While breastfeeding is the natural way to feed an infant, ignorance of the mechanisms, societal pressures and lack of help often force mothers into bottlefeeding and the nurturing experience can become less happy and unfulfilling. There is, therefore a need for information that ensures infants are fed successfully via breast or bottle and in ways that enchance their relationships with their mothers (and fathers). The book covers the technical side of feeding and how to manage it even in special and more difficult situations, such as with twins and multiples, pre term babies and while travelling or working. As well as being advised on any safety and preparation issues, parents will be guided on responding to their baby's needs by learning to 'read' infant behaviour and adjusting feeds accordingly. This book covers: the latest information on breast and infant milks, help for parents in making the best decision about how to feed their baby, advice on managing feeding so that it is nurturing and emotionally satisfying whether from the breast or bottle, ways of overcoming difficulties plus feeding away from home and in special situations, information on reintroducing breastfeeding after formula feeding, insights into the experiences and emotions to do with feeding, how to respond to being pressurised or undetermined in one's feeding choice and how to cope with feelings about using forumla, and answers to a wide rang of parental concerns in its Q and A section.

Heather Welford, MSc is a writer, journalist, and editor, specialising in health topics, especially ones related to parenthood. She is the author of several books on infant and child care. In addition, she works for teh NCT as a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor and as a tutor training other mothers and healthcare professionals in breastfeeding support.