The Midwife
Researched By Rachel Trembley
Western Michigan University
Spring 2007

http://www.midwifeinfo.com/content/view/32/30/
In ancient times and in primitive societies, the work of the midwife had both a technical or manual aspect and a magical or mystical aspect.

I see the midwife as a woman who is maybe 20 years old. I see her as a dark haired woman, although she always has her hair up to prevent it from getting in her way. She dresses similarly to the women of the town, full dresses and apron, although she does carry her medical supplies with her. These may consist of extra towels and a ceramic bowl.

The midwife is married, and has three children of her own. Her husband works in the small town as a councilman. He is in his early twenties, tall with dark hair and green eyes. He is of slender build, and very esteemed by the town. He married the midwife six years ago and enjoys the life of a family man.

The midwifes oldest son, four and a half, with dark curls and brown eyes, enjoys playing with his siblings. He dislikes going with his mother on her rounds, so he accompanies his father instead. He enjoys playing and is quite rambunctious.

The midwifes daughter, the middle child of three, has dark flowing hair and green eyes like her father. She follows her older brother around much of the time. She is very curious and of a gentle temperament. She goes with her mother everywhere.

The midwifes youngest son, two years old, has blonde curls and green eyes. He spends much of his time being carried by his mother, and goes almost everywhere she does. He is always smiling and has a very easy going temperament.

A typical day in the home of the midwife is something like this:

Arise very early and prepare a pot of water to make breakfast. Venture out to the market to buy bread, cheese, milk and possibly some meat for the days meals. She prepares breakfast and then wakes her family. Her husband eats and then leaves for work as the sun rises. The oldest son goes with the father at least once or twice a week, but otherwise accompanies his mother on her rounds and helps with the younger children.

The midwife spends the majority of the morning checking on the pregnant women of the town. She spends the afternoon at home, preparing dinner and tending to mothers who visit her at home for consultations. In many instances, the midwife acts as a pediatrician as well because she has become well versed in childhood ailments.