Breastfeeding and Mothering in Antiquity and Early Byzantium

This volume explores the first comparative, interdisciplinary, and intercultural examination of the lactating woman – biological mother and othermother – in antiquity and early Byzantium.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume presents the first comparative, interdisciplinary, and intercultural exploration of the lactating woman, encompassing both biological mothers and othermothers, throughout antiquity and early Byzantium. It delves into the diverse roles, experiences, and cultural significance of lactating women in these ancient societies, shedding light on their social, economic, and religious implications.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural contexts in which lactating women operated, including the social structures, religious beliefs, and economic systems of the time. It then explores the various aspects of lactation, such as the biological processes involved in milk production, the nutritional value of breast milk, and the cultural attitudes towards breastfeeding.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical background and development of lactation in antiquity and early Byzantium. It discusses the ancient Greek and Roman conceptions of motherhood, the role of women in the household and society, and the historical significance of breastfeeding. Chapter 2 examines the social and economic implications of lactation, including the role of lactating women in agriculture, commerce, and artisanal production. It also explores the economic benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants and the challenges faced by lactating women in accessing adequate nutrition and healthcare.

Chapter 3 explores the religious and spiritual significance of lactation, including the role of breastfeeding in religious rituals, the symbolism of milk, and the connections between lactation and fertility. It also examines the religious prohibitions and restrictions on breastfeeding and the ways in which lactating women negotiated these challenges.

Chapter 4 examines the cultural representations of lactating women in antiquity and early Byzantium, including their portrayal in art, literature, and popular culture. It explores the ways in which lactating women were idealized, dehumanized, or fetishized and the impact of these representations on their social and cultural identities.

Chapter 5 concludes the volume by discussing the ongoing relevance of lactation in contemporary society, including the challenges faced by lactating women in the workplace, the promotion of breastfeeding as a public health measure, and the cultural significance of breastfeeding in diverse communities.

In conclusion, this volume offers a groundbreaking exploration of the lactating woman, biological mother, and othermother, in antiquity and early Byzantium. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the diverse roles, experiences, and cultural significance of lactating women in these ancient societies, shedding light on their social, economic, and religious implications. The book will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, and gender studies, as well as anyone with an interest in the history of breastfeeding and the cultural construction of motherhood.

This comprehensive volume presents the first comparative, interdisciplinary, and intercultural exploration of the lactating woman, encompassing both biological mothers and othermothers, throughout antiquity and early Byzantium. It delves into the diverse roles, experiences, and cultural significance of lactating women in these ancient societies, shedding light on their social, economic, and religious implications.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural contexts in which lactating women operated, including the social structures, religious beliefs, and economic systems of the time. It then explores the various aspects of lactation, such as the biological processes involved in milk production, the nutritional value of breast milk, and the cultural attitudes towards breastfeeding.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical background and development of lactation in antiquity and early Byzantium. It discusses the ancient Greek and Roman conceptions of motherhood, the role of women in the household and society, and the historical significance of breastfeeding. Chapter 2 examines the social and economic implications of lactation, including the role of lactating women in agriculture, commerce, and artisanal production. It also explores the economic benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants and the challenges faced by lactating women in accessing adequate nutrition and healthcare.

Chapter 3 explores the religious and spiritual significance of lactation, including the role of breastfeeding in religious rituals, the symbolism of milk, and the connections between lactation and fertility. It also examines the religious prohibitions and restrictions on breastfeeding and the ways in which lactating women negotiated these challenges.

Chapter 4 examines the cultural representations of lactating women in antiquity and early Byzantium, including their portrayal in art, literature, and popular culture. It explores the ways in which lactating women were idealized, dehumanized, or fetishized and the impact of these representations on their social and cultural identities.

Chapter 5 concludes the volume by discussing the ongoing relevance of lactation in contemporary society, including the challenges faced by lactating women in the workplace, the promotion of breastfeeding as a public health measure, and the cultural significance of breastfeeding in diverse communities.

In conclusion, this volume offers a groundbreaking exploration of the lactating woman, biological mother, and othermother, in antiquity and early Byzantium. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the diverse roles, experiences, and cultural significance of lactating women in these ancient societies, shedding light on their social, economic, and religious implications. The book will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, and gender studies, as well as anyone with an interest in the history of breastfeeding and the cultural construction of motherhood.

Weight: 689g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032208756