Life In Biblical Times - Giving Birth!

A GREAT HONOR

Having children was considered a great honor. God's first commandment was to be, "fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:28). Even before the wedding, couples planned to have children. And all the family members shared their desire for the couple to expand the family (Gen 24:60).

THE DELIVERY

The Hebrews understood that there was a growing process during pregnancy and that God was responsible for it (Psalm 139:13-16). Women gave birth standing in a crouch position and Exodus 1:16 makes reference to a "birthstool" but not too much is known about them. The woman was assisted by a midwife. A midwife was a woman who was experienced in giving birth and served by encouraging the woman giving birth. Fathers general fill that role today.

TIME TO NAME THE BABY

Names were very important. The mother named the baby but her husband helped her pick the name. Each Hebrew name had a special meaning. Some babies were named after famous people such as David or Daniel. Others were named after the circumstances that occurred when they were born. For example, if a women gave birth at a well she might name her child Beera which means "born at the well". Still other were named after their personality. Azzan means "strong " and poor Nabul's name means "fool".

(Source: Manners & Customs Of The Bible)