The first humans, like other animals, likely gave birth to their offspring without any formal knowledge or instruction. Childbirth is a natural biological process that predates human civilization, and it has been occurring in various forms throughout the evolutionary history of mammals.
In the case of early humans, childbirth would have been instinctive and driven by biological factors. It's important to understand that the human species has been evolving for millions of years, and our ancestors had developed certain biological adaptations that made childbirth possible.
The process of childbirth, including live births, has evolved over time through natural selection. Early humans would have learned from their own experiences and observations, as well as from their elders and community members. The knowledge about childbirth would have been transmitted orally from generation to generation.
Regarding specific techniques such as umbilical cord cutting or cesarean section (c-section), it is likely that early humans did not practice these methods as they are known today. The cutting of the umbilical cord is a straightforward procedure that likely occurred through natural tearing or the use of tools that were available to early humans.
As for cesarean sections, it's improbable that early humans performed this procedure intentionally. Cesarean sections are major surgical procedures and would require advanced medical knowledge, tools, and sterile conditions, which were not available to ancient societies. In the past, c-sections were generally only done in cases of extreme emergency when there was a choice between the life of the mother and the child.
It's essential to remember that early human childbirth practices were likely quite different from modern medical practices. Over time, as human societies developed and progressed, medical knowledge and technology advanced, leading to significant improvements in maternal care and childbirth practices. Ancient civilizations did develop various herbal remedies and midwifery practices to assist with childbirth, but these would have been rudimentary compared to today's medical techniques.
In summary, the ability to give live births and the basic instincts associated with childbirth have been part of human biology for a very long time. The specific childbirth practices and techniques used by ancient humans were likely simple and based on trial and error, as well as knowledge passed down through generations. Advances in medical knowledge and technology have led to more refined and safer childbirth practices that we use today.