Spilt Milk: Honest Breastfeeding Stories
Elizabeth Yip
2023
Spilt Milk is a compelling anthology that brings together over 80 personal accounts of breastfeeding, collected by Elizabeth Yip—a retired midwife, nurse, and lactation consultant—and edited by Dani Malone. The book delves into the multifaceted experiences of mothers and non-birthing parents, offering narratives that span from the 1950s to the present day. These stories encompass a wide range of emotions and situations, including joy, struggle, perseverance, and the complexities of feeding journeys. The collection also includes reflections from fathers and partners, providing a holistic view of the breastfeeding experience.
Why It’s Included
This anthology aligns with our values by presenting authentic, unfiltered stories that highlight the diverse realities of breastfeeding. It challenges the notion of a singular "normal" experience, instead showcasing the individuality of each journey. The book serves as a valuable resource for parents, healthcare providers, and educators, fostering empathy and understanding around the emotional and physical aspects of breastfeeding.
Who It’s For
Parents and caregivers seeking solidarity and insight into the varied experiences of breastfeeding. Healthcare professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of the emotional dimensions of infant feeding. Educators and advocates interested in promoting informed, compassionate support for breastfeeding families.
““Reading Spilt Milk was like sitting in a circle of mothers across generations — I saw myself in so many of their stories. I wish I’d had this book when I was a new mum. For parents, students, midwives, and anyone working with parents, these stories are essential reading. They don’t teach you how to breastfeed — they show you what it feels like to live it, in all its joy, grief, complexity, and strength.””
