New Book Explores Unexpected Intersection of Motherhood and Womanhood
(PRWEB) October 26, 2013 -- Most expecting moms have likely read endlessly about the ‘how-tos’ and technical aspects of pregnancy—but what about the often unanticipated emotional aspects of new motherhood no one discusses? In the new book Crazy for Milk now available on iTunes, author Kathryn Michaels explores one reality impacting new mothers in an honest, refreshing and liberating way: breastfeeding.
Long hailed as best for baby’s health, new studies show that babies exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop childhood obesity, ear infections and other conditions. Another Harvard University study which was published by JAMA Pediatrics last month, found the longer babies are nursed, the greater their intelligence.
Yet, despite these proven benefits, of the 77 percent of women who started breastfeeding a child at birth, only 49 percent continued to do so at 6 months of age. This number further declined to 27 percent at 12 months, according to the latest 2013 Breastfeeding Report Card from the US CDC.
So why do the majority of US moms give up on the gold that is breast milk?
In a society where breasts are viewed as a pinnacle of sexuality and where attitudes of the general public toward breastfeeding are still evolving, breastfeeding still unfortunately holds a stigma and can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame and even marital tension in new mothers.
“Crazy for Milk” delves into the intersection of motherhood and womanhood and the impact of a new baby to marriage. Through one mother’s unexpected breastfeeding journey, Michaels explores the physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, guilt, intimacy, loneliness and fear experienced by a woman who struggles to master the balancing act of being a perfect wife and mother.
The question the book poses: “How does a new mom juggle all her internal and external expectations without losing what is important to her?”
Kathryn Michaels is the author of Bedroom Secrets, a reality-inspired series about millennium moms released by Islandreamz Publishing.
For more information about “Crazy for Milk” or Kathryn Michaels, please visit http://www.writemekathryn.com/. Media who wish to review her books may request a complimentary copy by contacting the publisher, Islandreamz Publishing at (817) 668-6839.
Kathryn Michaels, Islandreamz Publishing, http://www.writemekathryn.com/, +1 (817) 668-6839, [email protected]
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