Birth control: Lambskin condoms, Men with mistresses, long periods of breastfeeding, abortion via herbs (although vigorous horseback riding was also tried—not successfully).
Okay, this is very interesting. I knew about the condoms (and Rosamond Lydgate may or may not have induced an abortion-by-horseback in Middlemarch), but the breastfeeding thing -- I have questions! I was under the impression that in the 19th century, fashionable (wealthier) women would have used wet nurses?
I’m a medical historian. I could tell you all the reasons the rich have fewer children! But yes, as in so many other things, Jane knew her demography
Do tell! I am deeply curious!
Birth control: Lambskin condoms, Men with mistresses, long periods of breastfeeding, abortion via herbs (although vigorous horseback riding was also tried—not successfully).
Okay, this is very interesting. I knew about the condoms (and Rosamond Lydgate may or may not have induced an abortion-by-horseback in Middlemarch), but the breastfeeding thing -- I have questions! I was under the impression that in the 19th century, fashionable (wealthier) women would have used wet nurses?