Breastfeeding and the Pursuit of Happiness

Breastfeeding is a human bodily function that differs in practice across cultural and historical boundaries, but is framed as "natural" and morally virtuous. Phyllis Rippey's book "Breastfeeding and the Pursuit of Happiness" explores the historical, political, and symbolic roots of this belief in "breast is best" and reveals how infant feeding prescriptions often serve the interests of the powerful rather than meeting the needs of women, infants, and families. It combines science-based and historical analysis with the stories of lesbian mothers, trans fathers, Black and White breastfeeding advocates, and Indonesian mothers to offer a new framework for valuing and affirming the human power of giving and receiving care, including through the breast.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Breastfeeding, a fundamental aspect of human biology, exhibits diverse practices across cultures and historical periods, often being perceived as inherently "natural" and morally virtuous. However, Phyllis Rippey's book Breastfeeding and the Pursuit of Happiness challenges this notion by delving into the historical, political, and symbolic underpinnings of the pervasive belief in "breast is best." Rippey's research spans various contexts, including medieval Europe, eighteenth-century France, contemporary Indonesia, and the mommy blogosphere. She uncovers that infant feeding prescriptions often prioritize the interests of powerful entities rather than adequately addressing the needs of women, infants, and families. By upending some deeply held beliefs about the maternal breast, Rippey sheds light on the ways in which historical and contemporary debates over breast versus bottle feeding divert attention from the critical issues of poverty, environmental degradation, and violence against women.

Through a balanced combination of scientific analysis and historical context, Rippey weaves the stories of diverse mothers, including lesbian mothers, trans fathers, Black and White breastfeeding advocates, and Indonesian mothers, who candidly share their experiences of empowerment, pleasure, pain, and moral dilemmas associated with breastfeeding. The book employs a range of theoretical frameworks, including Hannah Arendt's insights, Black feminist thought, affect theory, the ethics of care, and theories of political humility, to develop a fresh perspective on valuing and affirming the inherent human power of giving and receiving care, particularly through the breast.

Breastfeeding and the Pursuit of Happiness offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities surrounding breastfeeding, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions and advocate for more inclusive and equitable practices in infant feeding. By shedding light on the historical and political factors that shape breastfeeding beliefs and practices, the book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about motherhood, caregiving, and the pursuit of happiness.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228008859