A look into the past

A Look into the Past: Obstetrics and Childbirth in Ancient Rus'

Obstetrics, one of the oldest branches of medicine, was of particular importance in the lives of ancient women of Ancient Rus'. At that time, pregnant women relied on pagan spells, rituals and herbs for help. Belief in the gods and the power of nature permeated every aspect of the birth process.

Images of the ancient Slavic deities Rozhanits illustrated the importance of the birth of a new life. One of the especially revered plants was the white water lily Odolen, which was considered a special amulet for pregnant women. Before giving birth, the pregnant woman's belly was lubricated with an ointment made from hare bile, wheatgrass juice and goat fat. Pregnant women were given water in which two eggs were boiled to drink, and two pieces of white water lily rhizome to eat. This was accompanied by special rituals and songs conveying wisdom and faith in the power of nature.

The families of Ancient Rus' had many children, and childbirth, which occurred almost every year, was considered a natural event. Our ancestors thanked the gods for the safe birth of the child and humbly accepted his death. At that time, older women in the family provided assistance to women in labor. One of the famous personalities was Eupraxia, a talented doctor and selfless woman who lived in the 12th century. Her name was preserved in the chronicles and became evidence of exceptional female abilities.

The Christian faith also influenced the birth process. The prayer of a woman in labor, handed down from the early Christian period, reflected faith in the Mother of God and her role in alleviating the pains of childbirth. It mentions the Mother of God, sitting on the throne of Christ and having golden keys that can free the baby from flesh and blood so that childbirth can be easy and painless.

However, the Mongol-Tatar yoke, which lasted more than two centuries (1237-1480), hindered the development of medicine. There was no organized healthcare system in Rus' until the end of the 16th century, when under Ivan the Terrible the first state body was created - the Pharmacy Prikaz, responsible for healthcare. Religious and social norms of the time considered that it was not appropriate for men to practice obstetrics, and the task of the prince was cut short. Continuation: there were women obstetricians who passed on their knowledge and experience to other women within the framework of traditions and customs.

In general, obstetrics and childbirth in Ancient Rus' were strongly associated with religious beliefs and traditions. Pregnancy and childbirth were viewed not only as a physical process, but also as a spiritual event requiring support and protection from the gods and natural forces. An important role was played by female midwives and older women in the family, who passed on knowledge and experience across generations.

It should be noted that information about childbirth and obstetrics in Ancient Rus' is quite limited and not always accurate. Historical sources may be scattered and may not always provide detailed information. We can only make assumptions and reconstruct the beliefs and practices of the time based on available data and historical context.