Breast Feeding Without Tears With Clare Byam-Cook (DVD 2004)

I decided to buy this product as I am a Probationary Breastfeeding Supporter, unfortunately this was not a good buy as it goes against everything we are taught, there may have been one or two facts which are correct but a lot of it was out dated material, new studies around breastfeeding have been proven to work.

This DVD is informative and well explained with 3 case studies at the end to show how it works in practice. Her demonstration of latching on seems straightforward and she explains a little about when you should feed your baby and roughly how long it should take. She also tells you ways to try and avoid the usual problems of sore and cracked nipples, mastitis, poor supply and why they occur.

Clare Byam-Cook is very matter of fact about breastfeeding in the case studies so be prepared - I have read other reviews which said she manhandled the women's breasts like pieces of meat and showed no respect to the babies. I do not agree with these views, I found her approach very 'matronly' - she takes no fussing from the baby and has a 'take charge' approach.

I have certainly found many aspects of it useful although I have not been able to give it a try yet as my baby has not been born. It has definately given me some confidence that I can breastfeed.

Although I am already 3 month into breastfeeding my babe, I fancied some more information. I felt there was lots of encouragement to breastfeed and lots of emphasis about the benefits of it but little guidance as you go along.
I thought it would be an easy thing to master, but nearly gave up. I wish I'd been recommended this D.V.D from the start and may have saved myself some pain and misery!
I am buying copies for two of my friends rather than baby clothes (which everyone else will buy!), in the hope that they choose to breastfeed and overcome any problems along the way.
I will also feedback to my anti-natal midwife so that if anyone in her groups ask for recommended reading...she can point them in the direction of this dvd.

I have found this DVD an absolute God-send. It was a bit much to take in all at once, so I watched it a couple of times over and would recommend anyone else to do the same - it's nice to reinforce the information which you have remembered, and surprising how much more you take in after viewing two or three times. (Especially when you want these tips to come as second nature rather than racking your brains for them at 2am!) Clare's approach is clear, friendly and not patronising, she inspires confidence (where there may be little or none) because her methods and explanations just make so much sense. I am very grateful to her and also to The Contented Little Baby Book, where I first heard about Clare Byam-Cook.

BUY IT!!! A must for all mums who want to breastfeed. Make time to watch it a few times before the babay arrives. I wish I had seen it before my 1st little boy but have breastfed 2 more since. Its fantastic!

I had such a difficult time feeding my first child, when I was pregnant with my second a friend lent this dvd to me. The advice is great, it makes it so much easier to understand how to breast feed your baby and helps you spot when you are going wrong. The second time was a breeze. I bought this for my pregnant sister in law, hoping that it will be first time lucky for her.

Brilliant - really helpful and I feel better prepared for breast feeding.
A friend recommended this DVD to me and I have to say I would now do the same.
It shows 'live' examples which makes it easier to understand than looking at a doll!

I just have to put it into practice!

a recommended dvd by midwives, available in book form also, but, trust in the fact that when baby arrives and breastfeeding is slowly losing its battle of your sanity this dvd is the best option. as with very little time to read because baby is stuck on your breast and your arms are full, your eyes and brain are tired, the dvd gives sanity back. watch and learn. dispell every thing anyone and his aunty are telling you and believe in what you see and are hearing, follow the principle and advice from clare byam - cook and it all makes perfect sense, reclaims control in yourself and your understanding that's needed so desperately, you'll be smiling again in no time, thanking clare and sighing pleasingly instead of crying.

Heard about this from a variety of sources, it is also recommended in some of the more popular books as a useful dvd to own.

Actual dvd seems easy to follow, is insightful and appears to cover a lot of ground in a gentle yet informative way. Clare Byam-Cook comes across as passionate about the subject and knowledgeable without leaving you to feel she is forcing her opinion on the viewer. She is at times quite dogmatic but overall very clear and practical.

The group session scenario feels a bit staged, but on the other hand one also feels part of this group of women being shown the to-do's and not-to-do's of breastfeeding.

Without having tested it in real life (yet) it's hard to tell whether the advice and guidance given actually works, and some of the messages contradict those of ante natal classes, midwives or reference books, but it certainly seems to help become more informed about one's choices and more confident and reassured about the things to come.