Kate Middleton’s Moon Baby Backs Up Old Wives’ Tales [Livestream]

Kate Middleton’s moon induced labor pains may not be a fully proven phenomenon, but, as the world goes on “royal baby watch,” the crunchy mom caucus points to the timing of the Duchess’ reported delivery as in line with long-held beliefs about childbirth.

The Kate Middleton moon baby theory was pushed forward by a British tabloid, which suggested that as has been thought for centuries, the full moon coincided with the young royal’s first contractions. (You can watch a livestream of Kate Middleton’s hospital here.)

Full moons have long been to blame for everything from heightened passions to labor and even criminal behavior, and hospitals often joke about lunar cycles and busy or crazy nights.

But, midwives note, Kate Middleton’s moon baby arrived right on target to prove old wives’ tales — ones which aren’t so outlandish when you consider the menstrual cycle itself’s strong tie to the moon.

Yahoo notes that some evidence suggests “electrical storms and a drop in barometric pressure can bring on labor,” quoting doula Zara de Candole as saying:

“As a doula (birth coach) who has supported many women in [labor], there does seem to be some link between labour kick starting and a full moon.”

Mervi Jokinen of the Royal College of Midwives confirmed that midwives often feel as if full moons are busy times, explaining:

“It’s always sort of been an old wives tale saying that the full moon brings women into [labor.] Midwives usually do say ‘I’m on call. It’s a full moon. I’ll be busy tonight.’… There was a study about 20 years ago at a hospital near the River Thames which is a tidal river and it showed that on the full moon they did have more births.”

Jokinen adds:

“The idea is that because the baby is surrounded by water, the time of the full moon and the high tide causes the waters to break… But there’s not enough scientific evidence to show it’s proven.”

As of now, Kate Middleton’s moon baby hasn’t arrived — but throngs in London are eagerly awaiting an update on the Duchess’ labor.