The figure of the wet-nurse and its implication in milk kinship in Islamic culture: socio-cultural and legal framework

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding throughout time has regulated the way of establishing relationships, crossing social and religious boundaries. The legal-religious and medical regulation of Andalusian breastfeeding is a subject that has been little explored, although it continues to this day in Islamic societies. Objectives: 1) To determine the legal-religious repercussion of breastfeeding in the 10th-15th centuries and its implications for Muslim society today; 2) To examine the different functions of the Andalusian wet nurse; 3) To establish the social valuation of the wet nurse through her professionalization. Methodology: Historical-narrative review. Databases and primary sources were consulted. Documentary selection followed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: From birth, sacred texts regulate the rights of mother, father, wet nurse and newborn. Kinships are legislated that will regulate for life the wet-nurse and the infant; the kinship of milk is equated to that of consanguinity. The wet nurse also assumed the functions of upbringing and education. This figure played a decisive role in ensuring the survival of the infant, which is why it became an occupation with great socio-health repercussions. Conclusion: There are practical variables of maternal and infant care that must be taken into account in order to provide culturally competent care.