breastfeeding

Wet nursing: a historical perspective

October 14, 2020

Mariella Scerri Mellieha, Malta A Russian wet nurse, c. 1913. Painted by Frederic de Haenen public domain via Wikimedia. Wet nursing, a form of breastfeeding provided by someone other than an infant’s biological mother,1 has a long and sometimes controversial history. Death in childbirth, a mother’s illness, as well as cultural habits and circumstance […]

Two hearts beating: the history and benefits of “Kangaroo Care”

April 22, 2019

Nursan Cinar Hamide Zengin Sakarya, Turkey Mother and her baby during kangaroo care Two Hearts Beat at the Same Time Photograph: Hamide Zengin The rate of preterm birth is between 5 and 18% worldwide. Prematurity is the most important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in developing countries. According to the World Health […]

A history of breastfeeding and wet nurses

January 31, 2018

Nursan Cinar Sumeyra Topal Sinem Yalnizoglu Caka Sakarya, Turkey The bond established with the milk never breaks off even if years passed. Wet nurse’s own son (at left) and milk son. Photo by Sümeyra Topal. Breastfeeding has been vital to life since the beginning of humanity. For infants who are unable to get this […]

January 27, 2017

By Janis Rozentāls [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Gloria Graham Rancho Mirage, California, United States Many studies support the importance of breastfeeding in childhood development. The World Health Organization recommends that a child breastfeed for at least two years. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies, with some exceptions, be exclusively breastfed for […]

A letter from George Boole and Victorian attitudes towards pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

January 27, 2017

C. Anthony Ryan Desmond MacHale Yvonne Cohen Cork, Ireland George Boole In 2015, two cities celebrated the 200th anniversary of George Boole’s birth: the City of Lincoln, England where he was born, and Cork City, Ireland, where he died and was buried. Boole was a professor of mathematics at what was then Queen’s College, […]

The art of breastfeeding

January 26, 2017

Bojana Cokić Zajecar, Serbia Breastfeeding is the greatest and most precious gift of nature that a mother can give to her child. It is the foundation of life, a healthy start strengthening the bond between mother and child. The mother feels warmth and love when she embraces her child. The child feels serenity, joy, […]