2 23 Prose Award Finalist

Breastfeeding Doesn amp rsquo t Need to Suck shows mothers how to navigate their breastfeeding journey while also caring for their mental health. 

Breastfeeding Doesn amp rsquo t Need to Suck contains information that you will not find in other breastfeeding books, such as a thorough discussion of breastfeeding amp rsquo s impact on sleep, safe (and unsafe) bedsharing, and how where babies sleep impacts their mothers amp rsquo mental health. 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.

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 amp rsquo s not true these issues will still be there even if mothers stop breastfeeding.  These are the five amp ldquo I amp rdquo 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.

Breastfeeding Doesn amp rsquo t Need to Suck provides information on common breastfeeding problems, such as nipple pain and low milk supply, while also keeping mothers amp rsquo mental health in mind. Breastfeeding, when it amp rsquo s going well, protects mothers amp rsquo mental health. Conversely, breastfeeding problems increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is both a psychologist and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, with more than 3 years amp rsquo experience in both lactation and mental health. Breastfeeding Doesn amp rsquo t Need to Suck is an evidence-based guide full of practical advice with the goal of helping mothers and babies navigate postpartum and come through it happy, healthy, and securely attached.