History Of Midwifery
The History Of Midwifery
The history of midwifery is quite a long one as their existence is even mentioned in the bible. In the Colonial period, they were vital to the growth of the community and they were treated with a great amount of dignity. Midwives were extended special courtesies and they were provided with land, housing, food and money in addition to their salary for job performance. Most were known to be nurses, veterinarians and herbalists.
England is where the history of midwifery really began and this is where most of them came from, receiving licensing from the Church of England. Although, in Puritan communities, the midwives were quite often accused of witchcraft, mainly if a baby was born that was malformed.
18th Century History Of Midwifery
With the turn of the 18th century, midwives were not being compensated the way that they were earlier so it was becoming less economically feasible to practice as one, especially in growing cities and towns.
The 18th century offered rapid development of nursing and medical science and discoveries that led to important teaching involving the obstetric practice. Refinement of instruments and knowledge of cesarean section risks were included in these developments.
19th Century History Of Midwifery
Pioneer women in covered wagons crossed plains and had their children with the help of midwives. This was part of the settlement of the “Wild West” but once again, despite the honor that was allocated to midwives during this time, their fame was quickly diminished. Economic demands, religious attitudes, lack of organization, inadequate education and the rise of physicians were all contributing factors to the fall of midwifery.
20th Century History Of Midwifery
The beginning of the 20th century offered a low status for women which significantly affected midwives. During that time, women were pretty much considered politically incompetent and economically exploitable. It was during this era that midwives found themselves outlawed in many areas and blamed for any pregnancy deaths and sicknesses.
The history of midwifery held an ongoing debate in the 20th century that was called “the midwife problem.” Obstetric care was practiced more frequently in hospitals rather than at home and there were constant laws being passed that regulated and restricted midwives. Because of these laws that midwives needed to be educated, many schools were open to accommodate such a demand. The laws had served their purpose and the care for infants and mothers was greatly improved resulting in less deaths.
Midwifery Programs Today
Although the history of midwifery has had its ups and downs, there has been an explosion of midwife popularity over the past few years as women look to more natural methods of childbirth. Today, there are graduate nurse-midwifery program that are offered that last about two years long. There are also non-nurse programs that take a considerable longer amount of time to complete to guarantee that the midwives of today are more than capable of delivering a healthy baby and having the knowledge to know when the mother should be transferred over to a physician.
Why Choose A Midwife?
Many women prefer the personalized care that they receive with a midwife over a doctor. Similar to an obstetrician, midwives will stay with you from the beginning of your pregnancy until approximately eight weeks after your delivery or longer if you need them. Even if you are having a complicated pregnancy and you need to be transferred over to the care of an obstetrician, most midwives will continue to still help you with emotional support throughout your term.
Some midwives work based out of hospitals while most work independently in birthing centers. They can offer you a more warm, relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere and childbirth. Many will even take care of prenatal visits in the privacy of your own home and are skilled to help you resolve any emotional issues that you have during your pregnancy.