Dangerous wet nurses: Breastfeeding, science, and slavery in a Mãi de Familia

Abstract

The article examines how the defense of breastfeeding was intertwined with slaveryrelated issues in 'A Mãi de Familia', a newspaper that circulated in the city of Rio de Janeiro(1879-1888). A special focus of analysis are the articles signed by physician Carlos Costa, main editor and founder of the periodical. After introducing the newspaper, the text goes on to highlight the fight in favor of breastfeeding, which was a highly notable topic aimed at educating women to fulfill their maternal roles in accordance with hygienic parameters. It then discusses how the fact that most wet nurses were slaves influenced arguments against mercenary breastfeeding. Lastly, it analyzes a story published in the newspaper, which narrates the misfortunes of a captive wet nurse.