Wet nurses at court in XVIIth century France

Abstract

The survival of royal newborns was crucial for dynastic continuity in European courts, particularly in France during the early 17th century. King Henry IV and Queen Marie de Medici had several children who played significant roles in European politics through marriage alliances. Understanding the care of royal newborns is gleaned from historical sources such as Louise Bourgeois' treatise on childbirth and Jean Héroard's diary documenting the infancy of Louis XIII. Selecting a wet nurse for a royal newborn was a meticulous process, rooted in ancient traditions outlined by authors like Aristotle and Plutarch. Bourgeois emphasized the importance of physical attributes, family health history, and temperament when choosing a wet nurse, highlighting the significance of maternal breastfeeding despite societal preferences for wet nursing among the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. This paper explores the cultural and medical aspects of wet nursing in the context of royal childcare during the early modern period.