THE GOOD ENOUGH MOTHER PODCAST
Infant Feeding as a Social, Cultural, and Political Issue
October 26, 2020
EMPOWERED MOTHERING; MOTHERHOOD AT CHRISTMAS; MOTHERS AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON; MENTAL LABOUR, MATERNAL THINKING, EMOTIONAL LABOUR; GUILT, LIBERATED MOTHERING PRACTICES
with professor of maternal and child public health Professor Amy Brown
This conversation about breastfeeding may be unlike any you’ve heard so far. I speak with world-renowned breastfeeding expert Professor Amy Brown from Swansea University, who specialises in research exploring early experiences of parenthood with a focus on infant feeding, mental health and normal baby behaviour.
We talk about the pressure mothers are under to ‘get it right’ and how this is connected to expectations of both being a ‘good mother’ and having a ‘good baby’. Amy shares insights on the changing landscape of breastfeeding research and public policy over the last 14 years, and some more recent shifts in creating space to honour women’s grief when they aren’t able to breastfeed.
We discuss the complex and sometimes confusing narratives that exist around infant feeding, power, grief, anger, and how mothers are often set up to blame ourselves.
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Let's talk about the first year of parenting
Becoming a parent is about so much more than just taking care of a baby - it involves changes in all areas of your life and it can be everything from fantastic and fulfilling to overwhelming and exhausting... sometimes all at once. It can be hard to work out what's normal and what's not, about everything from newborn baby behaviour, feeding and sleep, to your postnatal body, mental health, and relationships including who does the chores and who goes back to work and when.
In this warm, reassuring and practical book, Amy Brown talks you through the first year of parenthood, helping you navigate some of the challenges caring for a newborn can bring for both parents. She focuses on you and your needs while recognising that each family is unique, in a broad discussion that also tackles men s mental health and dads staying home, and the experiences of single parents and same-sex couples. The central focus is on ensuring you get the information and support you need, whatever your circumstances.
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meet
Amy Brown
Amy is a professor of maternal and child public health at Swansea University. She’s based in the department of public health, policy and social sciences where she is a director of their research centre 'LIFT' which stands for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation and she also leads their MSc in Child Public Health.
She researches everything to do with becoming and being a new parent, with a particular focus on infant feeding, mental health and normal baby behaviour. The ultimate aim of her research is to change society and culture, which turns out not to be an overnight job. She wants to see a future where women and families are respected, valued and supported in growing, birthing and caring for their babies.
connect with amy
Website: Amy Brown
Instagram: prof_amybrown
Facebook: Professor Amy Brown
Twitter: Amy Brown
Youtube: Dr Amy Brown