1. Preventing concubines from interfering in court affairs
The feudal emperor always emphasized absolute power and therefore did not accept any sharing or influence from the harem. If a prince was raised too closely with his mother, a dependent relationship could form, allowing concubines and their families to meddle in politics when their son ascended the throne.
Especially, princes who were breastfed by their biological mothers often had a deep attachment to their maternal family, which was considered a taboo. Therefore, emperors prohibited concubines from breastfeeding and established a wet nurse system to actively control the influence of the harem and separate mother-child emotions.
2. Preserving the dignity and status of concubines
Since the Song Dynasty, Confucian thought imposed strict moral standards on women in the palace. Concubines, especially those of high rank, were expected to maintain a dignified and modest image, avoiding any behavior considered immodest. Breastfeeding was deemed inappropriate for the dignity of the imperial harem.
Moreover, concubines had to maintain their beauty to stay in the emperor’s favor. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding could affect their figures, leading to potential disfavor. Hence, they relied on wet nurses to care for their children while preserving their appearances and influence in the harem.
Notably, while the profession of wet nurses existed since the Zhou Dynasty, it was later abolished and even condemned by Confucius. However, in subsequent dynasties, the system was restored and became an integral part of the imperial harem.
3. Poor medical conditions, many concubines did not have enough milk
In ancient times, limited postpartum care left many concubines debilitated and unable to produce sufficient breast milk. Unlike today, where formula milk is available, people in the past had to rely on wet nurses, especially in the imperial family, where the selection process was extremely rigorous: wet nurses had to be healthy, have given birth to at least three children, and possess an abundant supply of milk. They were also assigned according to the gender of the imperial offspring to ensure appropriate care.
4. Breastfeeding was too exhausting and affected subsequent childbirth
Breastfeeding in ancient times was inconvenient due to the lack of supportive clothing and cumbersome court rituals that left concubines with little time to care for their children. Additionally, the high infant mortality rate led the imperial court to rely on wet nurses to ensure the quick recovery of concubines and their readiness for subsequent pregnancies, which was crucial for maintaining the imperial lineage.
5. Enhancing the immune system of the princes
Breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition to boost immunity and brain development. Without sterilization technology or formula milk, the imperial family had to select women with abundant and nutritious breast milk to nourish the young princes. Wet nurses were chosen not only for their health but also for their stable family backgrounds and living husbands, ensuring a stable mental state during the nursing process.
The profession of wet nurses: lowly position, yet high influence
Despite their primary function of caring for imperial princes, wet nurses often held high positions in the harem. They were treated generously, provided with ample food, and sometimes even bestowed official titles or involved in court affairs if favored by the princes or the emperor himself.
For instance, Wan Zhen-er, the wet nurse of Ming Emperor Zhu Jianshen, was conferred the title of “Feng Sheng Furen” and had a say in court decisions. While such cases were rare, they highlight the unique influence of wet nurses in the imperial court.
In conclusion, prohibiting concubines from breastfeeding was not only a measure to protect their dignity and health but also a political strategy to control power and maintain order in the harem. Consequently, the role of wet nurses became a critical link in the structure of the feudal imperial family.
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