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Fears about the "end of lactation" result in the rise of infant formula use.

1890s

MED
RHRR

A shift towards medicalized breastfeeding begins to develop in the 1890s. Breast-feeding was previously a home-based practice and under the purview of midwives and family. As the use of infant formula increases, the milk supply of breastfeeding parents decreases.

Without any understanding of the relationship between an infant's suckling and the amount of milk produced, a concern emerges about the "end of lactation." Many doctors in this era believe that lactation is no longer necessary for human life and is therefore disappearing. The infant formula industry will continue to grow in response to these shifting beliefs.