Any Caulbearers here?

[Reciprocity]

What is a Caul?

The birth Caul or Veil is a full face mask which may be sometimes found covering the face of a child at birth. Such births are rare and hold special significance for the child born in such a manner. Such people are often referred to as being born behind The Veil, as the Caul is also referred to as The Veil in many cultures due to it being a face covering.
It has been observed that Caul births do have tendencies to run in family bloodlines.

According to Dwight Cruikshanks MD, Professor and Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, being born with a caul is very rare these days, probably occurring in fewer than 1 in 1000 births, and is usually present only in premature babies. Dr. Cruikshank estimates that he has seen less than 10 babies with a caul over the life of his career.

[dannofoot]

1. Yes, I was

"born with the caul."

Can't say whether it has made my life more charmed, though I do consider myself quite blessed.

Apparently the reason why it's seen less these days is the medical practice of fully rupturing the amniotic sac during early stages of labor.

[Reciprocity]

2. So I guess we are a dieing breed, in the industrial world.

I found this of interest.

In many cultures the Caulbearers were considered to be “Kings by right,” due to the predictive nature of their births and their leadership abilities. This is one of the reasons why certain Buddhist groups, to this very day seek out Caulbearers to be brought up to become Dalai Lamas.

[GliderGuider]

3. I know the thread is old, however

I thought I'd mention that the science fiction author Greg Bear used the caul in his recent novel "Darwin's Radio". He uses it as a symbol of imminent change. As humanity evolves from our current form to the next, the new children are born with cauls. For spiritual/humanist/biologist/archeologist SF fans, I can't recommend the book highly enough.

[FloridaJudy]

4. As an old OB nurse

"Cauls" are amniotic fluid membranes. Most births these days are "caught" by obstetricians or midwives, and it's standard practice for the attendant to break the membranes shortly before birth, if they haven't already ruptured spontaneously. It supposedly shortens the process, and more importantly is a significant clue about the health of the baby (dark fluid can indicate a fetus in distress that needs to come out in a hurry). Premature babies are more likely to have a caul, since they come rapidly, and are more apt to be born unattended.

So you all really are a dying breed, except in developing countries where skilled birth attendants are in short supply.

[CanSocDem]

5. .

I was born in 1947 with a caul. My mother told me it was a protection against drowning and highly prized by sailors.

I haven't drowned yet...