Assoc. Prof. Katie Hinde

Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Senior Sustainability Scientist, Arizona State University, USA.

Scientist, writer and advocate, Katie Hinde, PhD, explores the dynamic interactions between mothers, milk, and infants. Author of dozens of essays and academic articles, Hinde situates her work at the intersection of the life sciences and social sciences to inform parents, clinicians and policy-makers about institutional and inter-personal support of mothers and babies. Hinde co-authored the book Building Babies and founded the science outreach blog, "Mammals Suck…Milk!".

View Katie's TED talk here.

Abstract: Breastfeeding Support as a Human Universal: Ancient Adaptations and Crucial Culture at the Clinical Interface

As 21st century scientists decode the exceptional properties of human milk for human babies, sustained messaging to "normalise breastfeeding" promotes a culture to support mothers and others to achieve breastfeeding success. These contemporary public health campaigns serve to remedy decreases in breastfeeding rates of the 20th century in many populations. Importantly, among industrialised societies, many women report difficulties and obstacles during breastfeeding, outcomes that at times are attributed to lack of exposure to breastfeeding behaviours and loss of breastfeeding knowledge among women's social networks. However, investigation of the cross-cultural literature and semi-structured interviews among traditional-living Himba women reveal that breastfeeding difficulties with pain, latch, and perceived insufficient milk supply can be common. Re-evaluating our understanding of human breastfeeding reveals that sustained support during the perinatal and postnatal period characterises human cultures. The breastfeeding support roles were, and in some cultures remain, most typically filled by female relatives, but are increasingly filled by clinicians. Our findings demonstrate that just as it is important to "normalise breastfeeding," essentially we must normalise breastfeeding support as a key aspect of the human adaptive complex. Patient-centred perinatal and postnatal care that incorporates breastfeeding guidance, especially involving the extended family and friend network, are crucial contributions to improving maternal and child health.