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There was no medical school in the colonies until 1765. There were very few physicians. They had to be trained in Europe. Life was very fragile during this era and death was a fact that had to be dealt with. Doctors of this era were not interested in decreasing the mortality rate of woman in child birth. The job of birthing babies in the cities was left to the midwives.

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What can be learned from a 17th century American town

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Medicines were herbs and folk remedies. Some woman used guide books for medicines, and had no professional training. The cared for the sick, the children, and birthed babies.

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15 Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses for This Fall | Herb Garden Tour

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Rural areas had to come in large groups to see a nurse or doctor when they traveled to visit. The people who lived in the countryside did not have a barbershop or easy access to care.

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More than 5000 lives were lost to this breakout of disease in New England.

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In the 17th century infants in New England passed away in their first year between 20 to 40%. With rural survival rates faring better.

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In 1608 the colonies only recieved only a handful of medical practitioners to care for a population of over 300. The colony lost half its population due to malnutrition in one year.