The Big Letdown
Kimberly Seals Allers
2017
In this bold and necessary book, Kimberly Seals Allers investigates how medicine, corporate interests, and even strands of feminism have shaped — and often undermined — breastfeeding in modern culture. Through a blend of investigative journalism, social commentary, and personal insight, she exposes the systems that fail breastfeeding families, particularly women of colour.
Why It’s Included:
This book is a wake-up call. It powerfully echoes our belief that breastfeeding doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it’s influenced by racism, economics, healthcare systems, and social norms. The Big Letdown centres the lived experiences of marginalised parents and insists on equity in breastfeeding advocacy.
Who It’s For:
Highly recommended for birth and breastfeeding professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in reproductive justice. Also valuable for parents who want to understand the bigger picture behind their individual challenges.
“In a world where every breastfeed is a lost sale of infant formula, this book looks at the powerful influence of industry on infant feeding. Equity in access to support, information and resources to initiate and maintain exclusive breastfeeding is explored in this book.”
Further Reading:
– The Politics of Breastfeeding – Gabrielle Palmer
– Breastfeeding Uncovered – Amy Brown
