Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Bonnie Fuller: Zach Sobiech: You Were a Huge Inspiration in Your…
When A Tornado Strikes, Should Schools Evacuate?
Tainted formula leads to rise in wet nurses in China
Filed under: Nutrition: Health, In The News
The recent news about tainted baby formula in China is heartbreaking. Over 53,000 children have fallen ill; four have died. The crisis have left Chinese parents scrambling for safe food for their infants, and some are turning to an old-fashioned practice -- wet nursing.
Breastfeeding, in general, is on the decline in China. Parents believe, for whatever reason, that formula is a superior food. But knowing now that they can't trust manufacturers, parents are looking for human milk for their babies. And if they can't provide it, they'll hire someone who will.
The job pays well, up to 13,000 yaun a month. But it's not without it's drawbacks. Critics worry about exploitation, since wet nurses are traditionally poor women who serve wealthy families. Even more gut-wrenching is the fact that wet nurses are hired to live with the family that hires them, often leaving their own young children behind back at home.
As China makes this transition, I wonder if breastfeeding rates will increase. Formula manufacturers hit parents where it hurts the most... the health and safety of their children. It'll be a long road regaining that trust, and in the meantime, babies have to eat.
Breastfeeding, in general, is on the decline in China. Parents believe, for whatever reason, that formula is a superior food. But knowing now that they can't trust manufacturers, parents are looking for human milk for their babies. And if they can't provide it, they'll hire someone who will.
The job pays well, up to 13,000 yaun a month. But it's not without it's drawbacks. Critics worry about exploitation, since wet nurses are traditionally poor women who serve wealthy families. Even more gut-wrenching is the fact that wet nurses are hired to live with the family that hires them, often leaving their own young children behind back at home.
As China makes this transition, I wonder if breastfeeding rates will increase. Formula manufacturers hit parents where it hurts the most... the health and safety of their children. It'll be a long road regaining that trust, and in the meantime, babies have to eat.
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Copyright royaly board understanding building a radio or tv (song sound good got your own radio)?
- Is permission required from both parents in every state . to become a foster parent? are there name's changed; would i need a court order
- Why should anyone listen to a _____, what makes her an expert? Harpo is jus an actress, all she does is sit on her tush & claim she knows it all. ...
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Test Errors Complicate Baby-Formula Scare in China
A Chinese university admitted to testing mistakes resulting in false accusations of tainted baby-formula. The WSJ's Laurie Burkitt has the details of how this happened and how falsely accused companies are reacting.
-
Predicting China's GDP Figures
Economists take a stab at figuring out China's true GDP figures; South Korea's politics are unusual, as usual; The U.S. gives the green light to U.S. investors in Myanmar; Baby-formula testing fails in China.
-
Baby Milk 'Smugglers' Arrested in HK
Customs officials in Hong Kong have arrested five people who they suspect are part of a gang attempting to smuggle baby milk formula to mainland China.
-
How to Remove Baby Formula Stains from Clothes
Parents everywhere should pay attention to this stain removal tip for removing baby formula stains. Learn How To Remove Baby Formula Stains From Clothes the Videojug way.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
9-26-2008 @ 11:24AM
Ariel said...I was excited when I read the title, but now I'm deeply saddened by this trend. It seems that a lot of rich parents hire live-in wet nurses to feed their babies, while the wet nurse's own children are left to be cared by someone who cannot nurse them. A mother quoted in the article said her family would be feeding her own 2 month old baby rice milk, which isn't proper nutrition at all. Her baby could die of malnutrition, sacrificed for a large monthly pay check. Babies need their mommas as well.
It'd be a healthier trend in my opinion if they used moms of older babies, pumped the milk or were able to bring their babies with them.
Reply