Maternal Nutrition:Breastfeeding in the

United States

FCS 321Professor Lisagor

Cynthia ChowHuda Alawi

Natalie Montemayor

Breastfeeding History● Historically, breastfeeding has been the primary

source of infant nutrition.

○ Wet nurses (women that breastfeed infants that are not their own naturally) were very

popular in ancient cultures and became a

respectable profession up until the 20th

century.

● Although infant formula began to be used during the 19th and 20th century, breastmilk was still

the first choice of physicians and pediatricians.

Breastfeeding History● During the 19th century, scientific advancement in

food preservation allowed for an alternative to breastmilk.

● Evaporated milk was created which lacked protein, vitamins and minerals but was canned and sold. It was recommended during the 1930s and 1940s by pediatricians.

● Non-milk formula made from soy flour was produced around the same time as well.

● American Medical Association was formed in order to have more quality control over infant formula.

Breastfeeding History● By the 1970s, a paradigm shift caused a

decline in breastfeeding in the U.S. and around the world.

● Manufacturers began marketing globally.● Because of the aggressive advertising,

many families were confused about whether they should continue breastfeeding or just use infant formula.

Breastfeeding History● According to the American Academy of

Pediatrics, in the 20th century, breastfeeding rate was 90%.

● It has since decreased to around 42% in the 21st century.

The Issue● Breastfeeding in the United States has dropped dramatically.● Social stigmas● Time commitments● Problems with nursing● Workplace discouragement

Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law● According to a 2005 CDC report, only 10% of

full-time working mothers continue to breastfeed

at 6 months.

● Effective March 23, 2010 the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires employers to

provide break time and a place for most hourly

wage-earning and some salaried employees to

express breast milk at work. Employers must

provide a “reasonable” amount of time and must

provide a private space other than a bathroom. This

must be provided until the baby is one year old.

Nutrition composition of breast milk

● Lactose is the carbohydrate in breast milk. ● Lactose has two properties:● Easily digested, facilitate calcium absorption. ● Amylase enzyme. ● Protein content is lower than formula milk.

● Fat is the main source of energy in infant’s diet. ● TAG, fatty acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids.● Breast milk has 10% more cholesterol. ● Vitamins and minerals in breast milk. ● Lower sodium and renal solute load

Protective factors in

breast milkColostrum

BifidusImmunoglobulin

Lysozyme

Benefits of breastfeeding

InfantsMom

Society

Lactation Nutrition● First 6 months of lactation● Recommended energy

intake● Nutrition demands

increase● Iron intake

Lactation Nutrition

Lactation NutritionType of Foods to Avoid

● High-Calorie & Low Nutrient Density● Deep-Fried Food & Fat-Rich Food● Soft drinks● Salad dressing & Mayonnaise● Desserts● Sweets

Solution: Looking in the Future

● WIC (Women, Infant and Children) Centers are nonprofit, government funded organizations that provide free lactation education for women of lower socioeconomic statuses.

● The United States Breastfeeding Committee is working hard to “protect, promote, and support breastfeeding” in America.

● They have online health resources and even powerpoint presentations so that individuals can implement the business case for breastfeeding in the workplace.

References● Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. (2005). Pediatrics, 115(2), 496-506. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-2491

● Stevens, E. E., Patrick, T. E., & Pickler, R. (2009). A history of infant feeding. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 18(2),

32–39. http://doi.org/10.1624/105812409X426314

● http://www.parenting.com/article/moms-right-to-breastfeed

● Section 4207 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 2011

● https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/breastfeeding_interventions.pdf

● http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/SNMW-platform

● https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjC4pWlmLvQAhVjh1QKHb9MCDkQFggVMAA&url=

http%3A%2F%2Famericanpregnancy.org%2F&usg=AFQjCNGZ27awRyJTvowzzdk-W8H9T6U1Ow

● https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwiZ1ZagmbvQAhWEwVQKHRVbA44QFggaMAI&url

=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fbooks%2FNBK215837%2F&usg=AFQjCNGmk39cpdcuD_sSbDgaKPItEm

nm_g

● Institute of Medicine (U.S.). Subcommittee on Lactation (1991). Nutrition During Lactation. Washington, D.C.: National

Academy Press.

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