Wet nursing
Wet Nursing
Wet nursing (/wɛt nɜːrsɪŋ/) is a historical practice where a woman, other than the mother, breastfeeds a child. This practice has been prevalent in many cultures throughout history when a mother could not or chose not to nurse her own child.
Etymology
The term "wet nurse" comes from the English language. The word "wet" in this context refers to the lactation process, while "nurse" refers to the act of nursing or breastfeeding.
History
Wet nursing has been practiced in many cultures throughout history. In some societies, it was a well-paid, respectable profession. In others, it was a necessity due to high infant mortality rates and the inability of some mothers to produce sufficient breast milk.
Related Terms
- Breastfeeding: The process of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast.
- Lactation: The process by which a woman produces milk to feed a baby.
- Infant mortality: The death of children under the age of one year.
- Maternal health: The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Modern Day Wet Nursing
In modern times, wet nursing is less common but still practiced in some cultures and situations. It is often used when a mother cannot produce enough milk for her baby, or when a baby is unable to latch onto the mother's breast. In some cases, wet nurses are used for babies who are adopted or born via surrogacy.
Controversies
There are some controversies associated with wet nursing. Some people believe it can interfere with the bonding process between mother and child. Others argue that it can lead to exploitation of women, particularly in societies where wet nurses are poorly paid and have few rights.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wet nursing
- Wikipedia's article - Wet nursing
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