A History
Although the midwifery profession has developed only recently in Canada, it is an established concept around the world. In most countries, a midwife is the primary source of care for the pregnant woman and it is estimated that 80% of all births are attended by a midwife rather than a doctor.
For most of history, babies were born with the aid of a midwife. Although she would be uneducated according to today's standards, tribal customs were used and based on magic, charms, and chants to keep demons away. From the 1st to the 15th century, midwives continued to care for women in childbirth, although their status varied from time to time.
Healing was an important part of the midwife's role. She would use her knowledge of herbs, gemstones, touch, energy, and nutrition within her work to cure disease. And this wisdom would be passed from mother to daughter over many generations.
Around the 14th century in Europe, many female healers and midwives were accused of being witches and burned at the stake. These successful healers were seen as a threat to the church, patriarchy, and the developing medical profession. Witch hunts continued for several centuries, although the remaining midwives continued to attend the majority of births with their special knowledge.
This situation continued until the invention of obstetrical forceps during 17th and 18th century. With this development, men began to dominate both medical schools and the field of childbirth. In addition, there was little competition left from women midwives as witch hunts had killed nine million women over four centuries. By the mid 18th century, the number of male midwives had increased and the remaining female midwives were resentful of their presence.
In 1886, midwifery became a compulsory part of medical training and such doctors were primarily used by upper class women. Midwives would attend births for other families but were paid very little, if anything at all.
It was not until 1902 that the Midwives Act was developed to establish rules regulating the training and employment of midwives in Britain. Scotland and Ireland soon followed with similar Acts to protect the midwifery title. Between 1902 and 1936, the majority of births were at home with either a midwife or a doctor in attendance. In 1935, it was advised that midwives should hold pregnancy clinics and advise women to see their doctor both early and late in pregnancy.
World War II increased the demand for birth to take place in the hospital, since there was little friend or family support in the home. From this time onward, the hospital was the primary place of birth and, in Britain, this is where the majority of midwives now work.
Medical technology continued to develop after WWII. Coupled with the implementation of the National Health Service in 1948, more doctors and consultants were brought into the hospital and the autonomy of the midwife was greatly reduced. In 1970 ,it was recommended that 100% of births be carried out in a hospital in attempt to reduce infant deaths.
It is now understood that the hospital is not necessarily the safest place to give birth and, in fact, many problems may arise that could have been avoided at home. A new awareness seems to be evolving and birth once again is becoming accepted in the home, with a midwife.
