Maternal Lactation

History

Maternal lactation has historically been the main source of newborn nutrition. Studies from around the world have consistently shown a decrease in infant mortality when newborns are breastfed.

Many cultures have specific beliefs and taboos regarding breast-feeding. For example, taboos throughout history have discouraged the use of colostrum, a yellowish fluid initially available from the breast, and newborns were given other fluids until the mature milk came in at about 3 days after birth. Therefore, it is important to consider any cultural beliefs when helping mothers begin and maintain lactation.

A common practice when mothers were unable to breast-feed their own newborns due to choice, illness, or death was the use of a wet nurse. Wealthy women would commonly use wet nurses instead of breast-feeding their own newborns. If a wet nurse was not available, other alternatives would have to be found to provide the newborn with needed nutrition. Methods of feeding without mother or a wet nurse have included cups and spoons using teas and cow's and goat's milk. At other times in history, foundling homes have been started for abandoned babies and staffed with wet nurses. Decisions to breast-feed have been based on location, urban versus rural, and economics. For instance, initiation of breast-feeding and longer duration occurred when economies were stable.

As the production of formula became more “scientific,” more women turned away from breastfeeding. Women entering the workforce also led to a decrease in breast-feeding. In the 1950s, formula was seen as progressive and the better way to feed a newborn.

Review of Literature

As science has become more adept at identifying all the elements in human milk, people have realized how superior it is to formula; therefore, there has been a resurgence of breast feeding on the part of new mothers. Maternal lactation is again becoming the popular way to feed a newborn. Both initiation and duration of maternal lactation have increased. Human milk is a living fluid that has many properties that are beneficial to a newborn. It is made up of protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, immunoglobulins, electrolytes, and antibodies. The ratio of the casein and whey proteins in human milk is optimal for newborns and makes it more easily digested. The proteins in formula are cow or soy based and do not fall within the appropriate ratio for newborns. Thus, these proteins are not as easily digested and sit in the stomach longer. This difference in protein ratio is the primary reason that breastfed newborns eat more often than formula-fed newborns.

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