What food were pregnant slaves often given to eat?

Pregnant slaves were often given clay to eat, a practice known as "geophagy." This custom was sometimes rooted in the belief that eating clay could provide minerals and nutrients that were lacking in their diet, which often consisted of inadequate and unfulfilling food rations. Clay consumption was thought to address or alleviate some of the physical stressors and deficiencies due to the poor nutrition typically provided to enslaved individuals.

While other foods like rice, sweet potatoes, and wheat were more common staples in various diets, they did not reflect the unique circumstances faced by pregnant enslaved women. The harsh realities of slavery often led to food scarcity and substandard nourishment, making clay an unusual but specific item associated with their experience. Understanding this practice highlights the cultural and nutritional complexities of enslaved populations during that period.