lying in

A mother is lying in after the birth of her baby.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of giving birth; confinement in childbirth: "lying in" refers to the period during which a woman is in labor or recovering from childbirth, historically associated with staying in bed or at home.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She prepared for her lying in by gathering supplies and arranging for a midwife. (The period of childbirth and recovery.)
  • In the 19th century, a woman's lying in was a private, often lengthy event. (The time of confinement for childbirth.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a lying in": to experience the period of childbirth and postpartum recovery.
  • The queen had a comfortable lying in at the palace. (She gave birth and recuperated there.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lying-in hospital (n): a hospital specializing in childbirth.

  • The lying-in hospital was renowned for its skilled midwives. (A maternity hospital.)

• Lying-in room (n): a room set aside for a woman to give birth and recover.

  • The lying-in room was decorated with fresh flowers. (The maternity room.)

Synonyms

• Childbed: the state or period of childbirth.
• Confinement: the condition of being confined, especially during childbirth.
• Parturition: the act of giving birth (more formal/medical).

Related Idioms

• In the straw: an older idiom meaning to be in childbirth.

  • The farmer's wife was in the straw for three days. (She was giving birth.)

• Bring to bed: to assist in childbirth.

  • The midwife was called to bring the woman to bed. (To help her deliver.)