Breastfeeding throughout history – the 1980′s
We were doing so well in the seventies but of course, a new trend was on it’s way… by the late 80′s breastfeeding in newborns had dropped to 52% and was even lower in babies 6 months of age and older.
So, why? Advancements in actual infant feeding technology, and the increased participation of women in the workforce were increasing.
During the seventies we saw the increased encouragement of breastfeeding by hospital staff but was this really helping? More studies were being done on how formula use by the hospital staff and of mothers receiving discharge packets with formula included affected their breastfeeding choices. Staff often provided verbal recommendations on why breastfeeding was important to infant health, but it was their actions, which included the “hospital modeling of
infant formula products,” rather than their pro-breastfeeding rhetoric, that was a predictor of choosing formula. Basically, the medical staff was not always practicing what they were preaching. Even, within the past few years I have heard of nurses giving babies formula while they are in the nursery even if they knew mothers chose to strictly breastfeed! Keep those babies out of those nurseries, my friends.
Of course, another factor that most specifically affected mothers decision to breastfed past 6 months was the ever expanding number of women now in the workforce.
I was born in the 80′s and was breastfed for 6 months. I also have 2 sisters born in the eighties, one was breastfed until 9 months and the other until 6 as well, I believe. My mother was at home but was also taking care of a few other children in our home at the time. What about you?
want more information? check out this
did you miss any of this series?
Breastfeeding in the 18th century
Breastfeeding in the early 1900s
`
20/52
my mother’s day
18/52 & 19/52
i had it coming. my daughter hates sleeping…
{DIY} faux roman shade – no sewing required!
{recipe} ayurvedic curry powder
17/52
increase your energy level + overall wellness with alkaline foods
I am a twin born in December of 1979, so while technically I was a child of the 70s, I relate more as a child of the 80s. Our mom worked part time while we we’re babies, and breasted us until our 1st bday. Go mom!
Woo! That’s great to do while working! True commitment!
I was born in ’86. I was my Mom’s last baby and she vowed to not let anything shorten the natural child led weaning process with me. With my older sister she BF for 3 months, when she returned to work. My brother for 6 months, when my Dad pressured her for more “baby free time” So when I was born my Mom pulled up her big girl panties and told my Dad and work they would just have to wait. She nursed me for 18 months.
I can vividly remember how proud I was (am) of being nursed to 18 months. I didn’t really know why. I just always bragged about it to others. I can’t remember how many times i told ppl I was nursed to 18 months beaming! It was just always something that even as a teen I thought was significant.
Today as I nurse my 22 month old son, I know WHY I felt the way I did about my mothers commitment to me and our breastfeeding journey. She paved the way for my son’s and my success, and I am so proud of her, myself and my son.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s such a feeling of pride. Whenever Connor has had a bottle in public I just want to tell everyone around us “No, it’s NOT formula! It’s breastmilk, people!” haha! I always somehow find a way to mention it.
It’s nice to hear how your Mom stuck to her guns that created the basis for you to breastfeed long term.