Breastfeeding in children's books: reflecting and shaping our values

Children's books reflect and reinforce our society's message that bottlefeeding is the normal way to feed human babies. Even books that include breastfeeding may unwittingly undermine their intended message of support. It is important for lactation consultants to be aware of and help to promote those books that show or describe breastfeeding in a positive light. No book is perfect, and no one book will fit all needs, but a number of helpful books that include breastfeeding are available today. We can help to bring them to the attention of parents and children and to encourage their use in libraries, schools, clinics, childbirth classes, and similar settings.