Feminine power is a theme in literature of great variety and beauty. Midwives are profound examples of that theme, as caregivers during multiples phases of pregnancy, birth of a child, and the aftercare. Midwifery is seen as one of the most fundamental and blessed vocations involving feminine power. There are a number of books that explore the divine feminine archetype in the realm of midwifery.
Kathy Taylor’s The Birthing House
Midwifery in German History
The Birthing House, a novel by Kathy Taylor, explores the long tradition of midwifery in Germany, including how it was marginalized by the male dominated medical community in the 18th and 19th centuries. While the medical model of childbirth became more dominant, midwives still offered an alternative within communities and went to heroic lengths to do their work.
Their stories also give perspective on aspects of women’s history that have often been absent. In the early 20th century, midwives faced moral dilemmas and heightened control by the Nazi regime. The practice of midwifery was encouraged by Hitler as a way to produce more German (Aryan) babies. Midwives were tightly controlled and required to report any babies with physical defects or racial impurities, condemning them to a likely death. They were rewarded if they complied and punished if they didn’t. Many midwives quietly resisted.
At the same time, Hitler established a law requiring a German midwife to be present at all births, even in hospitals. That law is still in effect today, an ironically positive outcome of the horrors of the Nazi era of German history.
Kathy Taylor’s novel is full of layers of women’s history in Germany and the struggles of women across the centuries. Amidst the hardships that women faced throughout that history, midwives stand out as icons of feminine power and support. Clare Muller, the protagonist of The Birthing House, experiences that history through the stories embedded in the walls of the former birthing house where she lives.
Clare connects to those stories and becomes part of them through her dreams, while sleeping in the very birthing room of the house. She is both observer and participant. As a writer, she becomes a kind of midwife to the stories of others. Writer as midwife to untold stories; feminine power and connection among women through midwifery.
Books about midwives and midwifery
Midwifery for The Soul by Jennifer Summerfeldt
Fierce feminine power in the depths of trauma and darkness is the plot of this mythical tale. Conscious birthing, suffering, trauma, and the magic of midwifery have been depicted as a metaphor of transformation.
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
This is an informative book by Ina May on home-births, and how the women can have safe as well as natural home-births without complications, through the physical and moral support of midwives.
A Treatise on the Art of Midwifery by Mrs. Elizabeth Nihell
The writer draws attention to women who fear childbirth and presents the role of midwives as skillful caregivers.
Witches, Midwives and Nurses: A History of Women Healers by Barbara Ehrenreich & Deirdre English
A brief exploration of the delegitimization and even demonization of women healers, including midwives, by the emerging medical industry and corruption within it. The fear and fascination of the feminine power of these healers led to witch hunts and the political and economic monopolization of the medical establishment.
Giving Birth with Confidence by Judith Lothian & Charlotte DeVries
This book takes you through the changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy as it offers advice for making decisions about childbirth as well as health and safety measures to consider.
Pushed by Jennifer Block
This groundbreaking narrative discusses the inaccessibility to midwives for modern women as they are pressured more and more into planned deliveries via C-section.
Birth Matters: A Midwife’s Manifesta by Ina May Gaskin
This is an informative and powerful book promoting natural childbirth and a woman’s right to it. It emphasizes the need to trust and value women as child-bearers in this fundamental act of human existence.
Listen to me Good: The story of an ALABAMA Midwife by Margaret Charles Smith & Linda Janet Holmes
An exceptional tale of stories that honors the experience and wisdom of midwives in rural black communities; their determination and talent as they dealt with the complex variety of emergencies and challenges, including dealing with the medical world.
Birth without Fear by January Harshe
This book offers extensive information and practical support around pregnancy, birth and postpartum care, empowering women and families to take make informed decisions and take charge of their experience.
The Positive Birth Book: A new approach to pregnancy, birth and the early weeks by Milli Hill
Milli Hill thoughtfully and convincingly presents that it is the right of every woman to have a healthy and positive pregnancy, birth and parenting experience with a new baby. It is a practical and inspiration guide to creating a birth plan that fits the woman and her family’s needs.
Unassisted Childbirth by Laura Kaplan Shanley
Laura Kaplan Shanley contrasts modern childbirth and the excess of medical intervention with the history of natural childbirth and the autonomy it offered women. She gives women an alternative choice in childbirth for contemporary times.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Written by an experienced midwife, this book offers comprehensive information and practical advice about the ancient practice of midwifery and the benefits of natural childbirth.