Childbirth and Infancy in Medieval Times

In medieval times childbirth could be a time of great joy or great sorrow. Mortality rates for both mother and baby were high, and many children who lived through the birth died shortly thereafter.

During the delivery, some peasant women received help from female neighbors, others could rely only on their husbands. A woman of the merchan[image error]t or noble classes was attended by midwives and female relatives. The chamber would be dimly lit, and a warm bath prepared for the infant. Both measures were d...