Lyn,
    Let's not assume  "all babies were breastfed prior to the advent of formula", meaning maternal breastfeeding (breastfeeding by the infant's own mother).  There is a sizable literature about alternatives used before commercial artificial feedings were available.  These included private or public wet nursing (some of the wet nurses' babies being fed artificially) and various artificial feedings and very early complementary feedings, some of them cereal-based.  It is actually a fascinating area.  If anyone wants a short list of references to get you started reading, contact me privately.
    Cheers,
         Virginia
          in searingly hot Brisbane

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