When breastfeeding 'makes' the mother

When breastfeeding 'makes' the mother. Construction of the maternal body and identity issues around breastfeeding practices

Perinatal experts identify breastfeeding as the most appropriate way to feed babies. Therefore, the success of breastfeeding is a central issue during the postpartum period. This paper analyses breastfeeding practices and experiences of women who chose a midwife-led follow-up and an out-of-hospital birth. During postpartum consultations, midwives engage with mothers in the co-construction of the maternal body. Breastfeeding and the relationship to the lactating body strongly shape the experience of the immediate postpartum period and lay the foundations of the maternal identity. The midwifery model of care offers both a naturalist and productivist reading of the breastfeeding establishment, alongside the use of tools and techniques to optimize its development. First with their midwife, then through the body work required by breastfeeding and lactation management for the longer term, mothers discover and adjust to their new roles. The experience of transition to motherhood cannot be dissociated from the bodily experience, as well as the body work performed to establish and maintain breastfeeding.

Index by keyword:

• breastfeeding
• midwifery
• home care
• parenthood
• relationship to the body