During the Ottoman domination birth was followed with ritual ceremonies and practises; however they varied according to the religious faith and the life standard of the populations. Hence, they always brought to surface beliefs and experiences gained at former historical periods; experiences linked to the cultural tradition of every greek region.
The prenatal care for the pregnant and the baby was basal. The future mother got visits and advice since the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy from the midwife of the village or the neighborhood. Before giving birth, the midwife came to the house bringing along a
special chair and all necessary equipment for the baby's delivery.
The cleaning and dressing of the infant was followed with songs, wishes and charms to avoid the evil's eye. In the first days of the confinement, family and friends brought gifts to the new born member of the family. Few male guests entered the mother's and child bedroom. Adjuration was a common practise to keep the baby far from any harmful influence. The end of the confinement period and the exit of woman from the house was a symbolic act. The Muslim women visited the hamam for purification-often since the fourth day after giving birth- and participated in a small impromptu feast in the company of other women. For the Christian women, a ritual in the church meant the end of her confinement and home restriction.