British Journal Of Midwifery - Feminism, midwifery and the medicalisation of birth

Historically, childbirth was the domain of women only, for it was regarded as a female mystery, of which women alone had special knowledge and understanding. From the 1700s, with the rise of science and what was considered the more ‘modern’ and rational approach to midwifery theory, the old midwifery ‘ways of knowing’ were dismissed as superstitions and old wives' tales. The medical profession mostly consisted of men and they accused midwives of using ancient, dangerous and outdated practices..