Eve's curse. How women gave birth in ancient times: from childbirth in the field to babies in the oven
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In our time, medicine provides women with the safest possible childbirth, which can still lead to problems in isolated cases. However, in ancient times, this was not the case. Women understood that childbirth posed a great danger to them. Many were afraid to give birth, knowing that nearly every second woman died from blood loss or infections. Diana Yumakaeva's book, a midwife-gynecologist and author of a blog on the history of medicine, will transport you to times when childbirth and pregnancy were surrounded by many superstitions.
Interesting facts that will surprise you:
- Childbirth was not an intimate event for all tribes. Among the Sandwich Islands aborigines, it was customary to gather an audience. Spectators could comment on what was happening and give advice to the woman in labor.
- Over the centuries, women preferred to give birth in various positions. For example, ancient Persian women would create a small pyramid out of stones against which they would lean with their hands and knees during childbirth.
- In the Netherlands, a birthing chair was a mandatory part of a bride's dowry.
- To avoid infertility, girls from aristocratic families wore a belt adorned with golden patterns resembling cowrie shells, symbolizing female genitalia.
- Among Native Americans, it was customary for a woman to spend twenty days after childbirth in her room in absolute darkness. Sunlight should not touch the mother's or baby's skin. A celebration was held in the house at the end of this period.
- Hippocrates 'blamed' the uterus for all troubles. The diagnosis of 'wandering womb' first appears in the 'Hippocratic Corpus'. It was believed that the uterus could freely travel through a woman's body.
- The first doctors in Rome were Greek captives who had the status of slaves. Every well-off citizen was required to have a slave-doctor in their home.
"The Curse of Eve" is a captivating read that delves into the history of midwifery from ancient times. While you may occasionally find yourself reflecting on how lucky you are to be born and give birth in the 21st century, the book truly engages you. Chapter by chapter, we learn about the tremendous progress made in midwifery, the incredible discoveries, and the names behind them. Who is this book for? For anyone who wants to learn more about the history of medicine and what it took for millions of women to continue the human race. - Daria Mikhailova, pharmacist, author of the medical blog @about_apteka and the book "Medicines for... A Pharmacist on Essential Drugs and What Shouldn't Be in Your Medicine Cabinet"
Author:
Author:Yumakaeva D.M.
Cover:
Cover:hardcover
Category:
- Category:History & Geography
- Category:Medical Books
Publication language:
Publication Language:Russian
Paper:
Paper:offset
Dimensions:
Dimensions:21.5x17x2.8 cm
Series:
Series:Respectus. Journey to modern medicine
Age restrictions:
Age restrictions:16+
Product type:
Product type:embossing, partial lacquering
ISBN:
ISBN:978-5-04-159797-9
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