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What if the story of why breastfeeding declined is not the one most of us were taught? Many in the lactation world blame formula companies, but the real turning point came decades earlier, when mothers began saying they did not have enough milk. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, professor emeritus of social medicine at Ohio University and author of Don’t Kill Your Baby. The book, named for a 19th-century public health poster, examines breastfeeding initiatives in Chicago from the 1870s onward. What begins as a history lesson quickly feels startlingly contemporary. Dr. Wolf describes how industrialization, urban living, and dangerously adulterated milk drew doctors into infant feeding. Strict feeding schedules undercut milk supply, and doctors responded with theories about human evolution and overeducated girls. Pediatricians wrote mathematical “formulas” for milk laboratories, which is where the word comes from. Their well-intended reforms ultimately taught a generation that breastfeeding was optional. But this is not just a history lesson. Dr. Wolf connects it to perceived milk insufficiency, formula marketing, the lack of paid leave in the US, and misinformation today. Dr. Kendall-Tackett closes with a reminder that breastfeeding is a learned skill and that history can help us do better. Tune in to learn how good intentions backfired, why so many mothers still worry they don’t have enough milk, how formula marketing and a lack of support continue to shape feeding decisions, and what mothers, providers, and advocates can do to protect breastfeeding today. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:28] Meet Dr. Jacqueline Wolf and Don’t Kill Your Baby [03:36] Why Chicago? Adulterated milk and industrialization [12:39] Why mothers began saying “not enough milk” [15:28] “Vicious feeding” and strict schedules [16:00] Doctors blame evolution and overeducated girls [20:55] Little Mothers’ Classes [23:51] Tuberculosis laws and Illinois’ loophole [26:59] Why US mothers can’t follow the guidelines [30:29] Wet nurses and foundling homes [36:45] The Nestlé boycott and the WHO Code [39:12] “Are her diapers wet?” A new mother’s scare [42:23] Where the word “formula” came from [45:34] Feeding logs, surveillance, and formula reps [52:54] La Leche League and doctor antagonism [54:51] Breastfeeding is a learned skill [56:53] Perceived milk insufficiency [59:36] “Unfit” mothers: doctors’ laundry list of caveats [01:01:10] Ignoring history: why public health matters [01:03:49] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes: [01:29] “The title of the book, Don’t Kill Your Baby, came straight from a poster in the 19th century.” – Dr. Jacqueline Wolf  [36:18] “Thank goodness we have formula. I would argue very strongly it is necessary for many families.” – Dr. Jacqueline Wolf [56:53] “The problem with thinking you don’t have enough milk is it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.” – Dr. Jacqueline Wolf [01:01:30] “We are ignoring history and we are endangering lives with that kind of ignorance of history.” – Dr. Jacqueline Wolf Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. Jacqueline Wolf Website Book: Don’t Kill Your Baby Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Is bed-sharing safe? Should parents accept that they will never sleep again? What if the advice to "never sleep with your baby" pushes families toward even riskier situations? And what if honest guidance about safer sleep could make a real difference? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, host Ken Tackett and Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explore one of the most debated topics in parenting: infant sleep and bed-sharing. Dr. Kendall-Tackett traces the evolution of American Academy of Pediatrics sleep guidelines and explains how rigid "never bed-share" messaging created a dangerous gap between official advice and what families actually do. The conversation looks at research showing that parents warned against bed-sharing sometimes turn to couches and recliners instead, where the risk of SIDS can be significantly higher. Dr. Kendall-Tackett also discusses public health campaigns that focused on fear rather than practical guidance, and why parents need information that reflects real-life situations. She outlines key considerations for a safer bed-sharing environment, including a firm surface, no soft bedding or pillows, placing the baby on their back, avoiding substances and smoking, and breastfeeding. She also discusses the Safe Sleep 7, the role of partners and pets, and why providers should ask where a baby actually ends the night. Tune in to The Science Chick Report for research, practical insights, and a more open conversation about infant sleep that can help parents make informed decisions and talk honestly with their healthcare providers. In This Episode: [01:04] How AAP sleep guidelines evolved and why they fall short [01:23] The gap between breastfeeding and sleep advice [02:26] Why "never bed-share" led to couch-sleeping and higher SIDS risk [06:29] The study showing 60% of babies end up in their parents' bed [08:32] Is falling asleep while breastfeeding safe? The caveats [08:52] Safe sleep basics: firm mattress, no fluffy bedding [09:52] The biological cocoon: how breastfeeding mothers protect babies [11:11] No substances or smokers: the essential rules [12:56] Why anti-bed-sharing campaigns fail and can cause harm [13:04] The Wisconsin butcher knife campaign and its aftermath [15:06] Partners, siblings, and pets in the bed: what research shows [17:13] What scared Dr. Kendall-Tackett most in her research [18:02] Alternatives for parents who don't want to bed-share [20:09] Why patients don't always tell doctors the truth [22:13] Helen Ball's Bradford study and SIDS rates [24:13] Reliable resources: BASIS, James McKenna, and Sweet Sleep [26:09] Peter Blair's research on SIDS risk and safe sleep factors [28:02] A message to providers: find common ground and talk openly  Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Ken Tackett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-tackett-6a29b357 Praeclarus Press: https://praeclaruspress.com/ Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned:  BASIS (Baby Sleep Information Source) by Helen Ball; How Babies Sleep by Helen Ball; James McKenna's Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Lab; Sweet Sleep by La Leche League International; Peter Blair's SIDS epidemiologic research; Helen Ball's Bradford study

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt? Should you just accept pain as normal? What if the number one reason mothers quit has nothing to do with milk supply, and everything to do with pain nobody warned them about? What if "normal," the word practitioners keep reaching for, is exactly the wrong word to use? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, host Ken Tackett and Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett make one thing unmistakably clear: breastfeeding pain may be common, but common does not mean normal. Pain is a signal, not a rite of passage, and well-meaning practitioners often get it wrong. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains the biggest breakthrough in lactation care, the asymmetrical deep latch, and why shallow latching causes soreness, cracked nipples, and milk supply issues. She describes what a good latch looks and feels like, warning signs like creasing and blanching, and techniques such as the "hamburger hold" and anchoring the baby's bottom jaw first. The conversation also covers other pain causes: bacterial mastitis, yeast infections, and Raynaud's phenomenon causing nipple blanching from cold or stress. Practical remedies include cold compresses, antifungals, and warming up before feeding. A major highlight is biological nurturing (laid-back breastfeeding), developed by midwife Suzanne Colson. This approach uses gravity and instinctive infant behaviors to make latching dramatically easier, even for mothers who have struggled for weeks. The episode closes with advice on tongue-tie, when to investigate, and a clear message: mothers deserve pain-free breastfeeding. If a provider says pain is normal, get a second opinion. In This Episode: [00:29] Why breastfeeding pain is common but not normal [02:44] What to do when providers dismiss the pain [06:14] The biggest breakthrough: the deep, asymmetrical latch [13:39] Warning signs of a poor latch [16:38] Infection-related causes: mastitis and yeast [19:52] Raynaud's phenomenon and nipple blanching [22:18] Biological nurturing and laid-back breastfeeding [27:33] Tongue-tie: when to get it checked  Notable Quotes: [00:30] "Pain is one of the most common reasons why new mothers quit breastfeeding... just because it's common does not mean it's normal." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [02:31] "If anybody tells you that it's normal, including practitioners, I want you to go see someone else, because that is an incorrect answer." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [06:14] "Don't just take that one [opinion], because it is not accurate." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [08:04] "What you really want is this deep latch." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [14:11] "It's kind of like one of those things,  once you see it, you just know it." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [17:35] "If it gets red and hot, it's time to go get a referral." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [22:19] "I have two words for you... biological nurturing, also known as laid-back breastfeeding." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [29:45] "If you have a rock in your shoe, you stop and you take the rock out. You don't sit there and try to figure out how to walk with the rock." — Tina Smiley (quoted by Dr. Kendall-Tackett) [29:58] "Pain is a signal, and you gotta pay attention to it. You deserve to have pain-free breastfeeding." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Ken Tackett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-tackett-6a29b357 Praeclarus Press: https://praeclaruspress.com/ Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned:  Biological Nurturing by Suzanne Colson; "Breast Crawl" videos on YouTube; Dr. Jack Newman's website (APNO nipple ointment); Praeclarus Press Clinical Lactation Monographs (tongue-tie roundtable)

New mothers hear it all the time: Is your baby sleeping through the night yet? When you're already running on empty, that question can quickly turn into pressure, guilt, and the feeling that you're somehow getting it wrong. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, host Ken Tackett continues the summer Q&A series with Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett to talk about one of the biggest challenges of early motherhood: getting enough sleep. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains why sleep advice for new mothers needs to account for how they're feeding their babies. For breastfeeding mothers especially, some of the usual advice can actually make things harder. Research shows that mothers who exclusively breastfeed may get more total sleep, even when their babies wake more often during the night. Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down why oxytocin, stress regulation, and the way mothers fall back asleep after nighttime feeds all matter. They also talk about what can happen when breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to skip nighttime feeds, including potential effects on milk production and the mental health benefits associated with breastfeeding. Instead of treating breastfeeding and sleep as competing priorities, Dr. Kendall-Tackett shares a practical approach that can help mothers get a four-hour uninterrupted stretch of sleep while continuing to breastfeed. The conversation also covers deep sleep, REM sleep, red nightlights, keeping babies nearby, having an awake caregiver, and how partners and family members can provide the kind of support exhausted mothers actually need. Most importantly, this episode offers a reminder new mothers need to hear: being exhausted doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. The early weeks can be incredibly hard, but they won't last forever. Getting help matters, and mothers deserve support that works with their needs and goals. In This Episode: [00:46] Introduction to postpartum sleep challenges [02:15] How feeding method affects sleep [03:08] Exclusive breastfeeding and sleep quantity [05:58] Why mental health professionals give misleading advice [09:26] A strategy for overwhelming exhaustion [12:26] Understanding sleep cycles [14:44] Practical tips for better nighttime sleep [17:12] Final encouragement and support Resources and Links: Podcast The Science Chick Report  Ken Tackett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-tackett-6a29b357 Praeclarus Press: https://praeclaruspress.com/ Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

A crying baby can leave even the most prepared parent feeling overwhelmed. Is the baby hungry? In pain? Overtired? Or are you doing something wrong?  In this episode of The Science Chick Report, host Ken Tackett, Managing Director of Praeclarus Press, kicks off a new summer series tackling the questions new mothers and the professionals who support them face every day. He sits down with Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett for a conversation about one of the most common and misunderstood parts of the newborn period: crying. What does excessive crying actually mean? How can you tell if it's hunger, pain, or something else entirely? Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down the three major causes of excessive crying: feeding problems, physical pain, and temperament. She shares practical, evidence-informed ways to tell them apart, explains how to recognize when a breastfeeding baby is getting enough milk, why birth itself can leave babies with real physical discomfort, and why some infants are simply more sensitive to the world around them. The conversation also takes a closer look at some of the most common explanations for crying, including food allergies and colic, and why the evidence doesn't always support them. Dr. Kendall-Tackett also explains why "cry it out" approaches don't match what we know about newborn development. Drawing on decades of research, including her own work and classic studies on stress and the brain, she makes the case for co-regulation: staying present with a crying baby because newborns cannot calm themselves on their own. Above all, this episode is a reminder that excessive crying is not a mother's fault. It doesn't mean her baby doesn't love her. And with support from partners, family, lactation consultants, and other trusted helpers, parents don't have to face this challenge alone. In This Episode: [00:32] Introduction to Summer Q&A series  [00:51] Why baby crying feels so overwhelming [01:50] Why babies cry and where to start [03:47] Feeding as the first thing to check [06:45] Pain after birth and possible causes [07:17] Managing infant pain and comfort [10:14] High-needs babies and temperament [12:07] Can food allergies cause crying? [13:24] The truth about colic [14:27] What to do when the crying continues [16:43] Why responding to crying matters [19:12] Breastfeeding, support, and asking for help [20:09] Final reassurance for parents [21:42] Closing remarks Notable Quotes: [01:09] "Crying by itself is a signal... it's kind of like a fire alarm." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [03:21] "Your baby loves you more than anybody in the world. That's why your baby's shouting out for you." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [03:58] "With formula, it's a little more straightforward... but it's a little trickier with breastfeeding because sometimes you don't know." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [11:08] "Are there things that kind of make your baby more uncomfortable? Like if there's a lot of noise in the room or if a lot of different people are holding your baby. These are things that can kind of overstimulate some of these babies with these high sensitivities." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [15:23] "Newborns cannot regulate crying on their own. They actually need somebody outside of themselves to co-regulate these strong emotions." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [20:30] "I want to say this, it's not your fault. Baby's not trying to manipulate you. They don't have the cognitive ability to do that. They're trying to signal they want you more than anybody else, but it is okay to bring in other people to help you with this." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Ken Tackett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-tackett-6a29b357 Praeclarus Press: https://praeclaruspress.com/ Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

What does it take to change an entire field? Sometimes, it starts with one mother who refuses to accept that the support she needs simply doesn't exist. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett sits down with Kathi Barber, founder of the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Alliance and author of The Black Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding. Together, they explore how Kathi's personal breastfeeding journey led her to become one of the first advocates dedicated to improving breastfeeding support specifically for Black women. Drawing on more than two decades of advocacy, Kathi shares how the absence of culturally relevant support, representation, and healthcare equity inspired her to create groundbreaking resources for Black families and healthcare professionals. The conversation examines the systemic barriers that continue to affect breastfeeding outcomes including implicit bias in healthcare, limited paid leave, inadequate workplace accommodations, lack of culturally responsive lactation support, and persistent racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Dr. Kendall-Tackett and Kathi also discuss the remarkable progress that has been made through grassroots organizations, increasing numbers of Black lactation consultants, and greater visibility of Black breastfeeding families. At the same time, they emphasize that improving breastfeeding rates requires more than education, it demands listening, trust, cultural humility, and healthcare systems that truly support mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey. Tune in to hear why representation matters, how one woman's advocacy sparked a national movement, and what healthcare professionals, partners, and communities can do to ensure every mother receives the support she deserves. In This Episode: [00:00] Show intro [00:26] Meet Kathi Barber [01:21] Why she started [04:00] Book impact [05:42] Facing pushback [07:19] Systemic barriers [10:21] Support gaps [11:40] Progress and frustrations [17:10] Paying for care [20:32] Disparities and bias [22:37] Workplace pumping barriers [24:11] Know your pumping rights [26:01] Community lactation support [26:36] Family and extended nursing [28:41] Updating breastfeeding resources [31:24] Culturally humble clinical care [36:53] Trust and birth support [38:22] Doulas and better outcomes [39:54] Legacy and final advice [41:55] Partners can make or break [43:24] Closing thanks and signoff Notable Quotes: [05:36] "People just did not understand why there was a need for support specifically for Black women in breastfeeding." — Kathi Barber [07:28] "It's not just latching a baby on. There are so many systemic issues that impact breastfeeding in Black women." — Kathi Barber [15:18] "The images really matter." — Kathi Barber [21:26] "Today, there's a greater understanding that breastfeeding is part of a larger maternal health ecosystem." — Kathi Barber [31:36] "Black people aren't just one group that all do the same things all the time. We're not a monolith." — Kathi Barber [34:17] "Listening and building trust are probably two of the most important things healthcare providers can do." — Kathi Barber [41:11] "If it doesn't feel like support, it isn't." — Kathi Barber [41:59] "You can make or break a breastfeeding experience." — Kathi Barber Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Kathi Barber  Black Mothers Breastfeeding Alliance The Black Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding Lactation Management: Strategies for Working with African American Moms (Second Edition forthcoming) Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

What if breastfeeding doesn’t work out, but the mother still deeply wanted it to? What if “at least the baby is fed” skips over the grief she may carry for years? And what if the most helpful support is showing her that the bigger parenting goal is still within reach? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett closes her three-part series on social support by focusing on mothers who are unable to breastfeed. Some mothers move on easily, but many feel lasting sadness when breastfeeding ends before they wanted it to. For lactation supporters and perinatal health professionals, the goal is to acknowledge the loss without letting it define the mother’s entire parenting experience. Dr. Kendall-Tackett reframes the conversation around secure attachment. Breastfeeding can support attachment when it is going well, but secure attachment is the larger developmental goal. Drawing on attachment research, she explains why responsive care, caregiver proximity, and emotional connection shape resilience, self-efficacy, stress regulation, and long-term health. She also challenges the idea that bonding depends only on breastfeeding. Research shows the mother’s subjective feeding experience matters more than feeding type. If breastfeeding, pumping, or triple feeding becomes painful or emotionally damaging, it can undermine bonding. Mothers can still build connection through responsive feeding, paced bottle feeding, babywearing, infant massage, singing, and nurturing touch. Tune in to learn how professionals can help mothers grieve the breastfeeding experience they lost while still seeing the lifelong impact they can have through secure attachment and responsive care. In This Episode:[00:00] Introduction[00:33] Supporting mothers unable to breastfeed[02:18] Amy Brown on formula and maternal desire[03:16] Why loss of breastfeeding does not mean all is lost[03:57] Secure attachment as the bigger parenting goal[05:21] When breastfeeding struggles undermine attachment[06:20] Secure attachment is not the consolation prize[07:18] Responsive care and the family’s role[08:05] Internal working models[09:08] Self-efficacy and the secure base[11:19] Proximity, responsiveness, and “cry it out”[13:24] Darcia Narvaez on responsiveness[14:19] What secure attachment gives children[16:19] How attachment buffers depression and stress[18:21] Prenatal cortisol, development, and attachment[19:46] Attachment, adversity, and PTSD risk[20:30] Adult health outcomes linked to early attachment[21:25] The power of one stable adult[22:20] Feeding method versus bonding[25:05] Why the feeding experience matters most[26:35] Responsive feeding and physical contact[27:47] Babywearing, infant massage, and connection[35:00] Helping mothers move forward with hope[36:05] Wrap-up and book reminder Notable Quotes: [02:22] “While formula may feed the baby, women's desire to mother in a way that they want does not go away because they can formula feed.” – Amy Brown, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [03:16] “Loss of breastfeeding does not mean all is lost.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [04:02] “Secure attachment supersedes breastfeeding as a parenting goal.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [06:33] “A secure mother-infant attachment is not the consolation prize, it is in fact the prize.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [25:15] “The maternal subjective feeding experience... was more important than feeding type.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and LinksPodcastThe Science Chick Report Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Mentioned in This EpisodeBreastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettAmy Brown’s research on maternal psychology and breastfeedingJohn Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s attachment researchDarcia Narvaez’s work on responsive parentingBabywearing and infant massage research

We all know social support matters, but what does it actually look like? And why do well-meaning friends, partners, and even healthcare providers sometimes make things worse? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett digs into the science of social support, what it actually means, how it's measured, and why good intentions aren't enough. Drawing on research spanning decades, she reveals that the most powerful predictor of breastfeeding success isn't technique or education, it's responsiveness: support that listens to what the mother needs, respects her decisions, and builds her confidence rather than creating dependency. Dr. Kendall-Tackett walks through the major sources of support new mothers encounter, partners, grandmothers, peer groups, lactation consultants, and healthcare providers with candid, research backed insights into where each falls short and how each can be most effective. She shares a striking study showing that mothers with extensive social networks had a 94 percent breastfeeding rate at two months, while those whose partners or grandmothers fed the baby instead had only a 13 percent rate. She also unpacks why fathers who feel helpless or invisible often push for bottle feeding, and what we can do about it. Tune in to discover why even the most skilled clinician won't be right for every mother, how peer support groups can be lifelines or breeding grounds for mom competition, and what truly effective breastfeeding support looks and feels like. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to social support [00:01] Defining effective support [00:04] Sources of social support [00:05] The importance of partner support [00:09] A UK study on support networks [00:12] Fathers' perspectives on breastfeeding [00:13] How partners can help [00:15] The role of grandmothers [00:16] Mother-to-mother support groups [00:19] Navigating social media [00:20] Lactation consultants' role [00:22] Healthcare provider support [00:25] Finding the right breastfeeding supporter [00:26] What successful support looks like Notable Quotes: [03:45] "Even if well-intentioned, even if it worked for other people, if the mother does not think it's support, it's not support." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [05:50] "The most important type of support was responsiveness — sensitive to her needs, respects her decisions, and promotes self-efficacy." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [08:02] "With responsiveness, the women felt understood and cared for. Without it, practical support left them not self-sufficient — and encouragement felt like coercion." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [11:35] "When you provide support by having others feed the baby, breastfeeding rates plummet — just plummet." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [07:46] "When partners offered knowledge, help, and encouragement without responsiveness, breastfeeding duration actually decreased." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [26:37] "You hear about all the problems with breastfeeding, but what they don't tell you about is how nice it is. It's like you're in your own little love bubble." — Mother, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [20:40] "If everybody who came in contact with a mother and a baby could evaluate the latch and whether the baby is drinking at the breast, I think we would avert so many tragedies." — Jack Newman, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned in This Episode  When Helping Hurts – Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert Research on partner responsiveness and breastfeeding outcomes Lori Feldman-Winter's survey of pediatricians on breastfeeding attitudes (1995 & 2016) Jack Newman on latch evaluation and staffing ratios WIC peer support programs La Leche League International

Did you know that some of the hardest parts of early motherhood may have nothing to do with breastfeeding itself? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores what she calls the “Five I’s of New Motherhood”: idleness, isolation, incompetence, identity, and intensity. These are the hidden emotional and psychological barriers that can quietly derail new mothers, even when breastfeeding is technically going well. Drawing from her book Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck, Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains why the early postpartum period can feel so disorienting. A mother may be recovering physically, establishing milk supply, caring for a newborn around the clock, and still feeling like she is “not doing anything.” Add isolation, shifting identity, sleep disruption, and the pressure to “enjoy every minute,” and it is easy to see why this stage can feel overwhelming. Dr. Kendall-Tackett also discusses how formula marketing often speaks directly to these vulnerable feelings by promising mothers a return to freedom, identity, and control. Instead of shaming mothers for struggling, she encourages providers, partners, and support groups to talk openly about these experiences and help mothers reframe them with compassion and realism. This episode is a grounded reminder that new mothers are not lazy, incompetent, or losing themselves. They are recovering, learning, bonding, and helping their babies transition from womb to world. And with structure, support, short breaks, outside time, and realistic expectations, this intense season can become more manageable. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction[00:49] A new format focused on support for mothers[01:21] Introducing the Five I’s of New Motherhood[02:36] How formula companies target new mothers’ fears[04:19] Amy Brown’s insight on motherhood and disempowerment[06:02] Why breastfeeding struggles are not always about breastfeeding[07:06] The first “I”: idleness[09:42] Postpartum brain shifts and losing track of time[12:21] Reframing idleness as recovery and bonding[14:16] Why structure helps new mothers cope[15:01] The second “I”: isolation[18:27] Feeling disconnected from friends after birth[20:12] Why mothers should not tough out isolation[21:35] Finding a tribe and building support[22:55] The third “I”: incompetence[24:41] Reframing incompetence as learning[27:21] Using time markers to stay grounded[29:28] The fourth “I”: identity[31:08] Why the old self has not disappeared[32:15] The fifth “I”: intensity[34:00] Helping babies transition from womb to world[35:30] Taking short breaks without undermining breastfeeding[36:19] Practical coping tools for the newborn stage[39:38] Limiting phone time and staying present[41:25] Final thoughts and next topic Notable Quotes: [04:22] “Mothering is the most powerful of all biological capacities and among the most disempowering of social experiences.” – Amy Brown, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [06:30] “This is something that can absolutely derail mothers, and to remember that we have a multi-billion dollar industry preying on these very fears.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [13:35] “You’re not being lazy. You’re resting. You’re recovering. It’s smart.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [15:17] “When we isolate a prisoner, that’s considered cruel and unusual punishment.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [24:43] “They’re not incompetent. That’s the truth. They’re learning.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [31:35] “The old me has not gone away. Buying a product is not going to bring that back.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links: PodcastThe Science Chick Report Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettWebsiteLinkedInXFacebookResearchGate Mentioned ResourcesBreastfeeding Doesn’t Need to SuckBreastfeeding Made SimpleAmy BrownBrooke Shields’ postpartum depression memoirSuzanne CoulsonEd Tronick’s Still Face Mother studies

Why do pregnant and breastfeeding women use cannabis? The answer isn't what most clinicians think. In this episode, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett shares data from over 3,400 perinatal cannabis users. The number one reason isn't "getting high" or even enjoyment. It is perceived safety. Nearly 98% of mothers believe cannabis is safer and more natural than prescription medications for managing symptoms. Using advanced statistical analysis, Promax rotation, Dr. Kendall Tackett identified four key drivers. They are perceived safety, availability (partner or family use), enjoyment, and symptom relief for anxiety, sleep, PTSD, and nausea. While acknowledging real risks like preterm birth, she argues that shame based counseling doesn't work, and women are asking for help. The episode introduces a free, easy to use clinical tool. It is the Perinatal Cannabis Questionnaire, designed to open meaningful conversation. Scan the QR code in the episode to access it. Dr. Kendall Tackett invites clinicians to try the tool and share feedback. She wants to move beyond "just say no" toward actual harm reduction. For providers on the front lines of women's health, this is practical, data driven guidance you can use today. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:37] Why pregnant and breastfeeding women continue using cannabis [01:14] Women are asking for help, not judgment [01:31] A study of 3,443 perinatal cannabis users [02:13] Why existing cannabis scales fail pregnant women [02:50] Building a new questionnaire from scratch [03:10] What factor analysis revealed about cannabis use [04:02] Why traditional statistical models missed the bigger picture [04:48] The myth that women mainly use cannabis “for fun” [05:08] The real top factor: perceived safety [05:29] Trauma, symptom management, and self-treatment [06:05] Why 98% viewed cannabis as safer than medications [06:27] The real risks providers should understand [06:45] Why long-term cannabis research is complicated [07:04] Availability as a major driver of use [07:42] Sleep, anxiety, appetite, nausea, and PTSD [08:19] How providers can start better conversations [08:46] Introducing a new perinatal cannabis screening tool [09:21] “Don’t just tell me no. Give me other ideas.” [09:39] A QR code tool for clinicians and providers [10:00] Why maternal healthcare needs practical tools now [10:27] Closing thoughts and encouragement for providers Notable Quotes: [00:47] "The way we've all been trained is to say, 'Well, stop doing that. Don't do that. This is not safe.' But we're kind of finding, of course, that that doesn't really help." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [01:02] "Women are using cannabis for a reason. And so even though they're getting advice from people to not use it, they're still continuing to use — and oftentimes they're asking for help." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [05:23] "The number one factor was not fun, but actually perceived safety." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [05:47] "Trauma causes health symptoms, which drives cannabis use — so that's kind of the way that relationship shakes out." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [06:08] "Ninety-eight percent of mothers consider it to be a safer and more natural way to treat symptoms than using medications." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [09:19] "Don't just tell me no. Give me some other ideas." — perinatal study participants [09:58] "The fact that we have not had any tools at all to have conversations like this with perinatal women seems ridiculous considering the number of studies we're getting." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

What does it mean to feel safe while giving birth? For many Jewish women and families in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond, that question has taken on an urgency that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett sits down with Dr. B.J. Woodstein, author of the groundbreaking new book Be Fruitful: The Jewish Pregnancy and Birth Guide. What starts as a discussion about cultural competence quickly reveals a far more urgent crisis: a dramatic rise in anti-Semitism that is making pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care dangerous for Jewish patients and providers alike. Dr. Woodstein, a doula and lactation consultant, shares firsthand accounts of Jewish women being turned away, verbally abused, and even reported to social services for following religious traditions. She describes a Jewish midwife who was called “baby killer” by a patient’s family while trying to support a birth. She herself was forced to leave professional doula groups after speaking up against anti-Semitic posts. She also reveals the chilling reality that many Jewish families are now planning exit strategies and wondering if this feels like “Germany in the 1930s.” But the episode is not just a catalogue of horrors. It is a call to action. Dr. Woodstein explains the spectrum of Jewish identity, from atheist to Orthodox, from Ethiopian to Ashkenazi, and offers concrete, practical steps that doctors, midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants can take to make their practices safe and welcoming. These include keeping politics out of clinical spaces, establishing clear anti-abuse policies, and simply asking Jewish families, “What do you need?” Dr. Kendall-Tackett brings her signature blend of compassion and no-nonsense science, connecting the conversation to her own work on trauma, inflammation, and the body’s response to discrimination. She ends with a direct challenge to non-Jewish listeners: “Stand up for your colleagues and patients. This is not okay. We wouldn’t do this with any other group.” Tune in to learn how to recognize anti-Semitism in maternity care, why Jewish families are frightened, and what you can do to be part of the solution. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:34] Introduction to Dr. B.J. Woodstein [01:30] Why Be Fruitful was written, and the rise in antisemitism [04:30] Antisemitism in universities and healthcare. [05:30] An HR manager blames a Jewish employee. [09:13] “We don’t want Jews in our department.” [10:18] A tube driver says no Jews are safe. [11:49] Jewish families plan exit strategies. [13:10] “Is this Germany in the 1930s?” [14:17] Pregnancy is a uniquely vulnerable time. [17:16] The myth of white privilege for Jews. [18:59] What is a Jew? Breaking it down. [22:54] Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews. [26:40] “How can you be white colonizers?” [28:00] The spectrum from Reform to Hasidic. [30:14] A midwife calls social services over a brit milah. [32:50] What if she wore a hijab instead? [33:52] A Jewish midwife called “baby killer.” [35:36] Hospitals need clear anti-abuse policies. [38:03] “Are you a Zionist?” A doula is rejected. [40:10] Stand up, or you get Vienna. [44:24] Synagogue security vs. churches and mosques. [48:39] Ignorance versus active prejudice. [50:15] Doula UK refused Jewish cultural training. [51:24] Keep politics out of the delivery room. [53:23] A Muslim woman and a Jewish lactation consultant. [59:47] What providers can do right now. [01:00:40] Shabbat buttons, kosher food, naming on day eight. [01:07:49] See the individual, not the whole culture. [01:09:57] A call to non-Jewish providers: stand up. [01:11:13] Closing thoughts. Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. B.J. Woodstein Website LinkedIn Book: Be Fruitful: The Jewish Pregnancy and Birth Guide Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Is racial trauma “real” trauma, or are we asking the wrong question? Black women in the U.S. experience nearly double the rate of preterm birth compared to white women, and emerging research suggests this disparity may not be genetic but driven by chronic exposure to racial discrimination, activating the same inflammatory pathways seen in traditional trauma. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett takes on one of the most debated issues in the trauma field. Drawing from her role as editor of the APA journal Psychological Trauma, she challenges the limits of the DSM 5’s Criterion A and explores what happens when the definition of trauma does not match what the body is actually experiencing. Blending neuroscience with real world data, she explains how the brain does not just respond to physical threats. It also reacts to social rejection, exclusion, and discrimination. At the center of this response is the anterior cingulate cortex, a region that processes both physical and social pain. When activated repeatedly, it can trigger the same stress cascades seen in classic PTSD. The consequences are far from abstract. Elevated inflammation markers like C reactive protein, higher rates of substance use, increased risk of chronic disease, and even preterm birth begin to tell a consistent story. The body is responding as if it is under threat because in many ways, it is. This episode does not dismiss the need for clinical precision, but it does push the conversation forward. Trauma, as Dr. Kendall Tackett argues, is not purely objective. It is shaped by perception, lived experience, and how the brain interprets danger. If we are willing to follow biology, we may need to rethink not just the definition of trauma, but how we recognize, study, and respond to it. Tune in and decide for yourself whether racial trauma fits the definition, or whether it is time to redefine what trauma really means.  In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:41] The controversy: Is racial trauma “real” trauma? [01:01] Defining trauma and DSM-5 Criterion A [02:20] Why trauma definitions have always evolved [03:03] What qualifies as a traumatic event [03:53] Can microaggressions rise to the level of trauma? [05:00] Why the body’s response may matter more than definitions [05:37] How the brain senses danger (amygdala vs. other systems) [08:33] The anterior cingulate cortex and threat processing [09:18] Social rejection as a survival threat [10:39] Social pain vs. physical pain in the brain [11:42] Rethinking trauma as a subjective experience [13:23] The body’s stress systems and inflammation response [16:31] Research on discrimination and inflammation markers [18:54] Microaggressions and substance use outcomes [19:14] Social class, stress, and inflammatory response [20:18] Chronic inflammation and long-term health risks [21:12] Racial disparities in preterm birth explained [23:05] Connecting the dots: discrimination and health outcomes [24:00] Why trauma definitions need revisiting [25:08] “Look at the numbers”: following the health data [25:29] Case study: two birth experiences, two trauma responses [28:27] The subjective nature of trauma [28:47] Why this conversation matters now [29:04] Closing thoughts Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Referenced Research & Topics  Lewis (2010) – Perceived discrimination and inflammation Studies on racial microaggressions and substance use Research on social rejection and brain activation Inflammation and chronic disease literature Preterm birth and inflammatory cytokines Cochrane Review (2018) – DHA and gestational length

What if something as simple as a group walk could be just as effective as antidepressant medication for some mothers? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical ways to support mothers experiencing depression, this time focusing on something simple but powerful: exercise. For many providers, it can feel frustrating when options like medication or therapy are off the table. But as she explains, there is still a lot you can do within your scope, and it does not have to be expensive or complicated. Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down the research behind moderate exercise and its impact on depression, including studies showing it can be nearly as effective as antidepressants. More importantly, she reframes exercise in a way that feels realistic for new mothers. This is not about intense workouts. It is about small, consistent movement like walking, often with the baby included. She also highlights how combining simple strategies like exercise, omega-3s, sunlight, and social connection can create meaningful change. Group walks, community support, and even light exposure can help reduce isolation and improve mental health in powerful ways. If you are a doula, nurse, or community health worker, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based tools you can actually use. Tune in to learn how small, consistent actions can make a real difference in maternal mental health. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:14) Alternative treatments for depression beyond medication (04:06) Community success stories walking and omega 3s (05:43) Research evidence exercise vs medication (09:53) Inflammation and exercise intensity (10:54) Types of exercise aerobic yoga strength training (13:27) Recommended exercise guidelines (15:53) Exploring local exercise options (18:17) Implementing light in group settings (20:04) Importance of follow up and evaluation (20:55) Scope of practice and safety considerations Notable Quotes: (01:00) “There is actually a lot you can do, and you can talk to mothers about things they could do themselves, or you can even start a program together where you get together and really make a big difference.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (01:25) “I have certainly run into this group of mothers over the years, mothers who just don't want to do the classic psychiatric thing—going on medications, doing therapy — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (02:13) “Mothers or anybody who's depressed actually has options besides just pills and psychotherapy. And that is exercise.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (03:25) “A moderate amount of exercise has a huge effect, not only in terms of physical health, but also mental health as well..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (06:55) “This idea that you give people a pill and they get better automatically—it's not true all the time..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (15:31) “The nice thing about exercise is that the effects are almost immediate.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (08:52) Preventing prenatal depression is a great idea because if you can prevent prenatal depression, you actually lower the risk of preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (09:19) “With moderate exercise, which is what we're talking about here, it actually can lead to less lactic acid, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with the babies.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned  Babyak et al. (2000) – Duke University exercise and depression study Blumenthal et al. (2007) – Follow-up study: exercise vs. medication Nissen et al. (2021) – Systematic review of exercise and depression Davenport et al. – Review of 52 studies on exercise and prenatal depression (131,000 patients) University of New Hampshire (1999) – Lactic acid in breastmilk and exercise

Emerging research suggests that nutrient deficiencies may contribute to postpartum depression and addressing them may support recovery. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical approaches that can support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many providers want to help but may not have access to specialized mental health services or extensive resources. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those limits, there are practical steps that practitioners and mothers can consider that may support mental health and recovery. This episode focuses on the role of nutrition and anti-inflammatory strategies in depression. Dr. Kendall-Tackett begins with vitamin D, one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. Because modern lifestyles limit sun exposure, many people do not produce enough vitamin D naturally. Research suggests that deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation and higher rates of depressive symptoms among mothers. She then explores the role of vitamin B12, which helps regulate homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to depression. Low levels of B12 have been associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum depression, making it another nutrient worth evaluating. The episode also discusses curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in treating depression and anxiety. Finally, Dr. Kendall-Tackett addresses St. John’s wort, an herbal treatment widely used for depression in many parts of the world. While research suggests it can be effective for mild to moderate depression, she emphasizes the importance of caution due to potential interactions with medications. For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health practitioners, this episode provides practical, science-based insights into nutritional approaches that may help support maternal mental health alongside traditional care. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction  (26) Community and individual interventions overview (01:07) Vitamin D deficiency and maternal health (04:03) Research on vitamin D and depression (06:10) Vitamin B12 and postpartum depression (08:14) Accessibility and impact of vitamin D and B12 (09:11) Curcumin (turmeric) as an anti-inflammatory supplement (11:31) Research on curcumin and mental health (12:30) St. John’s wort: appeal and cautions (13:21) St. John’s wort: history and mechanism (14:23) St. John’s wort: drug interactions and safety (15:24) St. John’s wort: effectiveness compared to antidepressants (17:17) St. John’s wort: use in major depression and global practices (19:16) St. John’s wort: dosage, standardization, and breastfeeding (21:14) St. John’s wort: quality control and recommendations (22:57) Conclusion and preview of next episode (23:30) Closing remarks Notable Quotes: (03:57) “If you're deficient in vitamin D, one of the things that it does is it increases inflammation. When you've got inflammation, you've got depression.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (05:18) "The higher your vitamin D, the lower your Edinburgh score which means lower depressive symptoms.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (14:05) “I'd like to point out that lots and lots of things are natural that aren't safe. Lead is natural. Arsenic is natural. Asbestos is natural.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (22:31) “It is natural doesn't mean you can take as much as you want and it will be safe.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Did you know that some of the most effective ways to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression may not involve medication at all? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores practical, non-medical strategies that healthcare providers and community practitioners can use to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many professionals want to help but feel limited by lack of funding, training, or access to specialized mental health services. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those constraints, there are meaningful steps providers can take to make a difference. She begins by encouraging practitioners to focus on what is possible within their scope of practice. Screening for postpartum depression is an important first step, but it should always be paired with a plan for referral and support. Mapping local resources such as mental health providers, domestic violence services, and community support programs can help practitioners connect mothers to the help they need. The episode then introduces the first of several non-medical interventions mothers can try themselves. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains the growing research on omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, and how these nutrients may help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and lower the risk of depression and preterm birth. For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health workers, this episode offers practical tools and science-based insights for supporting maternal mental health when traditional treatment options are limited. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction and encouragement for practitioners (01:16) Scope of practice and taking action (03:06) Assessing community resources (04:11) Building trust and addressing barriers (05:10) Alternative self-help interventions for mothers (06:18) Introduction to omega-3 fatty acids (07:16) Omega-6 vs. omega-3 fatty acids (08:16) Inflammation and mental health (09:26) Types and sources of omega-3s (10:26) DHA dosage and population studies (11:26) DHA’s role in pregnancy and preterm birth (12:38) Cochrane review and DHA recommendations (13:45) EPA for treating depression (15:45) Supplement safety and brand recommendations (17:37) Omega-3s as adjuncts to antidepressants (20:36) Bleeding concerns and Faroe Islands study (22:30) How to dose and choose omega-3 supplements (24:14) Summary and further resources (24:48) Closing remarks Notable Quotes: (01:09) “If you are creative, there are things that you can do that will make the situation better for new moms.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (01:44) "Don't give up just because there's not a bunch of funding available. The funding fairy will not suddenly land. It's going to be frustrating.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (02:10) “The question isn’t always what can’t be done. Sometimes it’s asking, what can I do?” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (08:43) “ High inflammation means more depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, even bipolar disorder. So that seems to be the underlying physiological mechanism.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (13:34) “DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may increase gestational age and help prevent preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (17:37) “Antidepressants don’t always resolve depression because they don’t directly address inflammation.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resource and Links The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned  Middleton et al. (2018) – Cochrane Review on omega-3 fatty acids and pregnancy outcomes Hibbeln – Population studies on omega-3 intake and mental health Michael maes – Inflammation and depression research “Can Fats Make You Happy?” – Dr. Kendall-Tackett research paper