Pronunciation: [wˈɛt nˈɜːsɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the words "wet nurses" can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the term. The correct pronunciation of this word is /wɛt ˈnɜːrsɪz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The use of the "t" in "wet" rather than "u" is due to the etymology of the word from Old English "wǣt," meaning moist or wet. A wet nurse is a woman who breastfeeds a child that is not her own.
A wet nurse is a female caregiver who breastfeeds and cares for another woman's child, typically when the mother is unable or unwilling to fulfill the role herself. Historically, wet nurses have been employed in societies where breastfeeding was not always practicable, particularly among the aristocracy and upper classes. The term "wet nurse" originates from the fact that the caregiver's breasts would produce milk as a result of lactation, making them "wet" as compared to those who did not breastfeed.
The practice of wet nursing dates back centuries and has served as a crucial method to ensure the survival and nourishment of infants. In situations where mothers were unable or unwilling to breastfeed, wet nurses would step in, offering their services to breastfeed and care for the child. Often, wet nurses were women who had recently given birth themselves, stimulating lactation through suckling or hormonal means.
In modern times, the need for wet nurses has significantly declined due to advancements in infant formula and the societal shift towards mothers exclusively breastfeeding. However, wet nursing is still occasionally sought after in cases where mothers are unable to produce sufficient breast milk or face medical conditions preventing breastfeeding. The concept of wet nursing continues to provide an alternative for nourishing infants when breastfeeding is not possible, emphasizing the nurturing role of alternate caregivers in ensuring the well-being of children.
The word "wet nurse" is derived from the Old English term "wætan", meaning "to give suck, to suckle". The Old English word eventually evolved into Middle English as "weten" or "wetten", which referred to a nurse who breastfed or took care of another woman's child. Over time, this term transformed into "wet nurse", which has been widely used since the 17th century to denote a woman who breastfeeds or provides milk for another woman's infant.
