Product Overview
Selected for the National Library of Medicine's book club August 2022
Praise for Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck
"The book is a treasure trove of useful information, addressing a variety of ways to find breastfeeding support, resolving the myriad problems that may arise, and even discussing the effect of sexual abuse and PTSD on the mother-baby relationship. This is an excellent, non-judgmental book for any mother who is trying to decide on how to feed her baby, exclusively breastfeeding, mixed feeding, or bottle feeding."
—Cheryl K. Smith, Managing Editor, Midwifery Today
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck is a unique breastfeeding book in that it shows mothers how to navigate their breastfeeding journey while also caring for their mental health. Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is both a psychologist and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, with more than 30 years’ experience in both lactation and mental health. Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck contains information that you will not find in other breastfeeding book, such as a thorough discussion of breastfeeding’s impact on sleep, safe (and unsafe) bedsharing, and how where babies sleep impacts their mothers’ mental health.
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck also includes an in-depth and practical discussion of social support. Most breastfeeding books tell mothers they need “support,” but are often vague about what it is or how they can get it. Unfortunately, people often try to “help,” but undermine breastfeeding in the process. This book describes what effective help looks like and gives specific suggestions for partners, grandmothers, and friends who want to help. Mothers will also learn how to navigate healthcare systems that can often undermine breastfeeding and mental health.
Let’s face it; postpartum is hard, no matter how you feed your baby. Yet formula companies tell mothers that all of their problems will be solved if only they would switch. It’s not true; these issues will still be there even if mothers stop breastfeeding. These are the “five I’s of new motherhood”: idleness, isolation, incompetence, identity, and intensity. If mothers are unprepared for these feelings, they can undermine both her breastfeeding and her mental health.
Finally, Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck provides information on common breastfeeding problems, such as nipple pain and low milk supply, but always keeping mothers’ mental health in mind. Breastfeeding, when it’s going well, protects mothers’ mental health. Conversely, breastfeeding problems increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Addressing breastfeeding problems supports mothers’ mental health. The ultimate goal of this book is that mothers and babies navigate postpartum and come through it happy, healthy, and securely attached.
Dr. Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Praeclarus Press, a small press specializing in women's health. Dr. Kendall-Tackett is Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Psychological Trauma and was Founding Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Lactation, a position she held for 11 years. She is Fellow of the American Psychological Association in Health and Trauma Psychology, Past President of the APA Division of Trauma Psychology, and a member of APA’s Publications and Communications Board.
Author: Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Copyright: 2022
ISBN:978-1-4338-3384-7
Total Pages: 354
Paperback
