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Why did midwives historically often become midwives after having children themselves?
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midwifery
Midwives assisting a birth while astrologers consult sky charts; woodcut relief print from Jakob Rueff's De conceptu et generatione hominis (1554; The Expert Midwife).
Prior to the 20th century, midwifery was often practiced by women who were mothers themselves because the experience of childbirth was frequently considered a primary qualification for the role. In many communities, women were deemed qualified to assist others in labor simply because they had already borne children of their own.1
Historically, these women often entered the profession by attending the births of family members or neighbors. While some pursued an apprenticeship with an experienced midwife or physician, others were recruited informally to provide support during labor. For many married, older, or widowed women, this work served as an important occupation that provided payment or social capital within their communities.1