What if breastfeeding doesn’t work out, but the mother still deeply wanted it to? What if “at least the baby is fed” skips over the grief she may carry for years? And what if the most helpful support is showing her that the bigger parenting goal is still within reach?

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett closes her three-part series on social support by focusing on mothers who are unable to breastfeed. Some mothers move on easily, but many feel lasting sadness when breastfeeding ends before they wanted it to. For lactation supporters and perinatal health professionals, the goal is to acknowledge the loss without letting it define the mother’s entire parenting experience.

Dr. Kendall-Tackett reframes the conversation around secure attachment. Breastfeeding can support attachment when it is going well, but secure attachment is the larger developmental goal. Drawing on attachment research, she explains why responsive care, caregiver proximity, and emotional connection shape resilience, self-efficacy, stress regulation, and long-term health.

She also challenges the idea that bonding depends only on breastfeeding. Research shows the mother’s subjective feeding experience matters more than feeding type. If breastfeeding, pumping, or triple feeding becomes painful or emotionally damaging, it can undermine bonding. Mothers can still build connection through responsive feeding, paced bottle feeding, babywearing, infant massage, singing, and nurturing touch.

Tune in to learn how professionals can help mothers grieve the breastfeeding experience they lost while still seeing the lifelong impact they can have through secure attachment and responsive care.

In This Episode:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:33] Supporting mothers unable to breastfeed
[02:18] Amy Brown on formula and maternal desire
[03:16] Why loss of breastfeeding does not mean all is lost
[03:57] Secure attachment as the bigger parenting goal
[05:21] When breastfeeding struggles undermine attachment
[06:20] Secure attachment is not the consolation prize
[07:18] Responsive care and the family’s role
[08:05] Internal working models
[09:08] Self-efficacy and the secure base
[11:19] Proximity, responsiveness, and “cry it out”
[13:24] Darcia Narvaez on responsiveness
[14:19] What secure attachment gives children
[16:19] How attachment buffers depression and stress
[18:21] Prenatal cortisol, development, and attachment
[19:46] Attachment, adversity, and PTSD risk
[20:30] Adult health outcomes linked to early attachment
[21:25] The power of one stable adult
[22:20] Feeding method versus bonding
[25:05] Why the feeding experience matters most
[26:35] Responsive feeding and physical contact
[27:47] Babywearing, infant massage, and connection
[35:00] Helping mothers move forward with hope
[36:05] Wrap-up and book reminder

Notable Quotes:

[02:22] “While formula may feed the baby, women's desire to mother in a way that they want does not go away because they can formula feed.” – Amy Brown, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[03:16] “Loss of breastfeeding does not mean all is lost.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[04:02] “Secure attachment supersedes breastfeeding as a parenting goal.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[06:33] “A secure mother-infant attachment is not the consolation prize, it is in fact the prize.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[25:15] “The maternal subjective feeding experience... was more important than feeding type.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resources and Links
Podcast
The Science Chick Report

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Mentioned in This Episode
Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Amy Brown’s research on maternal psychology and breastfeeding
John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s attachment research
Darcia Narvaez’s work on responsive parenting
Babywearing and infant massage research

Did you know that some of the hardest parts of early motherhood may have nothing to do with breastfeeding itself?

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores what she calls the “Five I’s of New Motherhood”: idleness, isolation, incompetence, identity, and intensity. These are the hidden emotional and psychological barriers that can quietly derail new mothers, even when breastfeeding is technically going well.

Drawing from her book Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck, Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains why the early postpartum period can feel so disorienting. A mother may be recovering physically, establishing milk supply, caring for a newborn around the clock, and still feeling like she is “not doing anything.” Add isolation, shifting identity, sleep disruption, and the pressure to “enjoy every minute,” and it is easy to see why this stage can feel overwhelming.

Dr. Kendall-Tackett also discusses how formula marketing often speaks directly to these vulnerable feelings by promising mothers a return to freedom, identity, and control. Instead of shaming mothers for struggling, she encourages providers, partners, and support groups to talk openly about these experiences and help mothers reframe them with compassion and realism.

This episode is a grounded reminder that new mothers are not lazy, incompetent, or losing themselves. They are recovering, learning, bonding, and helping their babies transition from womb to world. And with structure, support, short breaks, outside time, and realistic expectations, this intense season can become more manageable.

In This Episode:

[00:00] Introduction
[00:49] A new format focused on support for mothers
[01:21] Introducing the Five I’s of New Motherhood
[02:36] How formula companies target new mothers’ fears
[04:19] Amy Brown’s insight on motherhood and disempowerment
[06:02] Why breastfeeding struggles are not always about breastfeeding
[07:06] The first “I”: idleness
[09:42] Postpartum brain shifts and losing track of time
[12:21] Reframing idleness as recovery and bonding
[14:16] Why structure helps new mothers cope
[15:01] The second “I”: isolation
[18:27] Feeling disconnected from friends after birth
[20:12] Why mothers should not tough out isolation
[21:35] Finding a tribe and building support
[22:55] The third “I”: incompetence
[24:41] Reframing incompetence as learning
[27:21] Using time markers to stay grounded
[29:28] The fourth “I”: identity
[31:08] Why the old self has not disappeared
[32:15] The fifth “I”: intensity
[34:00] Helping babies transition from womb to world
[35:30] Taking short breaks without undermining breastfeeding
[36:19] Practical coping tools for the newborn stage
[39:38] Limiting phone time and staying present
[41:25] Final thoughts and next topic

Notable Quotes:

[04:22] “Mothering is the most powerful of all biological capacities and among the most disempowering of social experiences.” – Amy Brown, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[06:30] “This is something that can absolutely derail mothers, and to remember that we have a multi-billion dollar industry preying on these very fears.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[13:35] “You’re not being lazy. You’re resting. You’re recovering. It’s smart.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[15:17] “When we isolate a prisoner, that’s considered cruel and unusual punishment.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[24:43] “They’re not incompetent. That’s the truth. They’re learning.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

[31:35] “The old me has not gone away. Buying a product is not going to bring that back.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resources and Links:

Podcast
The Science Chick Report

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Website
LinkedIn
X
Facebook
ResearchGate

Mentioned Resources
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck
Breastfeeding Made Simple
Amy Brown
Brooke Shields’ postpartum depression memoir
Suzanne Coulson
Ed Tronick’s Still Face Mother studies

Why do pregnant and breastfeeding women use cannabis? The answer isn't what most clinicians think. In this episode, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett shares data from over 3,400 perinatal cannabis users. The number one reason isn't "getting high" or even enjoyment. It is perceived safety. Nearly 98% of mothers believe cannabis is safer and more natural than prescription medications for managing symptoms.

Using advanced statistical analysis, Promax rotation, Dr. Kendall Tackett identified four key drivers. They are perceived safety, availability (partner or family use), enjoyment, and symptom relief for anxiety, sleep, PTSD, and nausea. While acknowledging real risks like preterm birth, she argues that shame based counseling doesn't work, and women are asking for help.

The episode introduces a free, easy to use clinical tool. It is the Perinatal Cannabis Questionnaire, designed to open meaningful conversation. Scan the QR code in the episode to access it. Dr. Kendall Tackett invites clinicians to try the tool and share feedback. She wants to move beyond "just say no" toward actual harm reduction. For providers on the front lines of women's health, this is practical, data driven guidance you can use today.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction

• [00:37] Why pregnant and breastfeeding women continue using cannabis

• [01:14] Women are asking for help, not judgment

• [01:31] A study of 3,443 perinatal cannabis users

• [02:13] Why existing cannabis scales fail pregnant women

• [02:50] Building a new questionnaire from scratch

• [03:10] What factor analysis revealed about cannabis use

• [04:02] Why traditional statistical models missed the bigger picture

• [04:48] The myth that women mainly use cannabis “for fun”

• [05:08] The real top factor: perceived safety

• [05:29] Trauma, symptom management, and self-treatment

• [06:05] Why 98% viewed cannabis as safer than medications

• [06:27] The real risks providers should understand

• [06:45] Why long-term cannabis research is complicated

• [07:04] Availability as a major driver of use

• [07:42] Sleep, anxiety, appetite, nausea, and PTSD

• [08:19] How providers can start better conversations

• [08:46] Introducing a new perinatal cannabis screening tool

• [09:21] “Don’t just tell me no. Give me other ideas.”

• [09:39] A QR code tool for clinicians and providers

• [10:00] Why maternal healthcare needs practical tools now

• [10:27] Closing thoughts and encouragement for providers

Notable Quotes:

• [00:47] "The way we've all been trained is to say, 'Well, stop doing that. Don't do that. This is not safe.' But we're kind of finding, of course, that that doesn't really help." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [01:02] "Women are using cannabis for a reason. And so even though they're getting advice from people to not use it, they're still continuing to use — and oftentimes they're asking for help." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [05:23] "The number one factor was not fun, but actually perceived safety." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [05:47] "Trauma causes health symptoms, which drives cannabis use — so that's kind of the way that relationship shakes out." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [06:08] "Ninety-eight percent of mothers consider it to be a safer and more natural way to treat symptoms than using medications." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [09:19] "Don't just tell me no. Give me some other ideas." — perinatal study participants

• [09:58] "The fact that we have not had any tools at all to have conversations like this with perinatal women seems ridiculous considering the number of studies we're getting." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resources and Links

Podcast

• The Science Chick Report

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Is racial trauma “real” trauma, or are we asking the wrong question?

Black women in the U.S. experience nearly double the rate of preterm birth compared to white women, and emerging research suggests this disparity may not be genetic but driven by chronic exposure to racial discrimination, activating the same inflammatory pathways seen in traditional trauma.

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett takes on one of the most debated issues in the trauma field. Drawing from her role as editor of the APA journal Psychological Trauma, she challenges the limits of the DSM 5’s Criterion A and explores what happens when the definition of trauma does not match what the body is actually experiencing.

Blending neuroscience with real world data, she explains how the brain does not just respond to physical threats. It also reacts to social rejection, exclusion, and discrimination. At the center of this response is the anterior cingulate cortex, a region that processes both physical and social pain. When activated repeatedly, it can trigger the same stress cascades seen in classic PTSD.

The consequences are far from abstract. Elevated inflammation markers like C reactive protein, higher rates of substance use, increased risk of chronic disease, and even preterm birth begin to tell a consistent story. The body is responding as if it is under threat because in many ways, it is.

This episode does not dismiss the need for clinical precision, but it does push the conversation forward. Trauma, as Dr. Kendall Tackett argues, is not purely objective. It is shaped by perception, lived experience, and how the brain interprets danger.

If we are willing to follow biology, we may need to rethink not just the definition of trauma, but how we recognize, study, and respond to it. Tune in and decide for yourself whether racial trauma fits the definition, or whether it is time to redefine what trauma really means.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction

• [00:41] The controversy: Is racial trauma “real” trauma?

• [01:01] Defining trauma and DSM-5 Criterion A

• [02:20] Why trauma definitions have always evolved

• [03:03] What qualifies as a traumatic event

• [03:53] Can microaggressions rise to the level of trauma?

• [05:00] Why the body’s response may matter more than definitions

• [05:37] How the brain senses danger (amygdala vs. other systems)

• [08:33] The anterior cingulate cortex and threat processing

• [09:18] Social rejection as a survival threat

• [10:39] Social pain vs. physical pain in the brain

• [11:42] Rethinking trauma as a subjective experience

• [13:23] The body’s stress systems and inflammation response

• [16:31] Research on discrimination and inflammation markers

• [18:54] Microaggressions and substance use outcomes

• [19:14] Social class, stress, and inflammatory response

• [20:18] Chronic inflammation and long-term health risks

• [21:12] Racial disparities in preterm birth explained

• [23:05] Connecting the dots: discrimination and health outcomes

• [24:00] Why trauma definitions need revisiting

• [25:08] “Look at the numbers”: following the health data

• [25:29] Case study: two birth experiences, two trauma responses

• [28:27] The subjective nature of trauma

• [28:47] Why this conversation matters now

• [29:04] Closing thoughts

Resources and Links

Podcast

• The Science Chick Report

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Referenced Research & Topics

• Lewis (2010) – Perceived discrimination and inflammation

• Studies on racial microaggressions and substance use

• Research on social rejection and brain activation

• Inflammation and chronic disease literature

• Preterm birth and inflammatory cytokines

• Cochrane Review (2018) – DHA and gestational length

Emerging research suggests that nutrient deficiencies may contribute to postpartum depression and addressing them may support recovery.

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical approaches that can support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many providers want to help but may not have access to specialized mental health services or extensive resources. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those limits, there are practical steps that practitioners and mothers can consider that may support mental health and recovery.

This episode focuses on the role of nutrition and anti-inflammatory strategies in depression. Dr. Kendall-Tackett begins with vitamin D, one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. Because modern lifestyles limit sun exposure, many people do not produce enough vitamin D naturally. Research suggests that deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation and higher rates of depressive symptoms among mothers.

She then explores the role of vitamin B12, which helps regulate homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to depression. Low levels of B12 have been associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum depression, making it another nutrient worth evaluating.

The episode also discusses curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in treating depression and anxiety.

Finally, Dr. Kendall-Tackett addresses St. John’s wort, an herbal treatment widely used for depression in many parts of the world. While research suggests it can be effective for mild to moderate depression, she emphasizes the importance of caution due to potential interactions with medications.

For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health practitioners, this episode provides practical, science-based insights into nutritional approaches that may help support maternal mental health alongside traditional care.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction

• (26) Community and individual interventions overview

• (01:07) Vitamin D deficiency and maternal health

• (04:03) Research on vitamin D and depression

• (06:10) Vitamin B12 and postpartum depression

• (08:14) Accessibility and impact of vitamin D and B12

• (09:11) Curcumin (turmeric) as an anti-inflammatory supplement

• (11:31) Research on curcumin and mental health

• (12:30) St. John’s wort: appeal and cautions

• (13:21) St. John’s wort: history and mechanism

• (14:23) St. John’s wort: drug interactions and safety

• (15:24) St. John’s wort: effectiveness compared to antidepressants

• (17:17) St. John’s wort: use in major depression and global practices

• (19:16) St. John’s wort: dosage, standardization, and breastfeeding

• (21:14) St. John’s wort: quality control and recommendations

• (22:57) Conclusion and preview of next episode

• (23:30) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes:

• (03:57) “If you're deficient in vitamin D, one of the things that it does is it increases inflammation. When you've got inflammation, you've got depression.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (05:18) "The higher your vitamin D, the lower your Edinburgh score which means lower depressive symptoms.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (14:05) “I'd like to point out that lots and lots of things are natural that aren't safe. Lead is natural. Arsenic is natural. Asbestos is natural.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (22:31) “It is natural doesn't mean you can take as much as you want and it will be safe.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resources and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)