Book Review: The Milk Memos

I just finished reading The Milk Memos: How Real Moms Learned to Mix Business With Babies--And How You Can, Too by Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette. I wish I had read this book before I returned to work from maternity leave, but fortunately, I had plenty of support from my partner and co-workers, one of which just finished nursing her daughter and pumped at work as well. There is lots of good advice in this book, from how to survive the first week back, finding a private place and time to pump at work, and even all the way to discussing weaning. The book is based on notebook entries that were started at IBM by women pumping milk in their lactation room. The book has notebook entries interspersed with real advice and facts. The authors are non-biased with regards to how long a woman chooses to pump and nurse and whether or not they switch or supplement with formula. There are also anecdotes about forgetting pump parts and leaking milk. But what touched me the most was realizing that I'm not alone in feeling torn about returning to work and still being a mommy as much as I can. There is good advice about how to handle it and keep your sanity. I recommend this book and rate it 9 out of 10.