Lactational Psychology
What is Lactational Psychology?
Lactational psychology refers to the intersection of the fields of psychology and breastfeeding (Good Mojab
2006). It consists of a body of research, concepts, and techniques regularly applied across disciplines by
professionals working with breastfeeding mothers. It relates, in part, to the impact of maternal mental health
and mental health care on breastfeeding and to the impact of breastfeeding on maternal mental health and
mental health care. It also relates to the impact of breastfeeding on infant and child development, to the role of
culture in the development of attitudes and behaviors related to breastfeeding, to the impact of traumatic birth
experiences on breastfeeding, and so on. Health care providers and mental health care providers who
specialize in lactational psychology are not numerous. Mothers who need health care that simultaneously
addresses both breastfeeding and maternal mental health often have difficulty finding the services they need.
However, interest in this emerging field is increasing as the importance of breastfeeding to human health and
development and the important role of psychological factors in the breastfeeding experience are more widely
appreciated.
About LactPsych
LactPsych is an international email discussion group for professionals working in the field of lactational
psychology. It was founded on May 23, 2005 by Cynthia Good Mojab, MS, IBCLC, RLC, CATSM, who continues
to serve as its moderator. The purposes of LactPsych include discussion of topics within and related to
lactational psychology, networking, peer support, and discussion of concerns and ideas for developing,
expanding, and improving the multidisciplinary work done by dual professionals in the field of lactational
psychology. Members have dual credentials, work experience, and/or education in the fields of psychology and
breastfeeding. Most, but not all, members of LactPsych are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
Professionals interested in becoming members of LactPsych may send an email to Cynthia Good Mojab
describing their credentials, experience, and education in both fields to determine if they and LactPsych are a
good match. Membership in LactPsych is currently restricted to professionals with substantial interest,
credentials, experience, and education in lactational psychology and to graduate students whose field of study
relates to lactational psychology.
Research in Lactational Psychology
Cynthia Good Mojab is currently engaged in three research projects in lactational psychology. These projects
focus on 1) the lactation and breastfeeding experiences of bereaved mothers after a pregnancy loss or infant
death, 2) the impact of traumatic birth experiences on breastfeeding, and 3) the opinions and practices of
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in regard to postpartum depression.
Publications in Lactational Psychology
Cynthia Good Mojab has written many publications related to lactational psychology. They are included among
the works listed in the Publications page of the LifeCircle Counseling and Consulting, LLC website and in the
Publications page of her other website, Ammawell. Many of her articles can be read in-full online.
Reference
Good Mojab, C. Regarding the emerging field of lactational psychology. Journal of Human Lactation 2006;
22(1): 13-14. Full text (pages 3-4 of the document).
Lactational psychology refers to the intersection of the fields of psychology and breastfeeding (Good Mojab
2006). It consists of a body of research, concepts, and techniques regularly applied across disciplines by
professionals working with breastfeeding mothers. It relates, in part, to the impact of maternal mental health
and mental health care on breastfeeding and to the impact of breastfeeding on maternal mental health and
mental health care. It also relates to the impact of breastfeeding on infant and child development, to the role of
culture in the development of attitudes and behaviors related to breastfeeding, to the impact of traumatic birth
experiences on breastfeeding, and so on. Health care providers and mental health care providers who
specialize in lactational psychology are not numerous. Mothers who need health care that simultaneously
addresses both breastfeeding and maternal mental health often have difficulty finding the services they need.
However, interest in this emerging field is increasing as the importance of breastfeeding to human health and
development and the important role of psychological factors in the breastfeeding experience are more widely
appreciated.
About LactPsych
LactPsych is an international email discussion group for professionals working in the field of lactational
psychology. It was founded on May 23, 2005 by Cynthia Good Mojab, MS, IBCLC, RLC, CATSM, who continues
to serve as its moderator. The purposes of LactPsych include discussion of topics within and related to
lactational psychology, networking, peer support, and discussion of concerns and ideas for developing,
expanding, and improving the multidisciplinary work done by dual professionals in the field of lactational
psychology. Members have dual credentials, work experience, and/or education in the fields of psychology and
breastfeeding. Most, but not all, members of LactPsych are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
Professionals interested in becoming members of LactPsych may send an email to Cynthia Good Mojab
describing their credentials, experience, and education in both fields to determine if they and LactPsych are a
good match. Membership in LactPsych is currently restricted to professionals with substantial interest,
credentials, experience, and education in lactational psychology and to graduate students whose field of study
relates to lactational psychology.
Research in Lactational Psychology
Cynthia Good Mojab is currently engaged in three research projects in lactational psychology. These projects
focus on 1) the lactation and breastfeeding experiences of bereaved mothers after a pregnancy loss or infant
death, 2) the impact of traumatic birth experiences on breastfeeding, and 3) the opinions and practices of
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in regard to postpartum depression.
Publications in Lactational Psychology
Cynthia Good Mojab has written many publications related to lactational psychology. They are included among
the works listed in the Publications page of the LifeCircle Counseling and Consulting, LLC website and in the
Publications page of her other website, Ammawell. Many of her articles can be read in-full online.
Reference
Good Mojab, C. Regarding the emerging field of lactational psychology. Journal of Human Lactation 2006;
22(1): 13-14. Full text (pages 3-4 of the document).
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| Copyright 2005-2006 Cynthia Good Mojab All rights reserved |
LifeCircle Counseling and Consulting, LLC