You’ve probably heard that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, and it’s true, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some kind of handbook? Not an overwhelming textbook of fine-print medical jargon or an earth-mother manifesto—just a friendly, frank, even funny, guide to the pros and cons, ups and downs, and ins and outs of nursing, written by someone who’s been there and has loads of practical advice and honest information to share. Enter: Mama Knows Breast, written by journalist and mother of two, Andi Silverman.

Puns aside, this little guide has a pretty great sense of humor, and it manages to cover a wide variety of topics and answer really compelling questions with an easy, light-reading style that will keep even sleep-deprived new mommies turning its pages. Hip illustrations by Cindy Luu complete the package to make this one you’ll want to pass on to girlfriends (or save on your shelf for your next adventure in nursing). Here’s a sample, from Chapter 1:

The 10 Best Things About Breastfeeding

1) Breastfeeding is good for your baby’s health. It’s full of antibodies and nutrients. Research shows that breastfeeding can protect a baby from a range of infectious illnesses and diseases.

2) Breastfeeding is good for your health. It helps you lose weight and can reduce the risk of Type II diabetes, ovarian and breast cancers, and possibly osteoporosis.

3) Breastfeeding gives you time to bond with your baby. Isn’t it pretty cool that you can nourish another human being with your own body?

4) You can feed your baby anywhere, anytime. You can go to a restaurant or on a plane without having to remember to pack bottles and formula.

5) You don’t have to prepare a bottle. When the little guy is hungry, all you have to say is, “One boob, coming right up!” and the crying stops.

6) You don’t have to clean or sterilize bottles. Who wants to add to the mess piling up in the kitchen sink?

7) You might not get your period for a while. But be careful—breastfeeding is not perfect birth control.

8) Breastfeeding costs a lot less than formula. By some rough estimates, formula can cost as much as $3,000 per year.

9) Breastfeeding is good for the environment. If you use formula, you’ll be sending bottles, nipples and empty formula cans to a landfill. Plus, manufacturing and transporting formula require fuel.

10) You’ll still have that big-boobed maternal glow.

This excerpt reprinted with the permission of Andi Silverman and Quirk Books. Copyright © 2007 Quirk Productions, Inc.