How was childbirth performed before all of the modern day technology, doctors, and cleanliness? Also how were miscarriages dealt with? Also many mothers would die giving childbirth, how did this affect the child without modern day resources?
Do you have any specific period in mind? The period you're referring to- before public institutions of healthcare, germ theory, modern day resources (of orphanages and social support?) etc. seems quite broad, certainly extending beyond ancient times.