In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Australian Midwifery History Project would like to present our new website: https://australianmidwiferyhistory.org.au/.

The website outlines the history of midwifery in Australia as well as that of the Australian College of Midwives; it is the only site in Australia that contains this comprehensive source of information.  Launched in December 2021, the site is a living history project so we are continuously adding new historical material as colleagues, families, local communities and others share valuable information and memories with us.  

As you know, midwifery is one of the oldest recorded professions. All towns and cities throughout history would have had a local midwife. These women were important members of their communities. Besides attending women in childbirth, they were often the person who was called to assist families around death and dying.

Older members of your family or someone you know may have memories of one of these ‘Granny Midwives’ or of one of the growing number of professionally trained midwives who practised in the first half of the 20^th Century in Australia. You may have knowledge of midwifery and childbirth for First Nations people, pre-colonisation. If so, we would love to hear from you on [email protected].

The website is for all who have an interest in the history of midwifery and childbirth in Australia. Please peruse at your leisure. 

Posted by Admin Account on March 09, 2022