Abstract
Problem
To date there is has been very little research into midwifery in Western Australia
(WA), therefore this paper addresses a significant gap in the literature. The aim
of this paper was to gain insight into the history of midwifery in WA.
Background
Since the beginning of recorded history midwives have assisted women in childbirth.
Midwifery is recognised as one of the oldest professions; midwives are mentioned in
ancient Hindu texts, featured on Egyptian papyrus and in The Bible. Up until the seventeenth
century childbirth was the responsibility of midwives, but the gradual emergence of
barber-surgeons, then man-midwives and obstetricians heralded a shift from women-led
and community-supported birth to a patriarchal and medical model. Throughout the twentieth
century childbirth practices in the Western World have continued to change, leading
to a move from midwifery-led care at home to doctor-led care in the hospital.
Discussion
The first non-Indigenous Australian midwives were not formally trained; they came
on ships bringing convicts to Australia and are described as ‘accidental’ midwives,
as assistance in childbirth came from whoever was available at the time. This period
was followed by what was called the ‘Aunt Rubina’ period where older married women
helped younger women in childbirth. Throughout the early 1800s untrained or ‘lay’
midwifery care continued alongside the more formally trained midwives who had arrived
with the colonists.
From the early 20th century, when birth moved into the hospital, midwives in WA have
been incorporated into the hierarchy of the professions with obstetrics as the lead
profession and midwifery considered a speciality of nursing. The role of the midwife
has been subordinated, initially controlled by medicine and then incorporated into
the institutions and nursing. The increase in legislative and training requirements
for midwives throughout Australia and the move from home to the hospital, gradually
led to the decrease in autonomous midwives working within the community, impacting
women’s choice of birth attendant and place of birth.
Conclusion
The historical suppression of midwifery in Australia has impacted the understanding
of the role of the midwife in the contemporary setting. Understanding the development
and evolution of the midwifery profession in Australia can help future directions
of the profession.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 01, 2021
Accepted:
October 21,
2021
Received in revised form:
October 18,
2021
Received:
September 8,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
