Two thousand years of medical advice on breastfeeding: comparison of Chinese and western texts (Gartner & Stone, 1994)

(abstract), Chinese writings seem to be closer in orientation to modern worldwide medical advice, approaching breastfeeding from a more natural and supportive perspective.

“Chinese writings seem to be closer in orientation to modern worldwide medical advice, approaching breastfeeding from a more natural and supportive perspective.” (Gartner & Stone, 1994)

(abstract), ancient and not-so-ancient western medical advice on breastfeeding often implies the inadequacy of the mother to breastfeed her own infant, especially in the early weeks of life

“Ancient and not-so-ancient western medical advice on breastfeeding often implies the inadequacy of the mother to breastfeed her own infant, especially in the early weeks of life. One can only speculate as to what the historical basis for this may be.” (Gartner & Stone, 1994)

• Sun Simiao, of the Tang dynasty, describes breastmilk as the product of ‘vital energies’ (Gartner & Stone, 1992; PIP).

(PIP), both Chinese and western historical literatures express concern that substitutes for human milk are being used too early and too often

“Throughout the 2000 years, both literatures express concern that substitutes for human milk are being used too early and too often.” (Gartner & Stone, 1994)