ABSTRACT
If we can assume that Nottingham is not very peculiar in this respect, the most obvious inference is that breast feeding in general is on the decline. These earlier surveys were undertaken more than ten years ago, and at a time when many foods were still rationed. People then were undoubtedly more conscious of the relationship which exists between wise feeding and health in times of austerity. In 1945, promoting the health and welfare of infants was still considered part of the war effort, and the mother who was able to feed her baby herself was actually saving food, nominally for her own consumption, but in fact to eke out the rations of the whole family. By 1960, however, what we eat is no longer a matter of constant concern for the housewife. Shops are well stocked, and most families have enough money coming in to buy all the food they need. Pre-packaged and processed foods are commonplace, and, in particular, all kinds of artificial foods for babies are readily available and widely advertised.
