Honey, milk, eggs and cereals may have all formed part of the medieval childbirth ritual, according to a new study that found traces of the produce in a birthing girdle. University of Cambridge researchers analysed the proteins remaining on a 'stained girdle' from 15th century England using a non-invasive technique. AdvertisementResearchers started by investigating the remains of a 'stained medieval birth girdle' using a dry non-invasive sampling technique to study proteins on the parchment. The Pre-Reformation Church in England offered them numerous talismans or relics - the most popular of which was a birthing girdle. Three possible methods of tying the birth girdle when used pre and during labourDr Fiddyment said: 'It is worth noting the girdle, at its earliest, was created in England during the late fifteenth century.'

Source: Daily Mail March 10, 2021 00:02 UTC