Book Review: Spanish for Breastfeeding Support

**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review, just got a review copy.

Where to begin with this amazing resource? Spanish for Breastfeeding Support by Diana Glick, M.A., and Tanya Lieberman, IBCLC, is one of the most impressive books I've ever come across in my capacity as a peer breastfeeding counselor -- or as a student of Spanish. For the record, I got a perfect score on my high school AP Spanish exam. Unfortunately, my speech skills didn't match my listening and writing skills, and I found myself sorely outclassed when I got to college and my class was full of native speakers.

If only I'd had this book. Maybe the other students would have thought me a little bit obsessed with calostro and areolas, but maybe they thought that anyway. From a Spanish language standpoint, this book is excellent; you begin with basics such as numbers, articles, gender of words, and a few key glossary terms, and then move on to conjugation and common phrases. Which in this case, instead of the vacationer's guidebook staple "¿Dónde está el baño?" would be "El bebé debe estar 'nariz contra el pezón.'" By the end of the book you're ready for dialogue, both listening and speaking.

The written material is thorough enough that, even as a rank beginner, you'd be able to get through a basic breastfeeding-related conversation. But there's a lovely surprise in the back of the book, and that's two CDs -- every chapter is covered! There's no substitute for hearing a language, and the authors thought of that. Audio files are also available online. Check around their website, too -- you'll get an idea of what the book is like.

If you work with breastfeeding mothers who speak Spanish and need to brush up on your language skills, this book is an invaluable resource. I can't recommend it highly enough -- except to tell you that usually I give away review copies, and this one is staying right here on my bookshelf.

Comments

[birdie]

i'm also a "peer breastfeeding counselor" and this looks like something i should try to get for our group's library. thanks for the review!

[Jo]

heh heh. we're all circumspect, birdie!

[SarcastiCarrie]

How does one get to be a peer breastfeeding counselor (or support person)?
I loves to get me into someone else's bidness and I was a working-pumping mom, so I'm always butting in telling people they can so nurse and go back to work and even if pumping doesn't work for you, you can nurse until you go back to work or nurse in the evenings once you're back and I'm like a record stuck on BOOBS all the time.

[Jo]

SarcastiCarrie, the public answer is check around with whatever local places offer breastfeeding support. The big one is La Leche League, but sometimes local hospitals or midwifery practices will offer peer support. Also WIC in some cities will train peer breastfeeding counselors.

I'mma email you privately, too.

[Jo]

Except I can't email you! So you email me!

[Toni Hill]

I have to order a copy of this today. I am a WIC lactation specialist, a La Leche League leader and a doula. I have been struggling with cheat cards I made up while completing only the first level of rosetta stone. This seems to be a great resource. I can't wait to get it in my hands.