[–] derram 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Vintage pictures show Victorian women breastfeeding babies | Daily Mail Online
'Scroll down to see striking portraits of turn of the century women breastfeeding their babies over 100 years ago... '
'In recent years new mothers have tried to de-stigmatise breastfeeding in public - even sharing photos of intimate moments nursing their babies online. '
'These photos taken in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries show new mothers proudly breastfeeding their children in front of the camera. ', "It's thought that, as photography became more widely available, it sparked a fad for Victorian mothers using the new technology to pose for portraits while nursing their newborns."
'The trend died out in the 1940s as breastfeeding became something of a taboo following the invention of formula, which doctors then encouraged over breast milk. '
[–] aileron_ron 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
I'm just 64 and remember seeing woman nursing babies in public places.
[–] J_Darnley 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Some commenters there have good observations: few of those pictures are "in public". I would argure that this is the only one in public the others are all indoors but one appears to be in a private garden.
[–] AnmanIndustries 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago (edited ago)
This is what I wanted to say.
Also they are a lot more modest in dress over all.
[–] RiversOfStars ago
It mentions in the article that breastfeeding became taboo in the 1940's - right about when companies started mass producing and promoting formula milks.
[–] 11061090? 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
Some of those stern faces in the photographs could be the child is not latching on properly. It’s a pain I couldn’t describe especially if your tender.
Breastfeeding is beautiful but to pose for a picture is great for posterity but hmmm I am just not sure how I feel about it in a formal setting with a stranger as a photographer. Looks a bit trendie to me.
[–] Le_Squish 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
It wasn't standard to smile for a photograph back then. It was very serious business.
[–] 11061792? ago
Yes but some of those women look like they are in pain or at least not enjoying this. Some of those babies also look like they are not latching on properly.
One smiles with the eyes too, mothers and babies are often tired and spent unable to get a sparkle in the eye, I get that too.
Hey what’s your thoughts on these pictures, do you like them? I love the ones that are natural and relaxed, that one in the barn with the white veil is absolutely beautiful... just not sure on those formal photos...
Honestly I think am looking at it with a modern biased viewpoint...