Memorial University DAI: The role of the Newfoundland midwife in traditional health care, 1900 to 1970

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Title	The role of the Newfoundland midwife in traditional health care, 1900 to 1970
Author	McNaughton, Janet Elizabeth, 1953-
Description	Thesis (Ph.D.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1990. Folklore
Date	1989
Pagination	x, 356 leaves : ill., map
Subject	Obstetrics--Newfoundland and Labrador--History; Midwives--Newfoundland and Labrador--Folklore
Degree	Ph.D.
Degree Grantor	Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dept. of Folklore
Discipline	Folklore
Language	eng
Notes	Bibliography: leaves 327-347
Abstract	This work examines empirically trained midwives in twentieth century Newfoundland. A history of efforts to train and licence these women, and discussion of the motivations of those who attempted to control and educate midwives is provided. Although most Newfoundland midwives ceased regular practice by 1965, there was never a systematic effort to eradicate the practice of midwifery by empirically trained women. Traditional obstetric care, the care women received during the prenatal period, labour and delivery and confinement is described in detail. Gestation, childbirth and the period of confinement that followed were regarded as uncertain, and at least potentially dangerous for both mother and child. -- Traditional obstetric care was not marked by extreme intervention. Midwives dealt effectively with some complications, but had definite limitations, which they recognized. The relationship between midwives and health care professionals, and the impact of medical obstetrics on traditional care is discussed. Medicalization of childbirth occurred in Newfoundland because midwives and their clients wished this change, though many women regretted the loss of the personal care they received from friends and midwives in their own homes. -- Most women did not rely on midwifery as their main source of income, but the occupation had a distinct folklife. Narratives told by midwives about their work reveal common attitudes towards childbirth, and the attributes of a good midwife. Patterns of selection and training of midwives are also discussed. The role of midwife is placed in the context of traditional healing practices, and the social organization of outport communities. The role of midwife was not connected with supernatural powers. Midwives were often drawn from upper and middle ranks of their communities, and the role conferred status and respect.
Type	Text
Resource Type	Electronic thesis or dissertation
Format	Image/jpeg; Application/pdf
Source	Paper copy kept in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries
Local Identifier	76058024
Rights	The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.
Collection	Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Scanning Status	Completed
PDF File	(45.33 MB) -- http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/theses/McNaughton_JanetElizabeth.pdf
CONTENTdm file name	16725.cpd