The Historical Impact of Forced Wet Nursing During the Slave Trade
The transatlantic slave trade, a dark chapter in human history, brought with it countless atrocities and dehumanizing practices. Among these was the forced wet nursing of white children by enslaved African women. This practice, which originated during the era of slavery, highlights the exploitation and suffering endured by enslaved women while also reflecting the societal dynamics and prejudices of the time.
The primary purpose of enslaved individuals was to increase productivity on plantations. They were subjected to grueling labor under harsh conditions, often working long hours without rest or compensation. Beyond their work on plantations, enslaved women were also exploited for domestic duties. Female slaves became particularly valuable as they were tasked with cooking, cleaning, and caring for the children of their enslavers. Over time, this exploitation extended to a new role—wet nursing.
By the 17th century, wet nursing by enslaved women had become a widespread practice in Europe and later in America through British settlers. Wet nursing involved enslaved mothers breastfeeding the children of their enslavers, often at the expense of their infants. This practice was driven by societal norms that stigmatized breastfeeding among white women. Many white mothers sought to maintain their social status and avoid what they considered the “messy” aspects of motherhood. Doctors of the time further perpetuated this trend by publishing reports—often influenced by financial incentives—that claimed breastfeeding was unhealthy for women.
The children of enslaved mothers often appeared healthier than those of white families, leading many Westerners to force enslaved women to nurse white infants to improve their survival rates. This practice quickly became entrenched in Western societies, with young and healthy enslaved women being selected for this role. The forced wet nursing system had devastating consequences for both enslaved mothers and their children. Once an enslaved woman gave birth, she was frequently assigned to breastfeed a white baby instead of her own. This left her child malnourished, as they were often fed unsuitable substitutes such as cow’s milk, dirty water, or homemade concoctions. The result was a tragically high infant mortality rate among the children of enslaved women.
In some cases, newborn babies were forcibly taken from their enslaved mothers, leaving them with no option but to nurse white infants. Reluctant women were subjected to beatings or even “milked” like livestock to provide sustenance for white children. These practices not only caused immense physical pain but also inflicted deep emotional trauma. Enslaved wet nurses often faced further hardships when required to live with the families they served. Poor living conditions among enslaved populations sometimes led to the deaths of white infants in their care. This fueled suspicions that enslaved women were intentionally harming the children out of resentment, leading to stricter monitoring and control.
The forced wet nursing system had profound social consequences. Enslaved women who served as wet nurses were often ostracized by their communities and rejected by their husbands, particularly if their children died as a result of neglect or malnutrition. Additionally, the intimate proximity between enslaved women and their enslavers’ families frequently led to sexual exploitation. This increased mixed-race births, further complicating the already fraught dynamics between enslavers and the enslaved. As slavery began to be abolished in the 19th century, the practice of forced wet nursing started to decline. Many enslaved women were freed by their families or loved ones who purchased their freedom. However, even after emancipation, some African-American women continued to work as wet nurses due to the financial benefits. Despite earning more than many self-employed freed slaves or domestic workers, these women faced significant stigma. They were often labeled as “shameless” or even likened to prostitutes due to the intimate nature of their work.
The history of forced wet nursing is a stark reminder of the dehumanization faced by enslaved women during the transatlantic slave trade. While wet nursing itself has existed throughout history, it was only during this period that it became a tool of systemic oppression, with enslaved mothers coerced into sacrificing their well-being for the benefit of others. This practice not only underscores the physical and emotional toll of slavery but also highlights the societal attitudes that allowed such exploitation to flourish. Understanding this history is essential in acknowledging the resilience of those who endured such hardships and in ensuring that these injustices are never repeated. Forced wet nursing represents one of many ways in which enslaved African women were stripped of autonomy and subjected to unimaginable suffering. Their experiences serve as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of slavery on individuals and communities alike.