Having babies was believed to be a natural process. Women were not pampered when they were expecting. They did most of the work that they did before, but not as much of the heavy work. It was believed that a strong woman would deliver their babies easily. And their babies would be healthier.

When a woman was ready to have her baby, she moved to a small lean-to until her baby was born. The lodge was small, but big enough to house the woman and other women who would help deliver the baby. These women were friends or relatives who had experience in delivering babies or who had had children of their own.

Men rarely took part in delivering babies. Husbands did not help unless their wives were alone (such as when they are out on the trail). Medicine men or shamans were called in only if the birth was difficult or complicated. Then, only shamans who had experience with the birth a wild animal would be able to help.

The floors of some birthing houses were dug out slightly so that there was a depression in the floor. Clean dried grass and moss was used to cover the floor. A wooden stake was driven into the ground near the end of the little house. Its height was about the same a woman sitting on the ground. Another, lighter pole was pounded into the ground near the first. It was then bent to form to form a bow and fastened to the first stake. When the woman was having birth pains, she could lean on it or hold onto it. When the baby was born and the cord cut, the cord was used in certain ceremonies by mothers. These ceremonies were to protect their children. It was believed that the souls of very young children were loosely fastened to their bodies. So we followed many rituals to ask for protection for our children.

After birth, the baby's head and face was touch to help it grow in a pleasant way. Baby's heads were not wrapped or shaped as in some native cultures. Then the baby was wrapped in a fur blanket to keep it warm. Shortly after, the baby was washed in warm water then wrapped in soft fur blankets. Rabbit fur might be used because it was so soft.

We had no diapers as we have today. Instead, a special soft baby moss (Hypnum capillifolium Wornstorf) was put between the baby's legs to serve as a diaper. It was held in place by a soft fur breechclout. Of course, it was changed regularly. Before their baby was born, women used to gather and dry a supply of this special moss.

After the baby was born, its mother was fed a diet of soft food with plenty of water to drink. They drank teas made from spruce pitch and had nourishing broths made from meat, vegetables, and fish. They wanted to provide plenty of good milk for their child.

In only a few days, the mother would be feeling strong again and would return to the family. Sometimes, long ago, wealthy men would give a feast for their child when it was brought home.

Twins were rare among our people. They were considered to be unlucky because they would not be as strong when they were born. Twin boys must be raised apart. Shortly after birth, one boy would be taken to be raised by his uncle.

Our babies were carried in baby bags or baby carriers long ago. We did not use cradles or cradle boards. We had two types of baby bags.

One type of bag, used for small children, was a square of tanned caribou or moose hide with strings attached. It was folded around the baby, overlapping. There were several ways of folding the carrier. The ends were tied with strings, with one going around the legs and feet. Or the bottom could be folded up to protect the legs.

This type of carrier could be folded so that a part covered the baby's head, or it might be folded only to the neckline. Or it might be sewn to form a hood which protected the baby's face and head. In each case, there were loops sewn on each side of the carrier, level with the baby's shoulders. A pack strap for carrying the bag was attached to the loops. Mothers placed the strap over their head or shoulders, or both.

Babies were wrapped in soft fur blankets, then put into the carrier. They hung down their mother's back, suspended from the pack strap(s). They were carried back to back.

For older babies, the bag was made differently. This bag was also made of tanned hide. The hide was cut so that it formed a hood and legs, with flaps that folded over the front of the child. Thongs held it the folds in place. The "diaper" was held in place with a strip of hide left when the legs were cut. This type of bag also had loops to which the pack straps were fastened.

Baby carriers were not highly decorated. They might have pinked seams or fringes. Later, when non-natives introduced cloth, seams might have red or blue piping. Strips of narrow braid or coloured cloth also have been used. Nowadays baby carriers are likely to be highly decorated, since they are rarely made.

Children who are too big for carriers, but who still need to be carried, were carried on their mother's back. The child sat on their mother's back and held on with their arms and legs. The mother's robe, shawl, or blanket helped hold the child in place.

Our babies slept in hammocks made of hide and ropes. This baby bed is as old as time, and has been part of our tradition forever. It is still used today, although not as much as in days past.

The hammock was made by taking two ropes of equal length (about 2 m or 2 yards), and hanging them parallel to each other. A rectangular piece of hide about 1 m or 1 yard long is folded over each rope so that the hide is also folded over itself. When the baby is placed in the center of the hammock formed, its weight will hold the hide in place. Or the hide could be sewn in place. Two sticks about 30 cm or 1 foot long are notched at each end. These sticks are placed with the notches against the ropes to hold the ropes apart. If these spacers are not used, the baby would be held in very tightly, too tightly.

This baby bed can be set up anywhere. Babies were swung to sleep in these beds. Mothers (or her helpers) sang the baby to sleep by crooning a song, like a hum, which moved rhythmically up and down the musical scales.