The Job of a 1960s Midwife

1960 - Domestic Event

Midwives do a lot more than assist with the actual delivery process. Traditionally, they help their patients in a variety of ways before, during and after childbirth. At each phase, they provide more personal care than what you would expect with a conventional hospital birth.

Lettie Green Smith, who practiced midwifery in Halifax County in the 1950s and 1960s, described her duties this way:

“You teach [the mothers] how to take care of themselves, to keep the house clean and proper for a baby, about good food to eat so they’ll have good milk and how to make the baby’s clothes.

Then you get ready for the birthing so they won’t be scared, and you be there with them any time of day or night.

Lord, I’ve been called at some strange times.

But when that baby’s coming there ain’t nothing for it but to do it.

And staying after, that’s the thing.

That’s when they really need you.

So I’ve always been one to stay as long as they needed me; to help clean, cook, and sometimes show them what to do with that little baby.”