Women's Domain. Throughout the entire period from 1350 to 1600, childbirth was strictly a female affair. The husband was not present unless his wife was dying, and male doctors took little interest in delivery. Male physicians were only called in if the child, mother, or both were dead or dying, so their presence was dreaded. As the time of the birth approached, a woman began to make preparations. She decided which friends and neighbors she would invite to assist her. This determination was a matter taken seriously, for witchcraft accusations occasionally stemmed from the curses and anger of a neighbor who had not been invited. If the expectant mother lived in a rural area, she would generally contact a woman known to be experienced in handling childbirth, along with other friends and relatives. If she lived in a city, however, professional midwives who had undergone...