How did the practice of wet nursing reflect broader societal values about child-rearing in Mallorca?

The practice of wet nursing in Mallorca historically reflected significant aspects of the island’s broader societal values regarding child-rearing, family roles, and social structures. In traditional Mallorcan society, breastfeeding was not always seen solely as a mother’s responsibility; instead, it was common for infants to be nourished by wet nurses, especially among wealthier families. This practice was often rooted in both practical and cultural considerations. For upper-class families, employing a wet nurse allowed the mother to recuperate more quickly from childbirth, maintain her health, and resume social or household duties. Additionally, it was believed that a wet nurse could provide better nutrition for the child if the mother was unable to nurse due to illness or other constraints.

Beyond health concerns, the widespread use of wet nurses also signified broader societal values about maternal roles and child-rearing priorities in Mallorca. Breastfeeding by another woman was accepted and normalized, indicating a collective, communal approach to childcare that extended beyond the biological mother. This communal model was partly tied to socioeconomic factors, as women from lower social classes would often take up wet nursing as a source of income, reflecting a form of social interdependence. Meanwhile, for upper-class families, hiring a wet nurse symbolized both status and the delegation of physical nurturing tasks, emphasizing the importance placed on preserving health and social functioning over direct maternal involvement in the earliest stages of child care.

Moreover, the practice of wet nursing illuminated the island community’s pragmatic attitude toward child-rearing. The emphasis was on ensuring the infant’s survival and well-being, even if this meant altering the traditional mother-child bond. This acceptance pointed to a flexible understanding of family dynamics within Mallorcan society, where the biological mother’s role was just one element of nurturing. While modern values have shifted toward exclusive maternal breastfeeding, historically, the use of wet nurses reflected a balance between health, social expectations, and economic realities. Overall, the tradition underscored Mallorca’s unique cultural approach to nurturing children within the framework of community support and social stratification.