[post_page_title]Royal mothers were barred from attending their own children’s christenings or preparing food[/post_page_title]
A birth ending in successful delivery didn’t mean the mother’s troubles were over. After lying-in for a month, the new royal mother was expected to stay hidden for six more weeks. The baby’s arrival, of course, would be celebrated and they’d be christened, but their mom wouldn’t witness it.
Women post-birth were considered “unclean,” and would remain in their bedchambers until being “churched” – blessed and purified by priests – at which point they could resume their royal (and motherly) duties. Before the churching, they’d be barred from preparing food – fine for royals with teams of cooks, but a bit complicated for peasants with families to feed.
