Midwife from Neef says: A life for obstetrics!

Midwife from Neef says: A life for obstetrics!

More than 2000 years ago, Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, which is a significant memory for many Christians. Since then, midwife practice has changed radically, as Katja Gamradt, an experienced midwife from Neef, announces. She has worked with women and families for over three decades and noticed that births take place in a more comfortable environment today than then. The growing professionalism in obstetrics makes it possible for expectant mothers to relieve a safe and hygienic environment, while Jesus and Maria were in a simple crib, surrounded by shepherds and animals. This reflection on birth practices was presented in detail by the Rhein-Zeitung, which illuminates the changes in birth beings.

traditions of obstetrics

But what did a birth really look like centuries ago? Prof. Dr. Eva Labouvie from the University of Magdeburg provides insights into the cultural aspects of obstetrics. Historical sources indicate that births took place, especially in women's communities, in which female assistants played a central role. Male presence, as in the case of Josef, was the exception, not the rule. Labouvie points out that the clinicization of births only began in the 20th century, and men only played an active role in this process much later. In many cultures there were even superstitious practices that underpined the belief in the spiritual meaning of the child, whereby the role of midwives and their tasks were under the critical look of the Church.

In today's time, birth is an absolutely medically embossed process that is supported by modern techniques such as caesarean sections and special birth rooms. According to Labouvie, the birth of a child not only meant a blessing in the past, but was also a livelihood for the family. Children were necessary to make a living and to ensure security in old age. Today's understanding of parenthood and the desire to have children has changed significantly, and while a family without children in the past often considered incomplete, the decisions are now in the hands of the parents. The reporting and labouvies analyzes illustrate the profound changes in obstetrics over the centuries.

How the role of women and obstetrics have developed to this day show both the practical experience of Gamradt and the historical assessments of Labouvie in an impressive way. In order to learn more about the developments and traditions, it is worth taking a look at the detailed articles from the Rhein-Zeitung and Domradio .