Childcare and Breastfeeding in Buenos Aires (1934-1943)

Abstract

This paper seeks to study childcare and breastfeeding in the Annals of the Buenos Aires Childcare Society between 1934 and 1943. This society was created within the sphere of the Municipal Directorate for the Protection of Early Childhood, in which infant dispensaries and Childcare Institutes operated. The main finding is that the discourse in the Annals shows that special interest was given to infant nutrition as a scientific issue of which childcare providers should be aware to perform their task. In addition, government technologies were used in connection with breastfeeding, to achieve health prevention and conservation for children, as well as to guide the behavior of mothers. This research paves the way for future inquiries into early childhood care and its relationship to nutrition.