What Aztecs Expect When They’re Expecting
VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED with over 2,000 drawings, the General History of the Things of NewSpain, compiled by Brother Bernardino de Sahagtin inthe 16th century, wasa complete survey of Aztec culture, The sixth bookfocused on pregnancy and infant care with stages similarto what expectant mothers might find in modern pregnancy books
Giving Birth
Throughout a pregnancy, the midwife would regularly examine the health of the mother-to-be and the fetus. During labor, medicinal plants were given to aid dilation and reduce pain.
Naming
After the birth, the father consulted priest to help determine a newborn's name. Based on his astrological sign— in this case, the Rabbit—the child would be given a suitable moniker
Celebrating
Relatives gathered together to eat, drink, and give thanks for a healthy child, considered a gift from the gods. Other mothers often gave a first-timer advice on rearing the child.