WETNURSE Meaning and
Definition
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A wet nurse is a woman who breastfeeds and cares for another woman's baby or child. This practice historically arose out of necessity when a mother was unable to produce milk or was incapacitated, and a wet nurse was employed to ensure the proper nutrition and nurturing of the infant. A wet nurse typically enters into a contractual arrangement, lactating and feeding the child with her own breast milk for an extended period.
In addition to breastfeeding, a wet nurse often occupies a maternal role, providing child care, comfort, and attention to the baby entrusted to her care. The wet nurse may live with the family or visit regularly to carry out her duties. Throughout history, wet nursing has been a common practice in many cultures, with wet nurses often coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, while the recipients tend to be wealthier families.
In societies where wet nursing was common, it became an accepted and regulated profession, with organizations and guilds overseeing their training, responsibilities, and remuneration. However, as the understanding of diseases and the importance of sanitation advanced, the practice declined during the 19th and 20th centuries, replaced by alternatives such as the use of milk banks or formula feeding.
Today, the term "wet nurse" is less frequently used, and the practice has become relatively uncommon due to advancements in infant formula and breastfeeding techniques. However, it remains an option in certain circumstances where breastfeeding is not feasible or available.
Common Misspellings for WETNURSE
- wet nurses
- wet nurse
- Wet nurce
- qetnurse
- aetnurse
- setnurse
- eetnurse
- 3etnurse
- 2etnurse
- wwtnurse
- wstnurse
- wdtnurse
- wrtnurse
- w4tnurse
- w3tnurse
- wernurse
- wefnurse
- wegnurse
- weynurse
- we6nurse
Etymology of WETNURSE
The word "wetnurse" is derived from the Old English term "wætners", which can be broken down into "wæt" meaning "wet" and "ners" meaning "nurse". The term refers to a woman who breastfeeds and cares for another woman's child. The original sense of "wetnurse" has evolved over time to also include a person who cares for someone else's child or a nursemaid.
Similar spelling words for WETNURSE
