The Bottle, The Breast, and the State
The Politics of Infant Feeding in the United States
By (author) Maureen Rand Oakley
Publication date:
01 July 2015Length of book:
164 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksISBN-13: 9780739191989
The Bottle, the Breast, and the State: The Politics of Infant Feeding in the United States explores
the ways in which breastfeeding is both promoted and made difficult in the United States. It also
examines how the use of formula is often shamed yet encouraged by many standard medical and
government practices. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, it explores the politics,
policies, and individual experiences surrounding infant feeding. Oakley shows that a failure to
separate the issue of breastfeeding rights and support, from problematic approaches to breastfeeding
advocacy, in both academic scholarship and public discourse, has led to a deadlock that
prevents groups from working together in support of breastfeeding without shaming. Drawing on a
feminist ethic of care, Oakley develops a caring infant feeding advocacy. This approach values the
caring work done by parents and recognizes the benefits of this work for society. It promotes policies supportive of parenting in general and breastfeeding in particular, in order to remove barriers
that present a challenge to some women who wish to breastfeed. Caring infant feeding advocacy
also works to promote the development of better alternatives for those who do not breastfeed.
the ways in which breastfeeding is both promoted and made difficult in the United States. It also
examines how the use of formula is often shamed yet encouraged by many standard medical and
government practices. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, it explores the politics,
policies, and individual experiences surrounding infant feeding. Oakley shows that a failure to
separate the issue of breastfeeding rights and support, from problematic approaches to breastfeeding
advocacy, in both academic scholarship and public discourse, has led to a deadlock that
prevents groups from working together in support of breastfeeding without shaming. Drawing on a
feminist ethic of care, Oakley develops a caring infant feeding advocacy. This approach values the
caring work done by parents and recognizes the benefits of this work for society. It promotes policies supportive of parenting in general and breastfeeding in particular, in order to remove barriers
that present a challenge to some women who wish to breastfeed. Caring infant feeding advocacy
also works to promote the development of better alternatives for those who do not breastfeed.
In this clear and compelling book, Oakley examines the paradox of breastfeeding in America. In theory, breastfeeding is viewed as an important public health concern and recommended to most mothers; in practice, however, American culture, policy, and medical protocols make breastfeeding difficult for many women. Oakley weaves an important and captivating story by examining the history of infant feeding, employing interviews to understand breastfeeding 'on the ground,' and analyzing the relationship between breastfeeding rates and other reproductive policies and medical practices. A political scientist, Oakley has crafted a book that will easily benefit courses on public policy or health politics, and her approachable writing style makes this book interesting to historians and gender studies students.... Aimed at nonspecialists, general readers (including undergraduates) will find this book useful and interesting. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through upper-division undergraduates.