This book is about the progress the United States health care system has made towards reclaiming breastfeeding as the normal way to feed babies and young children.

Breastfeeding. The mere mention of it has many mothers wracked with anxiety (how will I manage with work, other kids, what if I don't make enough milk?) or guilt about not doing it (will I be hurting my child if I choose not to breastfeed? what will people think of me if I choose not to?). This hot-button issue is one we've talked about repeatedly in the media and in celebrity culture. Remember when Angelina Jolie posed for the cover of W nursing her newborn? Oh, the controversy! And when Barbara Walters complained about the woman breastfeeding next to her on a plane? She was forced to issue a public apology. Or what about when supermodel Gisele Bunchen declared that there should be worldwide law that mothers be required to breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life? All hell broke loose. This topic gets people riled up, and there has never been a narrative account that explores the breastfeeding big picture for parents and their children in today's world. THE BIG LETDOWN by author, journalist, and breastfeeding advocate Kimberly Seals Allers will change that for the better and open up a candid conversation about the cultural, sociological, and economic forces that shape the breastfeeding culture and how it undermines women in the process.

Now in its Third Edition, this text has been updated to reflect new knowledge in the physiology of breastfeeding, milk supply, positioning, the management of breastfeeding, and the role of the lactation consultant. The text is divided into 5 sections that cover the sociocultural context of infant feeding; anatomy and biological imperatives; the prenatal; perinatal and postnatal periods; beyond postpartum; and contemporary issues.

With a consultative framework, this text presents illustrative case studies to increase the practitioner's knowledge about managing complex breastfeeding cases.

This book centers on the role of media in shaping public perceptions of breastfeeding. Drawing from magazines, doctors’ office materials, parenting books, television, websites, and other media outlets, Katherine A. Foss explores how historical and contemporary media often undermine breastfeeding efforts with formula marketing and narrow portrayals of nursing women and their experiences. Foss argues that the media’s messages play an integral role in setting the standard of public knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding, as she traces shifting public perceptions of breastfeeding and their corresponding media constructions from the development of commercial formula through contemporary times. This analysis demonstrates how attributions of blame have negatively impacted public health approaches to breastfeeding, thus confronting the misperception that breastfeeding, and the failure to breastfeed, rests solely on the responsibility of an individual mother.

Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Fifth Edition continues as the leading reference for the latest clinical techniques and research findings that direct evidence-based clinical practice for lactation consultants and specialists. Now in its Fifth Edition, it contains a clear clinical focus with more than 2,000 research studies supporting the clinical recommendations found in the text. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and revised with current research, references, and photos. To make studying and learning easier, each chapter includes key concepts, Internet resources, and evidence-based tables and boxes. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Fifth Edition is also an excellent resource to prepare for certification and practice as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Breastfeeding A-Z: Terminology and Telephone Triage, Second Edition provides lactation consultants, nurses, physicians, and nutritionists with evidence-based information on breastfeeding issues that may present as telephone calls. Completely updated and revised with new health policy information, this new edition covers the triage guides for common problems such as breast pain, engorgement, and concerns about milk supply. Also included is an encyclopedia of terms relevant to breastfeeding in both plain language and in medical terminology. Important words direct further questions and help readers clarify the situation and decide the appropriate urgency and disposition of the case. Breastfeeding A-Z: Terminology and Telephone Triage, Second Edition is ideal for new and experienced clinicians.