Regency England Research - post 12 - HEALTH; disease, death, doctors and childbirth

Disease and Ailments

There’s no escaping it; times were tough. Average life expectancy was low; around just 35 years old. But do bear in mind that infant mortality was exceedingly high. And some did live to their 70s or 80s.

Medicine was still very basic. In fact, the medicine itself may kill you if the disease didn’t! Opium, mercury and laudanum were common ingredients. However, recall how botany was an important part of a young lady’s education; plant remedies were still much in demand. A humble vinaigrette was most convenient, particularly during a faint.

But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, perhaps it is prudent to consider the diseases and ailments which were rampant at the time. Consumption (TB/tuberculosis) was rife; perhaps you have seen the elegant coughs into handkerchiefs which then become spotted with blood in films? This was Britain’s biggest killer. But do look up that link to diseases for a comprehensive list with explanations. The link to ailments supplies further information. Apoplexy, now known as a stroke was also common.

Death was a frequent visitor to Regency homes. There were rituals to be completed as part of mourning. I’ll look at funerals in my next post, covering faith.

And doctors were as yet to find their full use. Blood-letting and purging were standard treatments. There were different levels of doctor:

v  Physicians – considered the most desirable as they had further education and apprenticeship. Being so learned, they were considered gentlemen. They charged high fees.

v  Surgeons – sort of like our modern GP and would treat lesser mortals. Would perform crude forms of surgery

v  Apothecaries – think of these as dispensing chemists or pharmacists. They would grind ingredients into powders and tinctures.

v  Midwives / Accoucheurs – The male midwife was introduced (the accoucheur). Viewed as educated and trusted by the nobility

v  Barbers / Dentists – I say dentist, but they pulled teeth and that was about it

More details can be found here and here.

The seeds of modern medicine were being planted. Cleanliness was being gradually recognised as helping to avoid killing one’s patients. Theories on germs were being discussed. And medical instruments were being developed. Times were a-changing!

Birthing

Even pregnancy, childbirth and confinement were being cared for differently, as my own Lady Anne discovers. The birthing chair was being substituted for a bed, caudle was out for mothers, and in came fresh air instead of the stale, enclosed, darkened rooms for confinement. Forceps were being introduced too. Sadly, gas & air and epidurals still hadn’t arrived, so it was a full-on pain experience!! :-O

Fashions were mercifully forgiving, given the high empire line of dresses. Maternity wear started to get its own fashions though.

The death rate for mothers was sadly still high and peurperal / childbed fever was regrettably common.

Presuming one has a strong enough constitution to survive all of that, congratulations were certainly in order. Once confinement was over, there was a churching ceremony (see confinement link above) as well as the christening. There was no shame to breast feeding. Although, once one had full social engagements, a wet-nurse would be required. Baby clothes and nappies were somewhat different to modern day. Blue trim wasn’t sexist per sey. It was used more on boys clothing, but that’s because they wanted to protect the precious moppets from evil spirits; the heir was everything!

To round off this section, there’s also some details on early childhood and clothing.

Of course, there were forms of contraception around, but as it was one’s duty to breed like rabbits, this was really only used by the ladies of the night.

What a charming note to end this blog post on!? Join me next time for a discussion on faith.

Always in love and light,

TL

 My book Regency Love contains glimpses into all of this, of course.