According to the World Health Organisation (WHO): “Midwifery encompasses care of women during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period, as well as care of the newborn. We found an article with some interesting and funnny facts about midwives. Did you know that we are not the only animal that has assisted births? Watch out for number 5! 

1. It’s Been A Recognised Occupation For Centuries - Women have been helped through labour and pregnancy for thousands of years in every culture on every continent. Since Ancient Egypt, midwifery has been a recognised female occupation as can be seen in the Ebers Papyrus records, which dates from 1900 to 1550 BC.

2. Male Midwifes Began Appearing In The 18th Century - More male midwives began appearing amongst the upper classes in the 18th century, claims the Oxford Scholarship. 

3. Midwifery Forceps Were Invented By A Family In The 16th Century - It’s believed that the forceps midwives use today were invented by the Chamberlen family who had fled to England from France in 1569. The oldest son Peter was an obstetrician to King Charles I of England’s wife Queen Henrietta. However, the instrument remained a secret in the family for 150 years. 

4. Midwives Used To Be Condemned As Witches - In the middle ages, many midwives were burnt at the stake as witches – especially if the child was stillborn, claims Nursing and Midwifery In History. 

5. We’re Not The Only Animal On The Planet To Have Assisted Births - The black snub-nosed monkey typically gives birth at night, but if one was to give birth during the daytime other females monkeys have been observed to assist in ways similar to human midwives, says the New Scientist. 

You can read the full article here. 

Also, Vitae Professionals is currently looking for Midwives to provide outstanding care to women and their babies, in the Eastern region of the UK. Find out more!