That fine book, "Milk, Money and Madness" by Naomi Baumslag and our own Dia
Michels (Bergin and Garvey, 1995) has a section on pp 57-61 called
"Interspecies Nursing."  There's an illustration of a mother from New
Guinea nursing her infant along with a piglet she is fattening for market.
Part of the text pertaining to this custom in the U.S. states:

"In America, Davies (the first American pediatrician) recommended regular
application of a strong puppy, from the seventh month of pregnancy, to
harden and conform the nipples, improve breast secretion,  and prevent
inflammation." (p. 59)

There's more, but too lengthy to quote here.

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, WI
e-mail:   [log in to unmask]