S3 E5. From Ancient Bottles to Modern Struggles: A Deep Dive into Breastfeeding with Joanna Wolfarth, author of Milk

In what ways has breastfeeding been shaped by culture and history? Join us as we unravel the complex terrain in this episode featuring Joanna Wolfarth, author of Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding. Joanna delves into the historical evolution of breastfeeding norms and practices, examining how societal changes impacted women's experiences. Through the lens of her own journey, Joanna also touches on the complexities of breastfeeding in public, the stigma associated with it, and the societal discomfort surrounding the maternal body. Beyond the historical and contemporary challenges of breastfeeding, Joanna advocates for systemic support, increased societal awareness, and the importance of sharing diverse stories to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for mothers. Some topics we cover include: The remarkable, yet under-appreciated mechanics of breast milk production Breastfeeding changes over centuries, from ancient statues to industrialization's impact Modern challenges such as lack of paid leave, societal perceptions, and insufficient structural support How breastfeeding challenges intersect with class, race, and historical legacies How we can reframe the narrative with open discussions and sharing diverse stories Transcription is available here Buy Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding -- Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world!. If you’ve enjoyed this episode,  please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices