Although we think of effective contraception as a modern development, there was considerable knowledge of effective contraceptive methods in the Ancient and Medieval periods. That, plus the fact that there were far fewer remedies for infertile couples, made it relatively easy for a noble wife to avoid childbearing, and simply enjoy all the benefits of being an aristocrat. Some of these contraceptive methods, often using naturally occurring elements in plants, have only recently been rediscovered. These techniques did not get into Medieval scientific literature as the clergy did most of the writing and disapproved of contraception. These medicines were part of the "Old Wives Tales," and the concept of the "Witches Brew" comes from the Medieval churches attitude towards these older women who kept the secrets of contraception.