Read More, Consult Better: The Secret Weapon for Your 2026 Practice
As we settle into the rhythm of 2026, many of us are looking for ways to deepen our clinical expertise and refresh our approach to care. While hands-on experience is our greatest teacher, there is a unique kind of clinical magic that happens when we dive into the latest literature.
This year, we are inviting you to join us in a collective resolution: Read more, Grow more.
Whether you are a seasoned SACLC or just starting your journey, the landscape of lactation is shifting rapidly. From new insights into the infant microbiome to evolving understandings of medicine in lactation, there is always a new layer of knowledge to peel back.
It is easy to fall into a routine of using the same three suggestions for every latch issue. Dedicated reading helps us:
Combat Compassion Fatigue: Connecting with the "why" behind our work reignites our passion.
Stay Evidence-Based: The science moves fast and staying current ensures our advice is safe and effective.
Refine Your Soft Skills: Books on communication and empathy are just as vital as books on anatomy.
"The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice." — Brian Herbert
We know how busy your schedule is. Between home visits and hospital shifts, finding time to read a whole textbook feels impossible. That is why we have included links to lactation-related books that can benefit your practice and deepen your understanding of breastfeeding.
Ready to turn the page on your professional development?
A list of recommended books involving lactation and birth for parents and professionals:
Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher, Kathleen Kendall-Tackett and Jack Newman is available as an audiobook, kindle edition and paperback book.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International which is more challenging to find.
The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill is available as a paperback book, audiobook and kindle edition.
Expecting Better by Emily Oster is available as a paperback book, kindle edition and audiobook.
Textbooks we recommend to professionals, seasoned SACLCs and new SACLC students:
Breastfeeding and Human Lactation 7th Edition by Karen Wambach and Becky Spencer available as a hardcover book and kindle edition.
Interdisciplinary Lactation Care 2nd Edition as edited by Becky Spencer, Suzanne Hetzel Campbell and Kristina Chamberlain available as a paperback book and kindle edition.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Tuberculosis Treatment
As lactation consultants we are often the first professionals to notice when breast conditions need further examination and referral to another health care professional. A recent book chapter published by one of our own SACLCs, Dr. Daniélle van Staden, provides an overview of tuberculous mastitis and female genital tract tuberculosis.
This chapter highlights:
1. The cyclical nature of female hormones significantly alters how the body processes medication as pharmacological drug activity can fluctuates due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Hence, this chapter advocates for personalized drug delivery systems that sync with a woman’s unique physiology.
2. Identifying The Great Mimicker. The chapter dives deep into two challenging forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB):
Breast tuberculosis: A rare form of EPTB that often presents as a "cold abscess" or chronic inflammatory mass.
Female genital tract tuberculosis: The second most common EPTB manifestation, which can have long-term impact on future fertility.
3. Targeted drug delivery: Instead of aggressive systemic treatments that disrupt breastfeeding journeys, the research explores tailored therapies. These advances aim to deliver anti-tubercular medication directly to the site of infection to improve efficacy and minimize side effects which can be considered the ultimate goal during dosage form development for lactating women.
While still considered exploratory research, this chapter provides an overview of the clinical presentations of female forms of EPTB which can sharpen your eye to refer patients when any of these signs or symptoms are observed during a consultation.
Follow this link if you would like to read the open-access book chapter published by IntechOpen in the book titled “Developments in Tuberculosis Research and Treatment” as edited by Dr. Karolina Witt from University of Oxford.
The 2026 Upgrade to Simplify Meal Times
As a lactation consultant or parent, you know that the "fourth trimester" and beyond is a marathon of nutrition. When parents start looking past the breast toward that first spoonful, they often feel a mix of excitement and label-reading anxiety.
Nummies was created by a mom who refused to choose between convenience and nutrition. Think of it as a continuation of the nourishment provided through breastfeeding: by providing nutrient-dense meals harboring honest ingredients. No preservatives, no added sugars or salt. Just real food for parents that are looking for a stress-free way to introduce solids without compromising on quality, Nummies’ versatile menu is the simplified next step. Made fresh, delivered frozen. Thank you to Nummies for sponsoring our monthly newsletter.
