In years gone by childbirth was women’s service to their husbands and many wealthy families wanted children for heirs. These well to do couples would most likely keep reproducing until they had a male child to give his land and money to. Many poor families wanted children for workers as these children could help work on the farm, family stores, or in the domestic service.
A pregnancy was very dangerous and it was very common for women to pass away during childbearing. Another frightening asset was having a premature baby. The risk of death was more concerning to the lower class women and that is why through Lanark county you see the names of the poor children one after one on the gravestones.
These women had poor diets that didn’t have enough nutrition and the other hand, for the wealthy, it was a different situation. They had a more balanced diet, and this…
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