Breastfeeding: New Anthropological Approaches unites sociocultural, biological, and archaeological anthropological scholarship to spark new conversations and research about breastfeeding. While breastfeeding has become the subject of intense debate in many settings, anthropological perspectives have played a limited role in these conversations. The present volume seeks to broaden discussions around breastfeeding by showcasing fresh insights gleaned from an array of theoretical and methodological approaches, which are grounded in the close study of people across the globe.
Drawing on case studies and analyses of key issues in the field, the book highlights the power of anthropological research to illuminate the evolutionary, historical, biological, and sociocultural context of the complex, lived experience of breastfeeding. By bringing together researchers across three anthropological subfields, the volume seeks to produce transformative knowledge about human lactation, breastfeeding, and human milk.
This book is a key resource for scholars of medical and biological anthropology, evolutionary biology, bioarchaeology, sociocultural anthropology, and human development. Lactation professionals and peer supporters, midwives, and others who support infant feeding will find the book an essential read.
Drawing on case studies and analyses of key issues in the field, the book highlights the power of anthropological research to illuminate the evolutionary, historical, biological, and cultural context of the complex, lived experience of breastfeeding. The volume seeks to stimulate intellectual exchange and new thinking about breastfeeding in order to produce transformative knowledge about human lactation, breastfeeding, and human milk.
Key reading for scholars of medical and biological anthropology, evolutionary biology, and social and cultural anthropology and practitioners (including midwives and lactation consultants) who must fulfil an anthropology requirement as part of their training.
"Truly everything one could ever want to know about anthropological approaches to breastfeeding in the early 21st century, this volume includes cutting-edge research with multiple views from biological and sociocultural anthropologists and bioarchaeologists. It moves the discussion far beyond 'breast is best' and 'it's only natural' and represents the very best of contemporary biocultural perspectives in anthropology. A 'must read' for health care providers, breastfeeding activists, policy makers, and everyone concerned about maternal and infant health." - Wenda Trevathan, New Mexico State University, USA
"This compelling, challenging and illuminating book brings together cutting-edge research from the sub-fields of biological, bioarchaeological, and sociocultural anthropology, focusing upon human lactation, breastfeeding and breastmilk sharing. The integration of biological and sociocultural perspectives not only enhances our understanding but also provides ways forward for improving policy and practice in the field of breastfeeding." - Fiona Dykes, University of Central Lancashire, UK
"Breastfeeding: New Anthropological Approaches provides a superbly-executed addition to research which should merit a place in the library of any scholar interested in the application of anthropological perspectives to understanding the dynamics of mother infant relationships."- Ellen Kendall in Childhood in the Past
