Midwife
A midwife is a woman who helps other women give
birth to their babies. Before 1500 AD, doctors rarely had anything to
do with women having babies - that was the job of midwives. Some midwives
didn't know much about it, and just provided support while women were
having their babies. But many midwives had a lot of experience and knew
how to deliver babies as safely as possible. Midwives gave advice to
women in labor, and helped the baby to be born.
But even the best midwives in both ancient and medieval times didn't know a lot of things we know today. They didn't know about germs, so they didn't always wash their hands before taking care of women. They didn't know how to do a Caesarian section. Many babies died while they were being born, and many women also died while they were having their babies, even if they had a good midwife. (These days, with modern midwives and hospitals, that hardly ever happens).
But even the best midwives in both ancient and medieval times didn't know a lot of things we know today. They didn't know about germs, so they didn't always wash their hands before taking care of women. They didn't know how to do a Caesarian section. Many babies died while they were being born, and many women also died while they were having their babies, even if they had a good midwife. (These days, with modern midwives and hospitals, that hardly ever happens).
Infanticide
Life expectancy
Ancient and Medieval Medicine
Ancient and Medieval Families
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