The wet nurses of the Hospital Real of Santiago de Compostela between 1803 and 1808

A historiographic study reveals that wet nurses at the Hospital Real of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) played a crucial role in pediatric care between 1803 and 1808, serving as early forerunners to the pediatric nursing profession. Their duties included providing basic care and cultural instruction, with their efforts significantly contributing to the survival of foundlings. The study also found that mortality rates among these children fluctuated during this period, while their distribution across parishes remained consistent, predominantly originating from the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra. Additionally, five Galician foundlings under the Hospital Real's care participated in the Royal Philanthropic Expedition of the Smallpox Vaccine in 1803, highlighting the site's involvement in broader public health initiatives.

Campos Villar, C., & Pego Pérez, E. R. (2024). The wet nurses of the Hospital Real of Santiago de Compostela between 1803 and 1808. Investigación Y Educación En Enfermería, 42(2). https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iee.v42n2e03