first year.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was a young mom, I had questions:  Why won’t my baby sleep? Are all these hiccups normal? Am I doing the best I can for my child? I wanted answers. So, I read lots of books and learned as much as I could. While no book can give you all the answers for your unique child, reading some good ones can take some of the mystery out of parenting.

Sherry's book list on for new parents in that crazy first year

Sherry Ellis Why did Sherry love this book?

This book is the encyclopedia of baby care. It has it all, from guidelines for newborn care, to safety checks, to tips for choosing childcare programs. The first half covers stages of development, and the second is organized by topic. It’s super-easy to check the index for what you want and then flip to the page. Sure, you can consult Dr. Google about these things, but it’s so handy to just pull the book off the shelf and start reading. I consider it a comprehensive, up-to-date, indispensable guide for new parents. 

By American Academy of Pediatrics,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Your Baby's First Year as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The guide to every aspect of infant care that’s most recommended by pediatricians and trusted by parents, with over four million copies sold—now in a completely revised and updated fifth edition!

From the American Academy of Pediatrics, the nation’s most authoritativename in childcare, comes the definitive all-in-one resource Your Baby’s First Year. Featuring new and expanded content, including the latest reports on cutting-edge research into early brain development, the fully illustrated fifth edition of Your Baby’s First Year includes 

• Guidelines for prenatal and newborn care, with spotlights on maternal nutrition, exercise, and screening tests during pregnancy
• Milestones for…


Book cover of Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter

Emma Pickett Author Of Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: A Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents

From my list on books for lactation consultants.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a lactation consultant and a breastfeeding counsellor for nearly 20 years, ever since my own two breastfeeding journeys. I never stop learning in this job. It’s a professional requirement but, luckily, also an addiction I enjoy. I fully identify as a lactation nerd. I’m the author of 4 books that span the world of breasts and a podcaster. As an ex-teacher, I’m passionate about education and communication. When I can support a parent to reach their goals and feed their child for as long as they want to, it’s a magic feeling and it never gets old. I feel honoured to be doing the work I do.

Emma's book list on books for lactation consultants

Emma Pickett Why did Emma love this book?

I meet women who had babies decades ago and are still in tears now when they try and talk about their attempts to breastfeed. Breastfeeding matters so much to the families we work with and when it doesn’t work out, it can be heart-breaking.

This book reminds me why my work matters. It also reminds me why governments, health districts, and health professionals need to care about breastfeeding, too – and make sure support is funded. It’s a book that motivates me to get up in the morning and open my inbox.

By Amy Brown,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A startlingly large number of women who want to breastfeed have to stop before they are ready, leaving them feeling a range of negative emotions, including grief, anger, guilt, shame and frustration, and often blaming themselves. But in a society that places little value on breastfeeding and mothers' feelings, their painful stories are often swept under the carpet to the detriment of women's mental health and experience of new motherhood.

Professor Amy Brown has researched what breastfeeding really means to women, how they can feel when things don't go according to plan and importantly, how we can change things for…


Book cover of Drops of Nurture: True Stories of Love, Resilience and Community

Emma Pickett Author Of Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: A Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents

From my list on books for lactation consultants.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a lactation consultant and a breastfeeding counsellor for nearly 20 years, ever since my own two breastfeeding journeys. I never stop learning in this job. It’s a professional requirement but, luckily, also an addiction I enjoy. I fully identify as a lactation nerd. I’m the author of 4 books that span the world of breasts and a podcaster. As an ex-teacher, I’m passionate about education and communication. When I can support a parent to reach their goals and feed their child for as long as they want to, it’s a magic feeling and it never gets old. I feel honoured to be doing the work I do.

Emma's book list on books for lactation consultants

Emma Pickett Why did Emma love this book?

As a middle-class white lady from London, I have to work extra hard to make sure I hear the voices of mothers who are not like me. Listening to stories from different cultures and hearing about diverse experiences is important for my work. This book is filled with stories from mothers from Indian and South Asian backgrounds.

It doesn’t pretend that breastfeeding is all rose petals and butterflies. These mothers have gone through some tough challenges and have not always had the support they needed. I love that it’s a book about women being strong and why breastfeeding matters to them.

By Dilraz Kunnummal (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Drops of Nurture as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As natural as it may seem, breastfeeding rarely comes easy. It is a process that needs to be learned. It is a journey in which one can easily feel overwhelmed and ready to give up. It can also be a lonely journey, full of self-doubt and often accompanied by guilt. But with the right knowledge and support, it can be truly fulfilling.

'Drops of Nurture' is an anthology of 30 heart-warming breastfeeding stories - incredible stories of strength, commitment and resilience from some amazing mothers to let breastfeeding mothers know that they are not alone in this journey. That whatever…


Book cover of Breastfeeding…Naturally

Koa Lou Whittingham Author Of Becoming Mum

From my list on for new and expectant mothers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a clinical and developmental psychologist, a parenting researcher at the University of Queensland, and a mother. My research is focused on applying and commitment therapy (ACT) to parenting including the parenting of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. I wrote Becoming Mum while becoming a mother for the first time. In fact, much of the book was written while I cuddled my new baby, my laptop propped up on my knees so I could write! I am also the first author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy the Clinician’s Guide to Supporting Parents. It is the first clinical manual on using ACT with parents.

Koa's book list on for new and expectant mothers

Koa Lou Whittingham Why did Koa love this book?

If you are intending to breastfeed, then it is important to pick up a book on breastfeeding. Don’t make the mistake of being so focused on pregnancy and birth that you forget about lactation. There are several good options for breastfeeding books. As an Australian mother, I turned to the Australian Breastfeeding Association and I made sure I read Breastfeeding…Naturally. It gave me the knowledge I needed to know.

Book cover of Breastfeeding the Brave

Emma Pickett Author Of Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: A Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents

From my list on books for lactation consultants.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a lactation consultant and a breastfeeding counsellor for nearly 20 years, ever since my own two breastfeeding journeys. I never stop learning in this job. It’s a professional requirement but, luckily, also an addiction I enjoy. I fully identify as a lactation nerd. I’m the author of 4 books that span the world of breasts and a podcaster. As an ex-teacher, I’m passionate about education and communication. When I can support a parent to reach their goals and feed their child for as long as they want to, it’s a magic feeling and it never gets old. I feel honoured to be doing the work I do.

Emma's book list on books for lactation consultants

Emma Pickett Why did Emma love this book?

I’m not from a medical background, so I have to work harder to understand how to support babies and children with complex health needs. This book is great at taking me into that world and explaining why breastfeeding matters and why these families need my help. It also has quiz questions to check understanding, and I love the paintings by artist Leanne Pearce. 

By Lyndsey Hookway,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Breastfeeding the Brave as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

High quality support plays a vital role in protecting breastfeeding and there are clear policies and training in the maternity and neonatal settings. But what happens when support is needed for infants and children in the separate paediatric setting where training and support lags behind?

Breastfeeding the Brave addresses this under-researched area, highlighting the needs and challenges of medically complex infants and children in paediatrics. Aspects of care related to sleep and bedsharing in hospital, responsive parenting and maternal mental health are also discussed. Drawing on novel research it explores the difficulties of feeding children with both common as well…


Book cover of I Don't Know How She Does It: A Comedy about Failure, a Tragedy about Success

Kendra Smith Author Of Everything Has Changed

From my list on family drama and romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been writing about motherhood, family, love, loss, and finding yourself for over fifteen years. I have been a journalist, wife, mother-of-three-boys (yes, that’s one word), aerobics teacher, puppy wrestler, and novelist. Being a novelist is by far the hardest job but it’s the most rewarding. (OK, boys, no – motherhood is really.) I enjoy reading stories about family, love, and relationships in all their guises, good, bad, and messy, just like life – and I’m keen to write stories that readers will remember too. My latest book is about two sisters who, after a car crash, are affected differently, yet both are on a journey for the truth. 

Kendra's book list on family drama and romance

Kendra Smith Why did Kendra love this book?

If there was ever a book that inspired me to write, it’s this!

Pearson captures the push-pull of motherhood and trying to have a career and the fragile relationship with Kate Reddy and her husband so well.

This book ‘talked’ to me as a mother and journalist and was one of the most ‘real’ books I’d ever read about family dynamics and having young children.

Kate Reddy is a fund manager and a mother of two who is trying to survive in a man’s world. Only she’s a woman! Loved it.

By Allison Pearson,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked I Don't Know How She Does It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

The prequel to How Hard Can It Be?

Meet Kate Reddy, fund manager and mother of two. Always time-poor, Kate counts seconds like other women count calories. Factor in a manipulative nanny, an Australian boss who looks at Kate's breasts as if they're on special offer, a long-suffering husband, her quietly aghast in-laws, two needy children and an email lover, and you have a woman juggling so many balls that some day something's going to hit the ground.

In an uproariously funny and achingly sad novel, Allison Pearson brilliantly dramatises the dilemma of working motherhood at the…


Book cover of The Politics of Breastfeeding: When Breasts are Bad for Business
Book cover of Breastfeeding and Medication
Book cover of The Breast Book: A puberty guide with a difference - it's the when, why and how of breasts

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,417

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in breastfeeding, physiology, and society?

Breastfeeding 23 books
Physiology 88 books
Society 31 books