Feeding Your Little One: A Journey Through Time, Choices, and Nurturing Love
Caregivers-to-be: buckle up for an enchanting ride into the world of infant feeding! As a pediatrician, I've been asked many questions surrounding the best way to feed your precious bundle. Breast or bottle? Pump or latch? The choices are numerous. Join me as we explore the heartwarming and fascinating history of infant feeding, with the aim of building a community that embraces every journey.
Breastfeeding- a tale as old as time
Step into the time machine, my dear friends, where the default method of infant feeding has always been direct breastfeeding. As early as 2000 BC, our ancestors were already developing alternatives for those special cases when mama and baby couldn't directly breastfeed. Enter the 'Wet Nurse,' a breastfeeding stand-in who started as a necessity but soon became a luxury employee for upper-class families.
Wet Nurses and Whispers - Navigating Middle Ages and Renaissance
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, hiring a wet nurse became the talk of the town – and not always in a positive way (that’s right- humans have always been judgmental about parenting choices). Whispers of infection risks and missed maternal bonding echoed through the cobbled streets. But fear not, for even in those times, the noble wet nurse persisted, becoming a lifeline for working and lower-class families during the industrial revolution.
Bottle-Fed Brilliance - Ancient Vessels and the Evolution of Bottle Feeding
Imagine, if you will, a world of ancient bottles made of porous materials. It sounds like a recipe for chaos, right? Early bottle feeding led to infant mortality due to poor sterilization and refrigeration practices. Fast forward to the mid-1800s, where a stroke of brilliance birthed the modern feeding bottle, overshadowing the role of wet nurses. Bottle feeding rose in popularity over the next century.
Bountiful Bottles - The Not-So- Surprising Contents of Ancient Bottles
Curious minds, brace yourselves! In those ancient bottles, scientists have discovered a smorgasbord of nutrients– cow or goat milk, bread, cereals. But, alas, our tiny ancestors struggled to process these protein and electrolyte heavy concoctions. Fear not, scientists of the 18th century stepped in and worked tirelessly to conjure up a formula that replicated human milk with modern magic.
Formula Feats - The Rise of Modern Nourishment
Fast forward to the 1940s and 1950s, where medical professionals declared infant formula a safe substitute for breastfeeding. The tides shifted, and breastfeeding rates began to wane, paving the way for the modern era of choices in infant feeding. The rise of modern formula-feeding was not without problems. Rogue advertising lead to a rise in infant mortality in developing nations without adequate clean water or refrigeration. Simultaneously, expecting parents received unclear messaging about what the best form of feeding was for their newborn- and that unclear messaging persists today.
The Momma Doc IRL Conclusion
Caregivers, as you embark on this wondrous journey of nurturing your little ones, remember that every path is unique. Whether you're embracing breastfeeding or entrusting formula, your love is the guiding star.
May this journey through time and choices leave you feeling empowered and supported, surrounded by a community that celebrates the diverse tapestry of motherhood. My hope is that everyone considers the default form of feeding- direct breastfeeding- and how that may fit into your life, and that most attempt to breastfeed for any duration of time. Future blogs will explore the proven benefits of breastfeeding in further detail, my experience with breastfeeding IRL, and I will discuss how we can demystify the breastfeeding experience and set ourselves up for successful breastfeeding journeys. I also plan to share guidance for formula-feeding parents, and can draw from the experience of trusted friends who have chosen formula-feeding as the best choice for their family.
After careful consideration, if you choose to formula feed- whatever your reasons may be- I support you. As a pediatrician and fellow mom, my priority is your and baby’s physical and mental health. Cheers to you and the exciting adventure ahead!
Source:
Stevens EE, Patrick TE, Pickler R. A history of infant feeding. J Perinat Educ. 2009;18(2):32-9. Accessed January 5, 2024. https://www.qxmd.com/r/20190854
