HISTORY

The most natural instinct of a mother is to nurse, and the most natural instinct of a baby is to suckle. But nursing, or breastfeeding, has had a strange and convoluted history. 

Much like cloth diapering and babywearing, there have always been differing views about correct technique, and even acceptability. In the days of old, nursing was viewed as distasteful in the upper classes, so those who could afford to employed wet nurses to nurse their infants. This changed when, in the 18 th century, French child-rearing philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau romanticised the idea of natural mothering, and nursing one’s own baby became the fashionable thing to do.

In the 19 th century, mothers began to lose faith in breast milk, thinking that it was not nutritionally sufficient for their babies. Many turned to cow’s milk, which proved dangerous and many babies died from improperly pasturised milk. At the same time, the advent of modern science meant that people’s faith in hospitals and doctors increased and it became common practice to give birth in hospital. This led to a heightened awareness of sterility, which led to mothers questioning the cleanliness of the act of nursing.

As things became more efficient, milk banks were set up, and bottle feeding overtook direct nursing. This was further prompted by the fact that more women were coming out to work. Then, in the late 1800s, powdered milk formula was manufactured and nursing declined even further.

Nursing has since made a comeback, firstly because breast milk has been proven to boost the immunity and overall health of babies and infants. This was bolstered by findings that the act of direct nursing is emotionally and socially beneficial to both mothers and their children. Now, mothers are encouraged to direct nurse exclusively for as long as possible, or to at least to give their babies expressed milk, and there are a myriad of ways to support them in this natural, wonderful pursuit.

Nursing should be an enjoyable bonding time between mother and child, so we have found products that will help mothers enjoy their special mummy-baby time. We have also included fun and useful products that mummies and babies alike can enjoy because life should be fun!

Why Bell & Cass?

Bell & Cass was conceived by two loving mothers from Malaysia who developed their own nursing cover to fit their and their babies’ needs. Seeking to nurse securely in public, they experimented with many covers before creating their own that suited all their needs, including breathability, structure and style. Sharing their creation with nursing mothers everywhere, Bell & Cass aim to encourage mothers to nurse comfortably anytime, anywhere.

Petite Creations (Baby Milk Storage)

Petite Creations is the creator of Baby Cubes which is a fantastic BPA free solutions to Milk and Food storage. 

Family run Petite Creations combines fun and practicality for babies and mummies alike. As with many really practical products, Petite Creations was created when a parent saw a need for something that wasn’t available. Inspired by his baby boy, Canadian Rock Diodati conceived of arange of baby products that were safe, practical and reliable and now Petite Creations is an industry leader in fun and useful baby products.

Earth Mama Angel Baby (Baby Skin Products)

Created by nurse, herbalist and mother Melinda Olson, Earth Mama Angel Baby is a brand that is committed to a herbal alternative to chemical-laden mother and baby care. Earth Mama Angel Baby originated in Melinda’s Oregon kitchen where she concocted herbal remedies for her friends and family. Blending her love and expertise of traditional herbal remedies with scientific research, Melinda also aims to educate about how to use herbs in our modern world.

Bravado Designs

The creators of Bravado bought their company back from the big conglomerate Medela. They are now an independtly owned oragnization not listed on any stock exchange meaning they are able to put quality above profitability which is what they do. Here is some text from their website:

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We are passionate about design. Each Bravado Designs nursing bra takes into account endless details for the perfect fit, from the first time you put it on and every time thereafter. By the time you slip into one of our nursing bras, tanks and camis, it’s gone through its paces as part of our unique Test Wear Program. We invite hundreds of moms, who range in body type and breast size, to help us perfect our designs based on real-life around-the-clock use.

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Our designers also travel the globe for the newest design trends, fabrics and innovations. This, together with your insightful comments, is the foundation for our product development. That’s what makes us so confident you’ll love the style details, ease of use and unparalleled comfort.

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La Leche League International

La Leche League International was formed in 1956, in Franklin Park, IL, USA by a group of seven mothers who wanted to provide breastfeeding help and support to interested women. Two mothers, Mary White and Marian Tompson, were breastfeeding their children at a church picnic and many other women expressed interest, or told them how they had wanted to breastfeed but failed.

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With their years of experience, this organization has teamed up with manufacturers to best products possible.