11/05/2025
Do you know the history of midwives and how we go to hospital births? This is something I teach in my CBE course.
During this era, childbirth began to shift from homes to hospitals as formal medicine entered the birthing scene. Male physicians started attending births—especially among upper-class families—introducing tools like forceps and new “scientific” methods.
As these changes spread, midwives were often pushed to the margins, especially in urban areas. Yet, in rural and working-class communities, they continued to serve families with dedication, compassion, and skill.
Ironically, while physician-led births brought new interventions, they also led to higher rates of infection and mortality from puerperal fever. Meanwhile, midwives—relying on natural methods, cleanliness, and close monitoring—often achieved safer outcomes for mothers and babies.
The resilience of midwives during this time laid the foundation for the safe, evidence-based, and family-centered care we value today.