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Lactation, Kinship, and Sociality: Exploring the Complexities of Donor Human Milk Relations

Octavio Paz

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Published in Banking On Milk: An Ethnography Of Donor Human Milk Relations (Routledge Studies In The Sociology Of Health And Illness)

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About the Book

In this groundbreaking ethnography, Dr. Emily Martin Del Toro unravels the intricate social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of donor human milk relations. Through extensive fieldwork and in-depth interviews with donors, recipients, and healthcare professionals, she sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape these relationships.

With a focus on the United States, this book examines the motivations, experiences, and challenges faced by individuals involved in the sharing of human milk. It explores the diverse perspectives on breast milk as a gift, a commodity, and a bridge between strangers.

Banking on Milk: An Ethnography of Donor Human Milk Relations (Routledge Studies in the Sociology of Health and Illness)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4986 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	146 pages

Key Insights and Findings

Motives for Milk Donation: Del Toro uncovers the altruistic, personal, and financial factors that drive individuals to donate their breast milk.
The Value of Breast Milk: The book examines the perceived value of breast milk and its significance in infant feeding decisions, social norms, and cultural practices.
Recipient Perspectives: Del Toro provides a nuanced understanding of the experiences and emotions of mothers who receive donor milk, exploring their decision-making, concerns, and gratitude.
Ethical Considerations: She addresses the ethical implications of donor milk sharing, including issues of consent, safety, and the potential for commercialization.
Social Impact: The book analyzes the broader social and cultural impacts of donor human milk relations, including its implications for breastfeeding, kinship networks, and public health.

Why This Book Matters

An Ethnography of Donor Human Milk Relations makes a significant contribution to the fields of anthropology, sociology, and public health. It:

Provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of donor human milk research.
Offers invaluable insights into the lived experiences of individuals involved in this practice.
Challenges traditional notions of kinship, breastfeeding, and the commodification of bodily substances.
Informs policy and clinical practice related to donor milk sharing and breast milk feeding.

Target Audience

This book is essential reading for:

Researchers in anthropology, sociology, and public health
Healthcare professionals involved in prenatal and postnatal care
Lactation consultants and breastfeeding advocates
Policymakers and policymakers working on breastfeeding and donor milk issues
Anyone interested in the complex social, cultural, and ethical aspects of human milk sharing

Author Biography

Dr. Emily Martin Del Toro is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on maternal and infant health, reproductive technologies, and the social implications of bodily substances. She has published extensively on donor human milk and has received recognition for her work.

Book Details

* Publisher: Routledge * : 9780367567262 * Publication Date: 2023 * Pages: 240

Free Download Your Copy Today!

To Free Download your copy of An Ethnography of Donor Human Milk Relations, please visit Routledge's website or your preferred bookseller.

Additional Resources

* [Routledge Book Page](https://www.routledge.com/An-Ethnography-of-Donor-Human-Milk-Relations/Del-Toro/p/book/9780367567262) * [Author's Website](https://emilymartindeotoro.com)

Banking on Milk: An Ethnography of Donor Human Milk Relations (Routledge Studies in the Sociology of Health and Illness)

5 out of 5