Practical Breastfeeding: An Illustrated Guide For Parents by Caoimhe Whelan

Your complete guide to breastfeeding your baby. Recommended by professionals

'An absolutely fabulous book' Cathy Monaghan, senior paediatric dietitian

'A much-needed resource for parents' Sheena Byrom, OBE, midwife

Practical Breastfeeding is the calm, evidence-based companion new parents need for the first weeks and beyond.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Caoimhe Whelan guides you step-by-step through latch and positioning, the golden hours, cluster feeding, pumping, mastitis and blocked ducts, low milk supply, mental health, safe sleep, and gentle weaning—beautifully illustrated by Lauren Rebbeck for instant “I can do that” clarity.

She answers key questions such as how to latch, how often to feed a newborn, whether you can drink alcohol and what is best to eat to produce breastmilk.

Inside you’ll find:
• Clear, picture-led instructions for latch, holds and troubleshooting
• Day-by-day expectations for the first week
• Relief strategies for sore nipples, engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis
• Pumping plans and return-to-work logistics
• Low-supply pathways
• Postpartum mental health support (baby blues, anxiety, intrusive thoughts)
• Safe-sleep guidance that protects attachment and milk supply
• Special circumstances: prematurity, tongue-tie, reflux, jaundice, medication safety
• Gentle weaning plans—partial or complete—with scripts and checklists

Warm, non-judgemental and practical, this book helps you sleep more, stress less and feed your baby with confidence—whatever your starting point, birth story or goals.

Perfect for: New mothers and partners, baby-care gift lists, antenatal classes, postnatal teams, health visitors, IBCLCs and peer supporters.

Expert help

Caoimhe Whelan is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) working in private practice in Dublin, Ireland.

Prior to qualifying, she was a voluntary breastfeeding supporter with Cuidiu, the Irish equivalent of the National Childbirth Trust, for eight years. In her 15-plus years of volunteering and working in private practice, she has passionately supported parents through their own breastfeeding journeys.

Read the glowing reviews for this caring and expert book

'In a world saturated with conflicting advice and often unrealistic portrayals of early parenthood, Caoimhe Whelan offers a breath of fresh air: evidence-based, compassionate, and beautifully accessible guidance.’ Sheena Byrom, OBE, midwife, co-owner of All4Maternity and The Practising Midwife Journal

'My first thought when I saw this book was: “Wow, this is beautiful!” As a 36-year-old breastfeeding mother of two, I have never come across illustrations that reflected me and my life so honestly, capturing both the rawness and beauty of motherhood.' Tessa Clemson, Pregnancy and Mummy and Baby Yoga Instructor

'Beautifully laid out in easy-to-follow sections, and completely evidence-based without the dryness that can make books a hard read. I don't think I've seen a breastfeeding book this engaging before.' - Jan Eyde, IBCLC, Breastfeeding Norfolk

'This is an absolutely fabulous book. It covers everything and it is so wonderfully inclusive in every possible way. It has a beautiful uplifting feel about it and balances the benefits with the struggles so beautifully' – Cathy Monaghan, Senior Paediatric Dietitian

'This book is amazing! It explains everything so well. If you are looking for a book to buy as a gift or for yourself, that talks about everything to do with breastfeeding, then this is for you.' – Ciara Butler, IBCLC, Midwife, Nurse

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Practical Breastfeeding: An Illustrated Guide For Parents

by Caoimhe Whelan

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