Are there any "tips and tricks" manuals from BC era on motherhood? E.g. for breastfeeding, what to expect, etc?

by jsally17
sunagainstgold

This isn't quite what you're looking for, but you might be interested in the Gynecology of Soranus of Ephesus. He was a Greek doctor active in the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The Gynecology is a scientific/medical text, not really a late antique "What to Expect When You're Expecting"-type guide, but it contains passages on things like:

  • how to swaddle a newborn

  • how hard a surface to place it on (not too hard, which will dent the soft back of the skull; but also not too soft, which can prevent the backbone and muscles from strengthening)

  • advises on selection of nurses--when the mother should nurse her own child, what to look for in a wet nurse, etc

  • teething, learning to walk, dealing with childhood illnesses

The table of contents in English is available online here, but unfortunately you'll need access to ACLS (probably through a university) to read the actual text.