Janet Golden Knihy

Reveals how babies shaped modern American life, including the rise of the medical authority, consumerism, social welfare, and popular psychology.

The book delves into the evolution of wet nursing in America, highlighting its role in addressing infant-feeding challenges from the colonial era to the early twentieth century. It discusses the shift from acceptance to controversy surrounding wet nursing as motherhood became increasingly medicalized. By examining the impact of scientific advancements on infant feeding practices, it reveals the complexities of women's roles, medical authority, and societal norms regarding motherhood and class within the intimate setting of child-rearing.