Homemaking Challenges During War

 

I wrote this before the war in Ukraine began thus my thoughts before it occurred I will share..... As a possible War looms across the pond in (Ukraine). Many countries are there standing by to take orders. I silently pray this does not happen. I silently pray no loss of life occurs. But just like any other war sadly this is to be expected. As troops prepare for the unknowns. 

I prepare my home for the unknowns as well.  Families already struggle to get by with meager pay checks, loss of work, and food/product shortages. I look to see how well our local food pantries are faring with the same shortages. Sadly, not well at all.

Here is a link to my article I wrote on the Great Depression Era Grocery List and Prepper Pantry:

https://www.afrugallifenow.com/2021/12/great-depression-era-grocery-list-and.html 

This paints a clearer picture of what I need to do in my home.

1. Look at my pantry

2. Make list of items needed

3. Look for sales strategically

4. Write down economical meals

5. Don't forget seasonings

6. Drink mixtures

7. Seeds to grow your own food & herbs

8. Learn how to make bread by hand

9. Keep a list of ingredient staples if something is on sale pick it up

10. Go to food pantries and church's for help don't be prideful if the family is hurting.

11. Barter with family, friends, and neighbors

12. Make short term goals for amount of food staples I want for our home. Start with several weeks worth to a few months and then 1 year.

Baby Formula Alternatives During This Shortage

Baby formula was created by Justes von Liebig in 1867. The need was sought out after a high baby mortality rate and a large variety of health issues for the infants arose. 

Did you know between the 16th and 18th century babies often were given bread soaked in water, cows milk, and sugared water. Some were given cooked cereal in bone broth. For the families in better financial position they may have hired a wet nurse. 

The history of infant breast feeding is very interesting. Example: Lactation failure is mentioned in the earliest medical encyclopedia, The Papyrus Ebers, which came from Egypt (1550 BC) and contains a small pediatric section that includes a prescription for lactation failure, as follows:

To get a supply of milk in a woman's breast for suckling a child: Warm the bones of a sword fish in oil and rub her back with it. Or: Let the woman sit cross-legged and eat fragrant bread of soused durra, while rubbing the parts with the poppy plant. (Wickes, 1953a, p. 154)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684040/

The list below has it's pro's and con's and should be discussed with your child's doctor for the best choice. Ask if some kind of vitamin supplement should be considered. Lastly, if your child is prone to constipation make note to the doctor that condition and any other. 

Choice's: Breast Milk is Best but when it's not possible for many different reasons. There are choices. 

1.Cow's Milk

2. Rice Milk

3. Coconut Milk

4. Goat Milk

5. Almond Milk

6. Oat Milk

7. Carnation condensed Milk with 2 tsp of Karo (get unsweetened condensed milk)

8. There are women that are breast feeding and have an over flow of breast milk willing to store/refrigerate for mothers that cannot breast feed.