Lying In

The most important duty of a Queen, especially a Queen of Henry VIII; was to give birth to a son.  

Wedding vows of the time included the promise to be "Buxom in Bed."

Only Jane Seymour, his third Queen, accomplished this duty. And it killed her.

It's said 10% to 30% of women died after childbirth.

What was giving birth like for women in Tudor times?

 

The tapestry room at Agecroft Hall, arranged as it would have been for a birth.

Women in the advanced stages of pregnancy customarily withdrew from court for a period of "lying in" or "confinement" that usually began a month to 40 days prior to the expected time of delivery. And they usually remained confined for 40 days following delivery, at which point they were "churched," a religious purification ritual. The room was kept warm, dark, and snug. No fresh air or exercise for these mother to be. We can assume they were expected to lie back, rest and incubate the future!

They could have visitors, which must have provided some entertainment those long hours in the dark. But also I imagine it was a fearful time, and many of those visitors must have considered the possibility that they were making their final good-byes.

According to  an article by Deborah de Aréchaga from the Agecroft Hall Newsletter, " Midwives, always female, were in attendance and brought the following items with them-----a stool or chair, a knife, binders, and linens.  Almond oil that had been warmed may have been used to anoint the womb of the laboring woman.  Additionally, the midwife may have provided herbal infusions, poultices, and ointments to ease the process. "

For hundreds of years, birthing chairs were used to assist mothers--and gravity-- during labor. They varied in design but had a straight back to lean against and a cut-out seat that the midwife could deliver the baby through.

 

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On 27 May 1537, Trinity Sunday, there was a Te Deum sung in St Paul's cathedral for joy at the queen's quickening of her child, my lord chancellor, lord privy seal and various other lords and bishops being then present; the mayor and aldermen with the best guilds of the city being there in their liveries, all giving laud and praise to God for joy about it.  The bishop of Worcester, Dr Latimer, made an oration before all the lords and commons after the Te Deum was sung, explaining the reason for their assembly, which oration was marvelously fruitful to the hearers.  And also the same night various great fires were made in London, with a hogshead of wine at every fire for the poor people to drink as long as it lasted.  I pray Jesus, if it be his will, to send us a prince. -Tudor chronicler Edward Hall.