Feeding babies in the 21st century: Breast is still best, but for new reasons

Weaver, L.T. (2009) Feeding babies in the 21st century: Breast is still best, but for new reasons. History and Policy,

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a good thing for mothers and babies; it has a positive effect on the health of both. Nevertheless it is not universal. In the past, before the invention and availability of safe artificial alternatives to human milk, the fate of babies that were not nursed by their mothers was dire. Many died in infancy. The rise in 'scientific' child care in the 19th century, with an understanding of milk composition and the use of the weighing balance to assess milk intake and infant growth began to give the newborn the status of a patient in his or her own right. The 20th century saw a steady decline in infant mortality rates in Europe and North America, but a rise in the marketing and use of artificial milks. In developing countries, where drinking water was often unclean and milks made up improperly, this had disastrous consequences. Growth charts became essential tools of infant welfare, and growth standards were sought as a guide on the 'road to health'. New WHO growth charts, launched this year in the UK, are based on data from breastfed infants, whose growth trajectories are 'slower' (and probably healthier) than those of formula-fed babies. The promotion of breastfeeding is now based on the principle that it provides not only a healthy start to life, but also defends against obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. Breastfeeding rates in the UK today remain below those of a century ago, and the launch of universal growth standards based on breastfed infants aims to draw attention to its importance not just to infant health but also to lifelong health.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Weaver, Professor Lawrence
• Authors: Weaver, L.T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: History and Policy