Historian Hannah Skoda discusses breastfeeding in the Middle Ages, covering topics such as cultural attitudes, medical beliefs, wet-nursing dilemmas, and societal views on extended breastfeeding. The podcast explores the emotional struggles of wet nurses, historical perspectives on infant feeding practices, and contrasts medieval approaches with modern guidelines.
Breastfeeding in the Middle Ages emphasized community involvement and emotional bonding beyond just mother-child relations.
Medieval beliefs viewed breast milk as transmitting characteristics and health benefits, with wet nursing raising societal concerns and racial tensions.
Historical insights into medieval breastfeeding practices highlight the importance of societal support, collaboration, and nurturing beyond the mother-child dyad.
Deep dives
Breastfeeding Practices in the Middle Ages
Breastfeeding in the Middle Ages was openly discussed and embraced as ideal, with a focus on the benefits for the babies rather than the mothers. The Virgin Mary's image breastfeeding Jesus was idolized, emphasizing the beauty and importance of breastfeeding. It created a strong emotional bond between mother and child, promoting intimacy and community involvement beyond just the mother and child relationship. Breastfeeding for two years was considered appropriate in the Middle Ages, contrasting modern standards and reflecting a broader sense of nurturing within the community.
Medieval Beliefs About Breast Milk
In medieval times, breast milk was believed to transmit the mother's characteristics and emotions to the child. It was seen as the healthiest nourishment for infants, safeguarding against diseases and promoting growth. The use of wet nurses raised concerns about racial implications and led to tensions between convenience and societal prejudices. Unique beliefs, like viewing colostrum as poisonous, highlighted the misunderstandings around breastfeeding in the Middle Ages.
Community Involvement in Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in the Middle Ages involved wider community support and assistance for mothers, considering the practical challenges and emotional significance. Women helped each other with breastfeeding, demonstrating a collaborative approach to childcare. Images of Madonna Lactans reinforced the societal acceptance of breastfeeding in public, without the stigma seen in modern times. The community's role extended beyond the mother-child dyad, emphasizing a collective responsibility towards nurturing infants.
Impact of Wet Nursing in Medieval Times
Wet nursing was prevalent in medieval times due to practical reasons like maternal mortality and societal pressures. Different perspectives on wet nursing emerged, from derogatory views to acknowledging the necessity for some families. Emotional bonds between wet nurses and infants were evident, with connections exemplified through stories of resuscitated infants and will evidence. Wet nursing revealed economic disparities and gendered responsibilities, shedding light on societal pressures and support systems.
Historical Perspectives on Breastfeeding
Studying breastfeeding practices in the Middle Ages provides insights into the emotional experiences of women during that time. Historical perspectives emphasize child well-being over maternal considerations, reflecting the instrumentalization of mothers in nurturing the next generation. Understanding medieval breastfeeding practices challenges modern assumptions and highlights the importance of community involvement and mutual support in childcare.
Importance of Historical Breastfeeding Narratives
Exploring breastfeeding throughout history offers a rich understanding of individual experiences and societal attitudes towards nurturing infants. It dispels misconceptions about parental care in the past and showcases the challenges and emotional depth involved in breastfeeding practices. Historical insights into breastfeeding offer a broader perspective on maternal roles, societal support systems, and the evolution of caregiving practices. Harnessing historical narratives can foster empathy, connection, and collaborative parenting approaches in contemporary contexts.
Breastfeeding has been part of raising children since the dawn of time. However, studying its history also highlights stories of grief, community support and enforced labour. Speaking to Emily Briffett, historian Hannah Skoda shares her research on breastfeeding during the Middle Ages, from what medieval medics believed breast milk was made from, to ethical issues surrounding wet-nursing – and how medieval people felt about big debates that still surround breastfeeding today.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.
