Man-midwives. What the...? A mild rant.

    Did you know that just over two centuries ago there were gobs of men that smugly called themselves man-midwives? Don't believe me?  Google the names William Hunter or Dr. Ben Page and see for yourself. The history of how men subtly began to take over the rightful role of the female midwife (sounds redundant huh?) is quite profound and the undeniable repercussions staggering. 

    The history of midwifery is nearly inseparable from the history of childbirth. They have traveled as companions through years long and dynamic, with twists, tangles, triumphs and devastations, all of which contain lessons should any take the time to pay attention. It is through the studying of the historical undulations that a certain theme seems to emerge: Midwifery is as it always has been, above all else centered around whole-woman antenatal, labor and postnatal care - for women, by women. Childbirth has always, until the most recent of times, been unadulterated and out of necessity an empowering experience for the birthing mother....