Breast or bottle
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The question of whether to breast or bottle-feed a baby has inspired a unique UQ study.
Virginia Thorley carried out the first Australia-wide study into the history of infant feeding in the 20th Century through UQ’s School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics as part of her PhD.
A lactation consultant and founder of the Queensland branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Ms Thorley said some trends in feeding babies over the past 100 years were unexpected.
“A lot of people think the current trend back to breastfeeding is only a recent development,” Ms Thorley said.
“But as far back as the 1920s, medical experts saw artificial feeding as old-fashioned and recommended breastfeeding, but only until nine months.
“Some of the best material for my research came from advertising in popular magazines and advice columns, as this was where beliefs passed on by word of mouth left a footprint that would otherwise have been difficult to find.
“A lot of ads drew on ideas that were already out in the community.
“So, contrary to what people believe about the advertisers telling people what to think, they were actually reflecting established ideas and fears.
“Unfortunately, instead of allaying fears they encouraged them, such as the fear that mothers’ milk might fail or not provide enough nutrition for babies on its own.”
