Decline and Rise of Breastfeeding in the 20th century

Breastfeeding was perceived negatively in the United States during the early 20^th century.  In the 1950s, the prevalent attitude was that breastfeeding mothers were uneducated, lower class, and unable to afford infant formula.  The practice of breastfeeding was considered old-fashioned.  An article that was written by C.Caron in the New York Times in July, 2018 revealed the American Medical Association (AMA) formed the Committee on Foods to approve infant formula safety and forced many infant food companies to seek AMA approval or its ‘Seal of Acceptance’ in 1929.   In the 1940s and 50s, infant formula was regarded by the public and the medical profession as safe and convenient.

By 1960s, there was a rise/revival of the practice of breastfeeding. According to a survey conducted by a formula manufacturer in 1977, there was nearly two out of five (2/5) American mothers breastfed their infants, which doubled the percentage of 15 years ago.

Why is there a rise in breastfeeding since 1970s?  The Journal of Nutrition published a review in February 2001 to discuss some possible reasons for the rise of the practice of breastfeeding.                Here are some possible reasons:

·       Maternal employment and breastfeeding practices

Data showed employment (unemployed & full time employed) had no barrier on breastfeeding initiation, suggesting that other changes may have affected breastfeeding practices.

·       Changes in birthing practices

The “Natural Childbirth Movement,” began in the 1960s.  The movement rejected the medical model of birth and considered the natural childbirth a natural part of the life cycle.  The review and data suggested that the movement of natural childbirth which included childbirth education and early maternal-child contact may be the reason of the rise of the practice of breastfeeding in the 70s.

·       Increased knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding by health professionals

Many physicians were ill-prepared by their medical education and training to assist women in making informed feeding choices. Physicians had minimal knowledge in regard to assisting women with their lactation management.  Therefore, physicians are unlikely to contribute in the rise of breastfeeding.

·       Successful breastfeeding interventions

The government provided federal grants for breastfeeding promotion. The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) had breastfeeding education and peer counselors to assisting breastfeeding mothers. It is possible that the program may have contributed in the rise of breastfeeding.

·       Public measures that affected breastfeeding resurgence

Increased number of women entered the medical field. Data showed women pediatric physicians who breastfed their infants had a more positive attitude toward the practice of breastfeeding.  Women pediatric physicians helped other women to understand the benefits of breastfeeding.