Unmarried mothers and the workhouse

[GenesA]

My ancestor gave birth to two illegitimate children in the 1840s and both were born in the workhouse. Was this a sign that she had been “disowned” in a sense by her family or was this where a working class woman could receive medical attention? Obviously she would have faced a lot of stigma as an unmarried mother but even her own parents were already expecting their first child at the time of their wedding. She disappears from view after the birth of her son so it would perhaps explain a name change or a move.

[KGarrad]

The infirmary attached to a workhouse was often the only place to get medical treatment.

[Roobarb]

I have an ancestor who was born illegitimtely in the workhouse, the mother and child returned to live with her parents. I think as well as the medical treatment aspect, the families were too poor to support a woman who wasn't working.

[youngtug]

https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/nhs-history-pay-healthcare-free/

[GenesA]

Thanks all. Her son was born on the 1st of the month and his birth was registered by his mother on the 8th. She was still living at the workhouse when she registered the birth (she gave the street name as her abode)

[youngtug]

https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/21476/1/Gibson%2C%20Experiences%20of%20Illegitimacy%2C%20ethesis.pdf

[Annie65115]

I think it was quite common for pregnant single women to enter the workhouse shorty before giving birth, and to stay for a fortnight or sometimes a little more afterwards, then leaving (usually but not always with their child).

Maybe there was some reason why she couldn't give birth in the family home - given the overcrowding amongst the working classes, you can see why people might choose to go elsewhere if they could. Maybe she went there to access not only medical help (which would have been scanty, she may have ended up having one of the older workhouse inmates as her "midwife"), but also food and some rudimentary warmth. If she had no other income - and it must have been very difficult for single women to maintain their income around childbirth - then going into the workhouse would have been a lifesaver, especially if she was not supported by her family for any reason.

[Maiden Stone]

I think it was quite common for pregnant single women to enter the workhouse shorty before giving birth, and to stay for a fortnight or sometimes a little more afterwards, then leaving (usually but not always with their child).

The "lying-in" period aka confinement. It was generally 10 days in 20th century - new mums stayed in hospital or maternity home or were looked after at home.

[Annie65115]

Indeed, but I don't know if they were allowed a "lying in" period in the workhouse, or if they were expected to get on and work for their keep sooner than that!