Throughout history breastfeeding has remained the medically preferred method of infant feeding but how we breastfeed and how we talk about breastfeeding has changed a lot!
It was typical practice within the Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires for women to breastfeed their infants. Even the upper class who perceived breastfeeding as too common for them, adopted the fashion of using a wet nurse instead. A wet nurse is a woman who breast feeds and cares for another person’s child. A wet nurse was originally used in situations when a mother could not nurse her own child. But over time, as the practice of having a wet-nurse spread, it became a proud, and paid, profession.
The trend of wet-nursing gradually declined in developed countries and in 1867 the first commercially available baby food was created. Women began to use formula instead of breastfeeding and during the post–World War II baby boom formula replaced breastfeeding. By 1950, more than half of the babies in the USA were fed some form of baby formula. Bottle feeding became a new status symbol, particularly in the less developed countries where only rich families could afford formula.
By the 1970’s, the pendulum began to swing back towards breastfeeding. Women felt the need to go back to the basics and wanted to honor what Mother Nature had given them. Years of research showed that breast milk is best - it contains unique elements that are not found in any baby formulas. As well, women were more outspoken and wanted to make informed choices - breast or bottle - based on what was best for their family and children.
In August 2014 we continue to celebrate breastfeeding with National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The breastfeeding campaign, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hopes to empower women to commit to breastfeeding. New research shows that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, may be less likely to develop childhood obesity and their risk of SIDS is reduced by as much as 50%.
Acceptance of this natural form of nurturance and nutrition for offspring has been decades in the making and if the public service announcement created in 2010 for breastfeeding awareness month called “Breastfeeding: Join the Boob-olution!” is any indication, comfort with breastfeeding is at an all time high! You can check out the full video here.
A mother’s body is prepared for breastfeeding just as she was designed to carry the developing child. Her body supplies blood that provides anti-bodies and sustenance for her infants growing body. Shortly after delivery, when the newborn baby is placed on the mother’s chest, the baby will naturally seek the breast to drink the special tonic called colostrum that builds the immune system. An article from Baby Center describes the experience of the mother like this “It's the ultimate paradox. Here's this odd-looking creature sporting a belly-button stump, acne, and peeling skin. He can't even hold a decent conversation, let alone get you a cup of coffee – and yet whenever you nurse him, you're filled with head-over-heels devotion. What's up with that? We have one word for you – oxytocin.” This very same hormone is responsible for sending a message to the brain to release milk for the newborn.
For more about oxytocin and the full article check out this link.
For some mothers breastfeeding gives them a sense of purpose and fosters attachment with their new little person. Breastfeeding gives mothers a way to channel their longing to hold, love, and be close to their baby. It truly does create more than a physical connection; it meets both the mother and the child’s emotional, cognitive, and spiritual need. This is your child’s first real relationship! The eye contact, the touch, the gentle caress of your fingers on baby’s cheek, the rhythm of your heart close to your baby’s ear ALL have an impact on your baby’s developing brain.
Choosing to breastfeed is the second gift you give to your baby. The first was life.
Advocates for Children has certified lactation counselors (CLC) on staff to work with breastfeeding mothers. All of our CLCs are recognized by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. For more information call 783-3990 or visit www.advocatesforchildren.net
