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 after birth, 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. Plus: how to deal with social media as a new parent.
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
Buy the book and start reading
Caoimhe Whelan is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) working in private practice in Dublin, Ireland. Prior to qualifying as an IBCLC, she was a voluntary breastfeeding supporter with Cuidiu (the Irish equivalent of the National Childbirth Trust) for eight years. In her 15+ years of volunteering and working in private practice, Caoimhe has always been passionate about providing individualised support to parents and helping them to have an experience of breastfeeding or lactation that they are happy with.
Caoimhe is particularly interested in women's and parents' lived experiences of breastfeeding and transitioning to motherhood. In 2023, she graduated from University College Dublin with an MSc. in research. She studied women's experiences of breastfeeding with primary low milk supply and her findings were published in Breastfeeding Medicine and International Breastfeeding Journal. Caoimhe is an accomplished speaker and has presented at many national and national breastfeeding conferences, including the International Lactation Consultant Association conference, GOLD Lactation, iLactation, The New Zealand Lactation Consultant Association conference, and the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain conference.
Lauren Rebbeck is an illustrator, author and mother, with years of experience creating artwork for lactation specialists, NHS maternity trusts, midwifery journals, independent midwives and maternity co-operatives. Lauren creates relatable imagery to bridge the gap between maternity service and parents: using her illustrations to showcase the inspiring skills and compassion of midwives and birth workers, whilst acknowledging the transformative highs, lows and challenges of new parents. An advocate for inclusion, equity and representation, Lauren strives to depict under-represented or marginalised communities within her illustrations. Lauren’s work depicts the ideals of safe birth and postnatal care for all.
