Looking back moving forward: The history of midwifery in Western Australia |
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| Institution: | 1. Curtin University Perth Western Australia, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australia;2. Charles Darwin University, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Australia;3. Curtin University Perth Western Australia, School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry (MCASI), Australia;1. Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;2. Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Women’s and Newborn Health, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia;3. Women’s and Newborn Health, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia;4. Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;5. Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;6. Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;7. Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia;8. Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;1. School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia;2. Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia;3. Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;1. University of Wollongong, Australia;2. School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Australia;1. Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States;2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States;3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States;1. NHS Education for Scotland, Westport, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;2. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand;3. Robert Gordon University, United Kingdom |
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| Abstract: | ProblemTo 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.BackgroundSince 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.DiscussionThe 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.ConclusionThe 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. |
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| Keywords: | Midwifery Nurse midwives History of nursing History of midwifery History of medicine Western Australia |
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