What is The Birthing Stool?

What is The Birthing Stool?

In the book of Exodus, a rather interesting term is used. "And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live," (Exodus 1:16 KJV). Now this translation is slightly incorrect. The Bible does not say they sat upon stools but birthing stones. The actual Hebrew word is "הָאָבְנָ֑יִם". This word more accurately translates to "two stones" or "birthing stones". These are two bricks, approximately 18 in. (or 46 cm.) in length and 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) in height. The woman stands upon them while giving birth. This provided the woman with more height as to allow gravity to make pregnancy easier. A midwife would stand under the woman to catch the child. This was surprisingly comfortable as it brought less pressure on the mother. 

Works Cited:

Dr. Falk, David. Live Stream #119: Live Stream #119: Big questions and puny godsYouTube, YouTube, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/live/4pba10scwKg?si=XRVbrnLlSNknPD5C. 1:57:00 Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.

Ellicott's Bible Commentary, Volume 1. N.p., Delmarva Publications, Inc., 2015.