The … short … Lives of Children

Paul Salsieder and Leah Henriksen

The Joys of Childbirth

Simple illnesses were a threat to children

Death in childbearing was common

Blood loss and shock

Infections from unsanitary environments

Wet Nurses

Women who had recently given birth who were hired to

breastfeed other women’s children

Popular in France

Working women couldn’t stay home

Upper class considered breastfeeding an undignified hassle

Consequences- Increased infant morality

35% died before 1st birthday 20% before ten years old

N. France over ½ of population used wet nurses

Infanticide

Abortion illegal and infanticide punishable by death

Response to infanticide was increased foundling hospitals

100,000 kids annually

Foundling hospitals were tended by clergy and wet nurses

Conditions of Foundling hospitals are terrible

Some call Foundling hospitals legalized infanticide

Cute Picture Lovingly Chosen by Leah to help Lighten the rather

Dreary Mood…