What did parents do before formula?

The Historical Context of Infant Feeding
Before the advent of modern baby formula, parents faced significant challenges in feeding their infants, particularly when breastfeeding was not an option. The history of infant feeding is marked by a variety of practices that reflect both necessity and innovation in the face of adversity.
The Role of Wet Nursing
One of the most common alternatives to breastfeeding was wet nursing, where a lactating woman would nurse another’s child. This practice was widely accepted in many cultures and often seen as a viable solution for mothers who could not breastfeed due to health issues, death, or other circumstances. Wet nurses were sometimes hired, and in wealthier families, it was not uncommon for them to live in the household to provide care for the infant. This method, while effective, was not without its risks, as the health of the wet nurse directly impacted the infant’s well-being.
Homemade Alternatives
In situations where wet nursing was not available, parents resorted to makeshift alternatives. These included mixtures of cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or even diluted sugar water. However, these homemade formulas often lacked the necessary nutrients and could lead to serious health issues. The risks were compounded by the lack of proper sterilization techniques, which made infants vulnerable to infections and diseases.
The Dangers of Improvised Feeding
The quest for suitable substitutes for breast milk was fraught with danger. Many infants suffered from malnutrition or illness due to the use of tainted milk or unclean water. Historical accounts reveal that some doctors attempted to create special formulas for babies whose mothers had died, but these early attempts were often poorly executed and resulted in high mortality rates among infants. The lack of understanding about infant nutrition and hygiene meant that many families faced heartbreaking losses.
The Evolution of Infant Feeding Practices
As society progressed, so did the methods of infant feeding. The introduction of feeding bottles in the 19th century provided a new avenue for parents to feed their babies, allowing for more controlled feeding practices. However, the contents of these bottles varied widely, and many parents still relied on unsafe mixtures. The quest for a safe, reliable formula continued, leading to the eventual development of commercial infant formulas in the 20th century.
Conclusion
The journey of infant feeding before the invention of formula was marked by a blend of necessity, creativity, and often tragic outcomes. While breastfeeding remained the ideal, the reality was that many families had to navigate a landscape filled with risks and uncertainties. The evolution of infant feeding practices reflects broader societal changes and the ongoing quest for better health outcomes for the youngest members of society. Today, while formula is a common alternative, the historical struggles of parents highlight the importance of safe and nutritious feeding practices for infants.

What did mothers feed their babies before formula?

Infants ate soft or liquid foods made from animal milk, broth, or grains. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these foods were homemade; by the late 19th century, industrially produced options became available. But until the 20th century, babies who were not breastfed often died.

Which cultures breastfeed the longest?

Guinea-Bissau. In Guinea-Bissau, the average length of breastfeeding is 22.6 months.

What did babies drink in the 1970s?

By the early 1970s, the majority of babies in many developed countries were not being breastfed and most infant milks used were commercially produced.

What did mothers do when there was no formula?

Use of a wet nurse, “a woman who breastfeeds another’s child” (Davis, 1993, p. 2111), was a common practice before the introduction of the feeding bottle and formula. Wet nursing began as early as 2000 BC and extended until the 20th century.

Can you use evaporated milk for baby formula?

Can I make my own formula? If necessary, you can make your own formula temporarily from evaporated milk.

How did people feed their babies without formula?

Older babies were fed by dripping the milk into the mouth from a spoon or giving them pap, which is milk mixed with bread or ground cooked oats. Premmie babies and some newborns, were often fed by dipping a strip of clean cotton cloth into warm milk and letting the baby suck the milk from the cloth.

What to feed baby if no breast milk or formula?

If you cannot find infant formula and you usually give your child a regular infant formula, you can give your 6 month to 12 month old child some pasteurized (not raw), unflavored, whole cow’s milk. Cow’s milk should only be given for a short time (no more than a week) as instructed by your child’s doctor.

What was baby formula in the 1960s?

By the 1940s and through the 1960s, most infants who were not breastfed received evaporated milk formula, as well as vitamins and iron supplements. It is estimated that, in 1960, 80% of bottle-fed infants in the US were being fed with an evaporated milk formula.

What did mothers feed their babies in the 1950s?

In the 1950s and 1960s, as already mentioned, most infants were fed cow’s milk beginning at 4–6 mo of age and this practice extended into the early 1970s. Although national survey data for infants are not available, three surveys of 12- to 36-mo-old children conducted between 1968 and 1980 (Owen et al.

How did they make baby formula in the old days?

The first baby formula ever was invented by Justus von Liebig, a German chemist, in 1865. Liebig’s formula was a combination of cow’s milk, wheat and malt flour, and potassium bicarbonate, which when mixed with heated cow’s milk, became a popular choice for feeding infants in Europe.