In colonial america,the typical woman gave birth to her children at home. Female relatives and neighbors would gather at her bedside to offer support and encouragement. When the daughter of a puritan official gave birth to her first child on the last day of january 1701, at least eight other woman were present at her bedside. They included her mother and four or more other neighbors. Most women were assisted in childbirth not by a docter but by a midwife. Skilled midwives were highly valued.