Escenarios de parto y bautismo de urgencia en libros de bautismo del siglo XVII

Abstract

During the 17th century, there is a steady increase of references to emergency baptism in Spain. These references facilitate important insights into the circumstances of childbirth. The data reviewed in this paper mostly stems from the parish registers of San Justo y Pastor and San Pedro de Barajas, and they cover the years from 1611 to 1663. This information reveals some tendencies regarding the number and ratio of infants born in precarious conditions. Moreover, they enable us to widen the biographies of outstanding birth assistants who were active at that time. Interrogations carried out by the parish priest at the baptismal font widen our understanding of birthing scenarios and the actions of midwives. We conclude that the problem of baptism might help to grasp the relevance of religious preoccupations at all stages of procreation and obstetrical care.