According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s website, wet nursing was once the safest alternative to the birth mother’s breastmilk.
A wet nurse was a woman who breastfed another woman’s child, the website states. Women who couldn’t breastfeed also used animal’s milk as an alternative food.
Due to a societal stigma placed on wet nursing, more alternative feeding sources were developed.
In 1865, chemist Justus von Liebig patented infant food, first in liquid form and then powdered form, the website states.
To this day, manufactured formula is still utilized but breastfeeding remains the medically preferred method to provide sustenance to a baby, the website states.
Highland Community Hospital’s director of obstetric services Janelle Imhoff said last week that Mississippi ranks last when it comes to the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
The hospital recently received a grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation to provide pertinent training for staff as it relates to breastfeeding.
Soon they will be able to provide mothers with answers to many of their questions and hopefully convince many that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for their baby.
We also realize that for some reason or another, many mothers can’t breastfeed and we are certain the staff at Highland will be able to help those mothers.
Imhoff said breastfeeding is the healthiest option for an infant and mothers, which including protection from illnesses and increasing a child’s immune system.
The Item applauds the efforts of Imhoff, her staff and Highland’s administrators.
We encourage all mothers or expectant mothers to take advantage of this program once it’s offered. It’s important to be educated about all the aspects of your child’s life and nutrition is one of them.