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Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation

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Where have all the midwives gone?

Phyllis L Brodsky¹

¹PHYLLIS BRODSKY has been a nurse for 50 years and an educator for over 20 years, having served as an obstetric nurse and educator in hospital settings and on several university faculties. She taught childbirth education classes for 20 years. She has been a member of the Maryland Nurses Association (MNA) since 1979, Past President of MNA, District 4, from 2002 to 2006, and a member of the MNA Continuing Education Provider Committee since 1992. She is also the author of several articles in journals and other publications. Her most recent publication is The Control of Childbirth: Women Versus Medicine Through the Ages (McFarland & Company).

The Journal of Perinatal Education

|May 14, 2009

Summary

Historically, women controlled childbirth, but medicalization led to physician dominance. Today, midwives face challenges from technology and renewed physician efforts to restrict their autonomous practice in the US.

Keywords:

midwives normal childbirth obstetric interventions

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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

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Published on: January 12, 2018

Area of Science:

History of Medicine
Maternal Health
Midwifery Studies

Background:

Historically, childbirth was managed by women, with birthing individuals in control of attendants and location.
The medicalization of childbirth introduced male physicians and interventions, shifting control away from traditional midwifery.

Purpose of the Study:

To trace the historical evolution of childbirth practices and the role of midwives.
To examine the challenges faced by midwives throughout history and in contemporary practice.

Main Methods:

Historical analysis of childbirth practices and the evolution of midwifery.
Review of medicalization trends and technological advancements in obstetrics.

Main Results:

Midwives were marginalized with the rise of hospital-based, physician-led maternity care in the 20th century.
Educated nurse-midwives have re-emerged, but face ongoing challenges including malpractice costs and physician opposition.
Technological interventions in normal childbirth persist despite limited evidence of efficacy.

Conclusions:

Midwifery has undergone significant historical shifts, from female-controlled births to medicalization and a recent resurgence.
Current practice sees midwives facing renewed threats to autonomy, influenced by insurance costs, public trust in technology, and physician-led resistance.