June 8th, 2009
In the early to mid twentieth century there was constant conflicting medical advice about how a mother should feed her baby. At least now every major medical association (to my knowledge) recognizes that breast is best. But back then, the advice was not as cut and dry. Below is a WPA (Work Projects Administration) poster encouraging mothers to breastfeed. It was distributed in New York and created in 1938.
However, as the below poster reveals, other agencies and states had another agenda entirely. This is a poster from the Cleveland Division of Health and FDA promoting milk, showing a large bottle of milk next to couples smiling, playing golf, tennis, and two babies. It was distributed in Ohio and was also a part of the WPA Art Program, 1940.
Tags: 1930s, 1940s, breastfeeding history
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August 31st, 2008
There once was a time when drinking contaminated milk meant severe illness and even death. Many babies died as a result of spoiled milk until production and storage regulations were set in place to ensure the public safety of Americans.
I found an interesting article from the Citizen newspaper (Berea, KY) dated July 28, 1910 about infant feeding. The article was entitled: Death Rate Among Children Our Shame and in it, the writer discusses ways to keep babies from dying from contaminated milk. To my surprise the first recommendation was to breastfeed:
In practically all cases the mother can and should nurse her own baby. Breast mllk Is the natural food for the newborn baby. No other food can compare with it. Ten bottlefed babies die to one that Is breastfed.
Immediately after birth do not use any kind of artificial food or teas for the baby while waiting for the breast milk to come. Put the baby to the breast every four hours and give nothing else but water that has been boiled.
The article also had important weaning advice and showed me once again that it was the 30s and 40s that witnessed a surge in bottlefeeding. In 1910, at least in Kentucky, breastfeeding was touted as the best nutrition for babies. If you would like to read the full article for yourself click here.
Tags: 1910, breastfeeding, breastfeeding history, newspapers
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