Question A

[Jonetta]

Hero is in her final stages of her pregnancy and we get insights into obstetric practices during that era. The most renowned doctor in the field was Robert Croft who had rather Draconian approaches.

1. Why do you think these practices gained traction and acceptability?
2. Also, why do you think Italy allowed women to be doctors when it was disallowed in England and France?
3. Did you learn anything new?

[Charlene]

The idea that women about to give birth should be invalids was supported by a diet that made them weak and sickly. It was appalling that such extremes were in fashion.

[Jonetta]

I couldn't believe a doctor worth his salt would find this quack's theories logical.

[Jonetta]

I hit post before I was done:)

I have no idea why anyone would have thought these practices were sound. I wish I knew more about the topic. It appears to be an awful example of men's control over women.

I'm not sure why Italy was more receptive to female doctors during that era. Maybe they understood the connection of women as spiritual and physical healers. This was something very new for me.

[Veronica]

With this kind of prenatal care, it's a wonder more women didn't die from childbirth. How in the world they had the energy to endure a labor that could last hours is beyond me.

Italy's practice of alllowing and training female physician's dates back centuries before even Sebastian's time but I'm not sure why they allowed it and not other areas.

[Jonetta]

A lot of women did die and I wonder how many at Croft's treatment (he was a real person).

I lived in Italy as a young girl and would never have thought them to be progressive on women's right. My speculation is it is probably connected to religion.

[Joanna]

I think they put too much trust in their physician instead of listening to their own bodies. We are better informed this day and time and have more to choose from as far as doctors. I don't think it was the same case back then. Plus if a doctor was well known in high circles, most didn't dare contradict anything they said for fear of not being able to find another physician to attend to them.
As far as Italy goes, I think women were less constrained than those in England and France. There weren't as many rules placed upon women in Italy. At least that's what I gather from other books I have read.

[Lauren]

Yes, it was appalling how many women died in childbirth because of these ridiculous practices including Princess Charlotte. What a waste!

Italy had a long history of training female doctors dating back to the Middle Ages. The female protagonist of Mistress of the Art of Death is a doctor from the famous school of medicine in Salerno.

I did learn a new word "accrocheur" in references to male midwives.

[Jonetta]

So did I! I'd never even seen the term before this story.

[Lauren]

Jonetta wrote: "So did I! I'd never even seen the term before this story."

Me either!

[Sharon]

It is interesting that women were practicing medicine in Italy since the 11th century. Also that in other parts of the world, male physicians used the writings of Italian women doctors to understand the female body. Men, by their own admission, didn't understand what women are about.

Personally, I think men came up with these crazy diets and practices to control women. If women were weak during pregnancy, they turned to the male doctors for help. I think the women in poorer areas used midwives instead of physicians.

[Jonetta]

Agree completely, Sharon!