Bedenin, Temsilin ve Armağanın Sınırında: Türkiye’de Sütannelik Kimliği ve Anne Sütünün Etnografisi

Maternal identity is considered both a social and biological construct and is widely perceived as an essential component of womanhood across different societies. The concept of wet nursing represents a historical and symbolic extension of the maternal identity. Breast milk is not merely a nutrient produced by the woman’s body; it also facilitates the creation of bonds as it circulates between the bodies. The sharing of breast milk can be viewed as a form of gift-giving that establishes new kinship ties. Today, breast milk sharing through social media groups brings about transformations both in the meaning of wet nursing and in the practices of solidarity among women. This article explores the breast milk sharing experiences of women living in the urban areas of Türkiye, aiming to reveal the meanings they attribute to breast milk and wet nursing. It seeks to trace the continuities and ruptures in the evolving notion of wet nursing, from traditional forms to contemporary practices. This article is based on ethnographic data collected during a master’s thesis. Employing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study reached 20 women who have engaged in breast milk sharing via social media. The findings indicate that these women are primarily motivated by a desire to enhance their sense of self-worth. The meanings attributed to breast milk are predominantly abstract, with frequent references to the emotional bond between the mother and child.