Hi everyone, Thank you everyone for your input. In a couple of days researching I did not find anything that you all did not mention... the New Testament gives just a few words of information (Joseph and Mary travelling to Bethlehem because of a census (only Luke says this, not Matthew), Mary´s time for birth arriving, no room at the inn, she gives birth, wraps the baby and puts him a manger. That´s about it... Then there is the visit from the Magi (told by Matthew), and the visit of the shepherds (told by Luke). Historicaly, there would probably have been a midwife with the young mother, there were logically many women experienced in this art and they helped other women as well as having another job of their own. The houses at that time and place probably would have been small, with a dark first floor where the animals (probably goats or sheep) were kept, and a second story for the sleeping quarters. Cooking was probably done outdoors in a patio-like space. Birth was considered to start when the woman felt the need to start walking around to alleviate contractions. The father (and perhaps other men) would have been nearby but outside, reciting certain psalms. After the birth, the newborn would be sprinkled with fine salt and washed, and then swaddled. Nowhere have I found references to initial breastfeeding, but I want to assume it naturaly happened early... before the salt and washing and swaddling... but I don´t know. Anyway, I wrote the small essay, if it gets published I will send you the link and the translation, if it doesn´t get published I will send you the translation :) Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and warm hugs to everyone. Kika -- Dra. Carmela Baeza Médico de Familia, IBCLC www.centroraices.com http://www.facebook.com/Consulta.Lactancia.Raices <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Centro-de-Atenci%C3%B3n-a-la-Familia-Ra%C3%ADces/274415189309122> Autora de "Amar con los Brazos Abiertos" http://www.ediciones-encuentro.es/libro/amar-con-los-brazos-abiertos.html *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome