We have evidence of writings on wet nurses and breastfeeding as far back as 2 000 BC. This life-affirming act is integral to our survival as a species, and wet nurses became a necessary alternative when moms failed to produce milk or died in childbirth. Alongside a history of patriarchy, breastfeeding has moved in and out of fashion. Mothers to newborn girls were prohibited from feeding their daughters to reduce the contraceptive impact it might have on them producing a son.
The earliest medical encyclopedia came out of Egypt in 1550 BC, and recommended this absurd cocktail for inadequate milk supply: “Warm the bones of a swordfish in oil and rub her back with it.”
The industrial revolution and the need for mothers to go out and work had a terrible impact on the ability of mothers to nurse their own babies beyond the first few months of life. So while we may have the science and technology to understand the immensely positive impact of breastfeeding on a mother and her child’s health, the economic realities requiring mothers to return to work makes this difficult to achieve.
Alongside wet nurses (the most famous being Moses’s mother in the Bible), variations of the baby bottle were created in the early 19th century and were fraught with challenges. Bacterial infections due to poor cleaning techniques and using different animal milks to feed infants resulted in a staggering 30% mortality rate in these bottle-fed babies. In 1851 in France, the first recognisable baby bottle was created, an elaborate contraption that made latching babies directly to animal’s teats the more popular choice!
By 1883, there were 27 patented infant formulas that were aggressively marketed to nursing mothers, resulting in unpopularising breastfeeding. Only in the 1970s was a movement to revive the importance of breastfeeding born, and pediatric associations began to outwardly oppose the advertising strategies of formula manufacturers.
While formula recipes have improved, and the safety of formula feeding has refined, no alternative comes close to mother nature’s answer. Breastfeeding can be a difficult journey for some mothers, so it is with the utmost respect and care that we must address this subject.
It is not always possible for a mother to nurse her infant, but it is very important that we repopularise the immense benefits of breastfeeding so that we can support and encourage mothers to persevere against the struggles of the modern-day expectations of women in our time.
Babies need breast milk for their first year of life. Once solid food is introduced to the diet, milk needs are reduced, but are still necessary for normal development. The first six months of breastfeeding are the most important. Breast milk contains everything that your baby needs except iron. Babies only require dietary iron between 4 – 6 months of age and this is addressed with solids.
Breastfed babies have a decreased risk of infection, childhood obesity, and type 1 and 2 diabetes which is at a historic high at present. Type 2 diabetes is fast becoming a global healthcare crisis. What we feed our bodies impacts our microbiome, and this is intrinsically linked to our metabolic health, immune function, and wellbeing.
For the first few months of life, a mother’s antibodies are shared with her baby through her milk. This means that if a mom is immune to flu, pneumonia, measles and TB, her baby will share this protection as a result of receiving her milk. A baby’s immune system takes time to build its own antibodies.
One of the wonders of breast milk is that the mother’s body temperature and hydration requirements will adjust how watery or concentrated her milk is. This makes sure that babies stay hydrated on hot days and don’t drink too much on cold days. A mother’s milk supply will also wax and wane depending on her baby’s needs. The more milk is required, the more milk is supplied. It is the perfect supply and demand chain.
Benefits to breastfeeding moms include postpartum weight loss, bonding with your baby, and the physical impact of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which are secreted when a baby feeds. Oxytocin helps to shrink the enlarged uterus and prolactin helps to keep the mom calm and encourage bonding and loving feelings towards her baby. Prolonged breastfeeding also reduces maternal risk of endometrial and breast cancers.
What to expect as a new breastfeeding mom:
- It takes 2 – 4 days after delivery for your milk to come in (for your breasts to fill with milk). In the first few days, you can expect colostrum to be produced by your breasts. This is a rich and concentrated substance that is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and sugars for your baby. Your baby needs very little, so don’t expect too much of it.
- When you latch your baby – use your forefinger and thumb to grasp your areola and get your baby to take this whole section of your breast into its mouth. This enables your baby to create an adequate suction, and also prevents your nipples from becoming painful or cracked. If you struggle to latch your baby, get help immediately from a CP, nurse, or lactation expert.
- A calm, happy mom makes the most milk. Find tools to get rest support, and get your head into the right frame of mind. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, this will affect your milk supply. Up to 15% of mothers suffer overwhelming low mood and anxiety in the postpartum period and need to seek help as soon as possible. It is so important that we talk about this more and normalise reaching out for support and medical intervention.
- Talk to your CP, midwife, or doula about how to store milk in your freezer ahead of your return to work. There are both manual and automatic pumps and vacuum cups that make expressing milk for times when you can’t be with your baby easy and accessible.
What you need to know as the dad, brother, uncle or grandfather:
- Breastfeeding moms are always thirsty and often have their hands full, so make sure you offer lots of water and rooibos tea.
- Raised prolactin levels during breastfeeding can make nursing mothers more sensitive and emotional. Be extra patient, kind, and tender.
- Breastfeeding mothers don’t get consistent sleep. Feeling tired, especially when working too, can make life feel momentarily overwhelming. Offer support as much as you can.
- Be on the lookout for signs of postpartum depression so that you can intervene early. 1 in 7 moms and 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression.
