Breastfeeding of animals intrigues me- Its occurred in places widely
dispersed not that I could ever do it or want to. I've not seen or heard of
it in Africa. Has anyone any information about this from that region? Once
the Europeans arrived they must have brought their ideas with them.
In some settings it was just as important to fatten a piglet as to to feed one's own infant.
Animals have been nursed by women for a variety of reasons such aiding destitute
animals, relieving engorged breasts, to prevent conception, to promote
lactation and even to develop "good nipples."
In Canada eg Puma Indians suckled young dogs and withdrew their
breasts sooner from their own infants than from puppies. In Persia and
Turkey puppies were put to the breast to supposedly harden the
nipples so they would be better for the infant to suck; wet nurses used
puppies while in transit to maintain milk supply.
In France where babies were nursed for 2.5 -3 years to prevent another
pregnancy if the child died too soon the puppy was used as a
replacement. Puppies were also precribed by doctors to disperse
obstinate breast nodules.
America's first pediatrician- Davis recommended application of a strong puppy from the
seventh month of pregnancy to harden the nipples and improve breast
secretion years.
Mothers also have been required to feed the elderly or
feeble . I think this illustrates mothers have priorities and demands are
made on them and doctors have notions often not scientifically substatiated.
(Source: Milk Money and Madness- Baumslag and Michels)
Hope you find this as interesting as I do.
Naomi Baumslag MD