What were the odds of surviving childbirth in medieval times?
What were the odds of surviving childbirth in medieval times? In 1420s Florence, giving birth was responsible for about one in five of all deaths of married women, while archaeological evidence from medieval Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire indicates that 19 per cent of infants died before the age of two.
Why are birthing chairs no longer used?
Some examples, such as this continental birthing chair, are adjustable with the back extending so the woman could move from an upright position to a reclined position. Birthing chairs fell out of use after physicians began using the flat bed for women to lie on during delivery.