Images(2)

Nipple Shield

Date1760-1800

OriginEngland

MediumGlass

Dimensions3"

Credit LineGift of Mr. John M. Graham II

Object number1950-378

DescriptionDomed circular glass container with a hole on the flat side which allows the nipple to stick into the container. A small notch in the glass on one side prevents too much suction when the glass is in place. Worn under the woman's clothes to catch excess breast milk.
Label TextThis apparatus was used to collect milk from nursing mothers, to be given later to infants. Eighteenth-and early nineteenth- century sales records also list "Bosom bottles" and "Nipple Shells," which had similar uses.
MarkingsNone