The Nurturing Mother

BOOK REVIEW

Mothering with Breastfeeding and Maternal Care

Mizin Park Kawasaki, MD

iUniverse, 2007 (self published)

255 pages, appendices, references, index, softcover, US $20.95

A pediatrician with two children, Kawasaki makes a compelling case for the importance of women to breastfeed and to provide hands-on care for their infants and young children. Among the many prevalent ideas in today’s society regarding new mothers and babies (for example, pressure to work outside the home, use of childcare staff, nanny and Au Pair to replace mother), she explores breastfeeding and childcare in depth.

The book is divided into two parts. In "Learning the Art of Breastfeeding," she addresses not only the mechanics and physiology of breastfeeding, but also the factors that may impact a mother’s decision to breastfeed. The author stresses above all that women are biologically unique and meant to fulfill the breastfeeding/maternal role. She uses references from anthropologist Ashley Montagu’s work as well as anecdotes to support her argument that society and feminism may have missed the boat on the importance that a mother’s presence and breastfeeding have in the survival and optimal development of a young child.

Part two, "In Defense of Mothering and Family Life," explores the history of the women’s movement, how women came to work outside of the home, and the attitude of women about staying home with children. During her training as a physician, she realized soon after the birth of her first child that she needed to be at home to provide her child with the care he needed. She bemoans that our maternity leave policies are far too short to ensure successful breastfeeding. She criticizes the many government policies that work against new mothers and the unfavorable light cast by the media on mothers who stay home.

Although the target audience is not mentioned, this book would reaffirm the instinct of a new mother and provide thought provoking arguments to health professionals for their education classes on women's and children's issues. It would make an excellent eye opener for lawmakers, hopefully inspiring them to revise policies affecting women caring for their children.

Source: ILCA Book and Multimedia Reviews. www.ilca.org. Printed with permission.

The revised version of this book is now on sale through local and online booksellers.

If you face financial hardship but wish to read this book, please contact the Webmaster for a complimentary e-book.


THE NURTURING MOTHER To the precise degree that we care for and have faith in children, they will extend and spread their roots. And it is this that will give them the strength to survive and make their way successfully through life. –Daisaku Ikeda


Welcome! This Web site advocates breastfeeding, the importance of hands-on maternal care, and respect for the inherent dignity of all babies and children. Visitors to this site are welcome to peruse the various articles and commentaries posted on this site. The opinions expressed on this Web site are solely mine. This is strictly an educational Web site that supports parents’ efforts to rear children with respect and an understanding of young children's needs. Thank you for your interest in The Nurturing Mother Web site. Please note that some of the information on this site may have been available previously on the Humane Parenting Web site. Unfortunately, that site has been lost in cyberspace. Warmest regards, Mizin Park Kawasaki, M.D., FAAP Disclaimer notice: The information provided on this Web site is strictly for educational purposes. If you seek medical advice, please see your health provider.	BOOK REVIEW Mothering with Breastfeeding and Maternal Care Mizin Park Kawasaki, MD iUniverse, 2007 (self published) 255 pages, appendices, references, index, softcover, US $20.95 A pediatrician with two children, Kawasaki makes a compelling case for the importance of women to breastfeed and to provide hands-on care for their infants and young children. Among the many prevalent ideas in today’s society regarding new mothers and babies (for example, pressure to work outside the home, use of childcare staff, nanny and Au Pair to replace mother), she explores breastfeeding and childcare in depth. The book is divided into two parts. In "Learning the Art of Breastfeeding," she addresses not only the mechanics and physiology of breastfeeding, but also the factors that may impact a mother’s decision to breastfeed. The author stresses above all that women are biologically unique and meant to fulfill the breastfeeding/maternal role. She uses references from anthropologist Ashley Montagu’s work as well as anecdotes to support her argument that society and feminism may have missed the boat on the importance that a mother’s presence and breastfeeding have in the survival and optimal development of a young child. Part two, "In Defense of Mothering and Family Life," explores the history of the women’s movement, how women came to work outside of the home, and the attitude of women about staying home with children. During her training as a physician, she realized soon after the birth of her first child that she needed to be at home to provide her child with the care he needed. She bemoans that our maternity leave policies are far too short to ensure successful breastfeeding. She criticizes the many government policies that work against new mothers and the unfavorable light cast by the media on mothers who stay home. Although the target audience is not mentioned, this book would reaffirm the instinct of a new mother and provide thought provoking arguments to health professionals for their education classes on women's and children's issues. It would make an excellent eye opener for lawmakers, hopefully inspiring them to revise policies affecting women caring for their children. Source: ILCA Book and Multimedia Reviews. www.ilca.org. Printed with permission. The revised version of this book is now on sale through local and online booksellers. If you face financial hardship but wish to read this book, please contact the Webmaster for a complimentary e-book.