Breastfeeding tips and other baby feeding topics: An anthropological and evolutionary approach

© 2008-9 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved

Welcome to your source for breastfeeding tips and articles based on current discoveries in evolutionary, cross-cultural, and clinical research.

In addition to practical breastfeeding tips, here you'll find evidence-based information on such topics as

• When and how often to feed newborns

• What newborns can smell and taste

• The scientific evidence that babies are meant to be fed "on demand"

• An anthropological guide to feeding babies "on demand"

• The nutritional value of breast milk--and what influences milk quality

• How flavors in breast milk and formula influence baby food preferences

Some Western medical professionals and self-appointed “baby experts” lack evolutionary and cross-cultural perspectives about breastfeeding. As a result, they sometimes offer advice that reflects their cultural biases more than the scientific facts. These breastfeeding articles should help bridge the information gap.

Why babies want (and need) to feed on demand

For many generations, Western parents have been encouraged to put their babies on timed feeding schedules. Is this a good idea? Probably not. Read more about the infant feeding schedule and the importance of feeding on demand. This article explains why babies are better off regulating their own intake. Covers the evolution of breastfeeding, hunter-gather practices, clinical studies of milk quality, infant growth, stress, pain, and even napping.

For information about the special needs of newborns, see my article on the newborn feeding schedule.

Practical tips for breastfeeding moms

Do you really need to switch breasts during a feeding session? No. Does alcohol increase milk production? No--the reverse seems to be true. Check these breastfeeding tips for the details.

What's in your breast milk?

The composition of breast milk changes depends on a variety of factors, including how long you have been lactating and how frequently you feed your baby. Learn more about the nutrients and calories in breast milk. This article covers colostrum and “mature” breast milk, and discusses the role of fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It reviews the many factors that influence the composition of your breast milk, and offers tips for improving its quality.

In addition, read about how the flavors in breast milk influence your baby's food preferences.

Breastfeeding on demand: An anthropological survival guide

Both the World Health organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that mothers breastfeed on demand. Many Western mothers are eager to adopt this approach, but find it hard to meet the feeding demands of their babies in a Western setting. This article about the benefits of breastfeeding on cue addresses why breastfeeding may be more difficult for moms living in the West. It outlines the practices of traditional, non-Western cultures that support breastfeeding, and suggests ways that Western moms can improve their own breastfeeding experiences.