Midwifery and birthing practices are topics that have been thoroughly discussed in the history of medicine. Less known is the story of the Southern Black midwife. Their role is often marginalized, even ignored, in the literature. Through the analysis of primary accounts of midwives and those who supported and objected to their purpose, this research project will explore the methodologies used by medical professionals, both directly and indirectly, to reshape the perceptions of Southern Black midwives upon the emergence of professionalized health care workers. The study encompasses the period between 1880-1950. Preliminary findings suggest that since the early years of slavery, Southern black midwives were valued and valuable to their communities; not just in their aiding women to give birth, but often in dispensing healing to the whole enslaved community. With the gradual professionalization of medicine in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the position of black midwives changed significantly. She was criminalized and her livelihood was threatened; worse, she was subject to fines and even imprisonment. Professionalized healthcare workers significantly hindered not only the important work done by the Black southern midwife, but the impact on their communities with reverberations being felt well into the mid-20th century.
