The author explores the history of breastfeeding in America. Popular belief is that medicine, science, and the formula industry have had the most impact on women's decisions to bottle versus breastfeed. What cannot be overlooked are other areas of influence. Cultural practices, including the beliefs of colonial Americans, the increased social value of children in the 20th century, and the emergence of a middle class, have influenced maternal decision making. The first and second waves of feminism affected women's choices. Politics and religion have had multiple and varied influences. It is this author's position that culture, gender, politics, and religion, as well as medicine, science, and industry, have combined to affect feeding choices. All of these influences, as well as others, both unforeseen and unpredictable, will continue to affect the future of breastfeeding in our society. J Hum Lact. 25(1):85-94.
Este reporte explora la historia de lactancia materna en America. La creencia popular es que la medicina, la ciencia y la industria de formula son los que han tenido mas impacto en las decisiones de las mujeres sobre alimentación con biberón versus lactancia materna. No podemos ignorar otras áreas de influencia. Las practicas culturales como las creencias de los americanos de la colonia, el aumento del valor social de la niñez en el siglo 20 y el aumento de la clase media han tenido influencia en la decisión materna. La primera y segunda ola de feminismo impactaron las opciones de las mujeres. La política y la religión han tendido múltiples y variadas influencias. El autor expresa su opinión que tanto la cultura, genero, política y religión como medicina, ciencia e industria combinadas han tenido un impacto en opciones de alimentación. Todas estas influencias, como otras, ambas imprevistas e impredecibles continuarán teniendo impacto en el futuro de la lactancia materna en nuestra sociedad.
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