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History of Black Midwives

Long ago, and in many parts of Africa today, midwives were revered, loved and depended on by the entire village. The Grand-midwives taught the apprentice midwife the traditional rituals of womanhood, childbearing and family care. These sacred rituals included prayer, homage and respect for the ancestors, massage, and preparation of food, breastfeeding, postpartum care and much more.

Sharon Robinson, critic and professor of midwifery and black health care systems, states in her 1984 study for the Journal of Nurse-Midwifery that the first Black lay midwife came to America in 1619, bringing with her knowledge of health and healing based on her African background.

The most popular story about the good work of midwives comes from the Bible (Exodus 1:14 through Exodus 1:22). It tells of the Egyptian midwives Shiphrah and Puah, listening to the voice of God and refusing to kill the first-born sons of the Hebrews as Pharaoh had ordered.

Midwifery has always been an honored and spiritual profession among Africans who continued their rich traditions, even while enslaved. Historically Black midwives have saved the lives of countless mothers and babies throughout the United States. Both free and enslaved Black midwives provided midwifery care not only to their communities but also to families outside of the Black community.

The word "midwife" in many African languages is synonymous with spiritual healer. The Traditional Midwife's calling expanded beyond catching babies; she was a healer, a spiritualist, a Public health activist and a community organizer. A woman entered into midwifery through several doors, a calling from God, appointed by the elders, chosen by an older midwife or moved by community need.