THE DANGERS OF LABOR, CHILDBIRTH, AND INFANCY Having a baby was the most dangerous experience that most women in the ancient world underwent. In the Roman Empire, as in most contexts throughout history, delivering babies was women’s work. Midwives were almost always the primary medical caregiver during labor and delivery, and some had advanced medical training. They likely earned a decent living if they were free women rather than slaves. Access to treatments for pain and ease in labor varied according