Lead nipple shield, United States, 1920-1930

Made:
1920-1930 in United States
Left hand side: A627128/1, One of two lead nipple shields

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Left hand side: A627128/1, One of two lead nipple shields
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

One of two lead nipple shields and piece of ivory (loose), American, c.1927

Nipple shields of the Victorian period were never popular with mothers. They were often made of seemingly inappropriate materials such as lead and glass. Nipple shields protect nipples from teething babies. They also soothe sore nipples of breastfeeding mothers. They prevent nipples from flattening, contain leaking milk and help women who had trouble breastfeeding.

This lead example, seen on the left, is alongside a glass one (A500005) on the right. It probably prevented the nipple flattening, for example under clothes, rather than being for feeding. There are no holes through which milk could pass. Lead is also dangerous and over-exposure can cause nerve and brain damage. Doctors of the period advised breastfeeding was best for infants. They said babies should be breastfed by the mother if possible or a wet nurse. Dried milk and condensed milk were introduced in the 1860s. However, doctors claimed dried milk caused diarrhoea, indigestion and rickets when fed to babies.

Details

Category:
Nursing & Hospital Furnishings
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A627128/1
Materials:
lead (metal)
Measurements:
overall: 15 mm 42 mm, .02kg
type:
nipple shield