The Forgotten History of Midwifery: Uncovering the Contributions of Women in the Profession

Originally published in 1977 and revised in 1988, this book sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of women at the pinnacle of the midwifery profession, who attended to the aristocracy and royalty up until the 17th century.

The author, Jean Donnison, masterfully reveals how these trailblazing women were gradually pushed out of their lucrative roles, making way for men to dominate the field by the mid-19th century. This trend was only reversed thanks to the tireless efforts of those who fought to preserve women’s right to choose female attendants during childbirth and to improve maternity services for the poor.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, and the drive for institutionalization and mechanization of childbirth once again put the spotlight on the midwifery profession, exacerbated by a chronic shortage of midwives. This unique historical account is a must-read for students of medical politics, 19th-century social history, sociology of professions, and gender studies.

Book Details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Edition: 1st edition
• Publication Date: February 1, 2023
• Language: English
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 256
• ISBN-10: 103245461X
• ISBN-13: 978-1032454610

This book is an essential addition to the libraries of scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the history of midwifery and its evolution over the centuries.