In this episode, we explore the science of breastfeeding.

Making milk is something that only mammals do, but why did it evolve, and what benefits does it provide? What’s actually in breast milk, and what impact does breastfeeding have on the health of the baby and the mother? Our guests have the answers.

Katie Hinde, Ph.D., (https://isearch.asu.edu/profile/2740008) is an evolutionary biologist and lactation specialist who studies the biology of mother’s milk. She’s an associate professor in Arizona State University’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change. Her blog, Mammals Suck … Milk!, (http://mammalssuck.blogspot.com/) is a funny, informative summary of breastfeeding research, written for the general public.

Nicole Burt, Ph.D., (https://www.cmnh.org/burt) is the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Curator of Human Health and Evolutionary Medicine. She’s a biological anthropologist whose research involves breastfeeding and weening patterns in ancient and modern humans, and the impact of breastfeeding on maternal and child health. Her work in breastfeeding education aims to reduce infant mortality in Northeast Ohio.