The arrival of a newborn has always been a moment of great importance across civilizations. Thousands of years ago, people didn’t have modern medical knowledge, yet ancient cultures developed remarkable methods to care for newborns and help them thrive. These practices, rooted in deep respect for nature, spirituality, and community, offer insight into how our ancestors nurtured their youngest members. From herbal remedies and traditional rituals to breastfeeding techniques and swaddling, let’s explore how ancient civilizations cared for their newborns.
1. The Importance of Newborn Care in Ancient Times
In ancient civilizations, infant mortality rates were high, so special care for newborns was essential. Every newborn represented a valuable new life, not just to the family but to the community as a whole. To ensure the health and survival of babies, societies created practices based on observations, beliefs, and shared knowledge passed down through generations. These practices included protective rituals, herbal remedies, breastfeeding techniques, and community-based care.
2. Traditional Birth and Postpartum Rituals
In many ancient cultures, the moments just after birth were crucial for protecting the newborn’s health. These rituals varied, but they all aimed to help the baby adapt to the world outside the womb.
a. Bathing and Anointing
In ancient Egypt, babies were bathed soon after birth in warm water, often mixed with salt or aromatic herbs to clean and purify the skin. The Egyptians believed that this bathing ritual cleansed any spiritual impurities and helped prepare the child for life. They sometimes anointed the newborn with olive or sesame oil, believing that it softened the skin and protected against infections.
b. Umbilical Cord Care
Cultures like the Mayans and Egyptians had specific rituals for the umbilical cord. Once cut, the cord was cleaned and treated with herbal pastes to prevent infection. The ancient Chinese applied powdered herbs to the umbilical area to promote healing and protect the baby from illness. Some cultures even saved the umbilical cord, believing it held a spiritual connection between the child and the family.
3. Swaddling for Comfort and Security
Swaddling, a practice still popular today, was widely used in ancient civilizations to keep newborns secure and warm. By wrapping babies snugly in cloth, mothers and caregivers believed that swaddling provided a sense of comfort, similar to the feeling of being in the womb.
a. Swaddling in Ancient Egypt and Rome
In Egypt, babies were wrapped in fine linen cloth, a practice that likely inspired the Roman tradition. The Romans believed that swaddling helped prevent limb deformities and made the baby feel safe and secure. They wrapped newborns tightly, ensuring their arms and legs stayed straight.
b. Native American Swaddle Boards
Native American tribes like the Navajo and Apache used cradleboards to swaddle and carry their infants. The cradleboard was lined with soft, breathable materials like moss, which kept babies comfortable while allowing the mother freedom to move. This swaddling technique provided a safe environment and allowed babies to feel connected to their mothers, whether she was working or traveling.
4. Breastfeeding and Early Nutrition
Ancient civilizations understood the importance of breastfeeding as a natural source of nutrition. While formula didn’t exist, they had developed ways to support breastfeeding mothers and ensure babies received essential nutrients.
a. Wet Nursing in Ancient Greece and Egypt
In Egypt and Greece, wet nurses were employed to breastfeed infants when mothers were unable to do so. Wealthy families often hired wet nurses to care for their babies, and these women were highly valued for their milk and nurturing skills. Wet nurses allowed mothers to rest and recover after childbirth, while ensuring the baby received the nutrients they needed.
b. Breastfeeding Practices in Ancient India
In ancient India, breastfeeding was not only seen as a source of nutrition but also as a spiritual bond. The Ayurvedic system recommended specific herbs for lactating mothers to boost milk production and improve its quality. For example, herbs like fennel and fenugreek were often given to nursing mothers to increase milk flow and provide essential nutrients.
5. Herbal Remedies and Natural Medicines
Herbal remedies were an essential part of newborn care in ancient times. Many cultures used local plants to create natural medicines that could treat common infant issues like colic, fever, and skin irritations.
a. Chamomile for Calming and Digestion
Chamomile was a widely used herb in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea was given to infants to soothe colic and digestive discomfort. Mild chamomile washes were also applied to the skin to treat rashes and soothe irritations.
b. Licorice Root for Respiratory Health
In ancient China, licorice root was used to help babies with respiratory issues. It was believed that licorice soothed coughs and helped clear congestion. Though given in very mild doses, it was often used under the guidance of a skilled herbalist.
c. Honey for Immune Support (used carefully)
Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians valued honey for its antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. They would sometimes use a drop of honey to treat wounds or minor skin issues. However, honey was only given to older infants, as they were aware that it could be too strong for newborns.
6. Spiritual Practices and Protective Rituals
Spiritual practices were central to newborn care in many ancient societies, as they believed that a baby’s life was influenced by unseen forces and needed protection from negative spirits.
a. Amulets and Charms in Ancient Egypt
Egyptians believed in protective amulets, which were often placed near the baby to keep them safe from harm. The Eye of Horus amulet, for instance, was thought to shield the infant from evil and ensure a prosperous life. Small charms were also placed in cribs to bring positive energy and protect the baby.
b. Smudging and Blessings in Native American Tribes
Among Native American tribes, smudging, or burning herbs like sage and sweetgrass, was a common ritual to purify the space around a newborn. This cleansing smoke was believed to protect the baby from illness and negative energy. Some tribes also held blessing ceremonies to honor the new life and welcome the child into the community.
c. Rituals of Protection in Ancient China
In ancient China, a “full moon ceremony” was held when a baby reached one month old. The ceremony involved close family members who offered gifts and performed blessings for the baby’s health and happiness. Red eggs were often given to symbolize good fortune and longevity.
7. Community Support and “Lying-In” Periods
Ancient societies understood the importance of rest and community support for the new mother and baby. Families and communities would come together to help care for the mother, allowing her to recover while spending time bonding with her newborn.
a. The Lying-In Tradition in Europe
In medieval Europe, new mothers observed a “lying-in” period, during which they stayed indoors and rested for up to a month. During this time, other women from the community would handle household tasks and care for older children, giving the mother uninterrupted time to bond with her baby and recover physically.
b. Postpartum Support in Africa
In many African cultures, the community provided postpartum support by cooking meals, offering herbal teas, and assisting with childcare. Older women in the community played a vital role in teaching new mothers how to care for their babies, sharing wisdom passed down through generations.
c. Asian Confinement Practices
In China and other Asian countries, postpartum confinement practices, known as “sitting the month,” were observed. During this time, mothers stayed indoors, avoided cold foods, and received warm, nourishing meals to support recovery. This period was essential for helping the mother regain strength and promoting bonding with the baby.
8. Hygiene and Protection Against Infections
Ancient cultures developed specific hygiene practices to protect newborns from infections, long before the discovery of germs and bacteria.
a. Using Salt in Bathing Rituals
In ancient Egypt, salt was added to newborns’ baths to purify and protect the skin. The Greeks and Romans also believed that salt had cleansing properties and used it in bathing rituals to ward off illness and strengthen the baby’s health.
b. Use of Natural Oils and Plants
Natural oils like olive oil were used in Mediterranean cultures to protect the baby’s skin from dryness and infections. In India, mustard oil was commonly applied to a baby’s skin to keep it soft and protect against rashes.
c. Cleanliness in Native American Practices
Native American tribes emphasized cleanliness by using moss or soft materials as natural diapers, which were frequently changed to maintain hygiene. They also used herbal washes to keep the baby’s skin healthy and prevent infections.
Conclusion
Caring for newborns in ancient times was rooted in a deep understanding of nature, community, and tradition. These ancient practices highlight how different cultures used herbal remedies, protective rituals, and community support to nurture and safeguard their babies. Although we have advanced in medical knowledge, many of these time-tested practices still resonate today and inspire modern approaches to infant care. By looking back at these traditions, we gain insight into the love and dedication ancient civilizations held for their youngest members.