Episode 114 Why is Breastfeeding so Hard?

Do you ever wonder why feeding babies from our own bodies is so hard? We are mammals, so when and how did it become challenging? Today, I take a dip into some evolutionary and anthropological research that helps answer these questions that are always top of mind for me as a breastfeeding mother and an IBCLC. On this episode you will hear:Evolutionary factors that influence breastfeedingSocietal factors that influence breastfeedingHow humans have evolved to make breastfeeding workChallenges that arise in other primates in terms of feeding their youngRecommendations made to policy makers, healthcare professionals and researchers based on the anthropological researchTo learn about modern influences that make breastfeeding challenging, purchase The Big Let Down How Medicine, Big Business and Feminism Undermine Breastfeeding from my Milk Making Minutes Bookshop here!To purchase other books about breastfeeding, birth, or parenting that I love and help support the show, go here. Resources: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-01914738 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8623900/Make your voice heard on The Milk Making Community Group on Facebook!Head to Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more Milk Making Minutes episodes!Listen to Episodes of The Milk Making Minutes on Amazon Music too!To book a lactation consultation with me, visit my website: www.quabbinbirthservices.com. In many cases I can bill your insurance, or create a superbill for you to submit for reimbursement. I offer virtual consults for clients outside of my service area! Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/lonigrosh_ibclc_podcast_host/ to laugh about baby feeding (so you don’t cry) and to see photos of guests. Follow me on TikTok to answer questions of the day and ponder systemic inequities together: htttps://www.tiktok.com/@lonigroshibclc Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lo-s-lactation-lab--5834691/support.