Martha Ballard
Title
Martha Ballard
Subject
Midwifery
Description
Late 18th c. midwife whose diary gives insight into this important field for women
Creator
Amy French
Source
Image: frontispiece from The Complete Midwife's Companion, public domain
Birth Date
1734
Birthplace
Oxford, Massachusetts, USA
Death Date
1812
Occupation
Midwife
Biographical Text
Although many might say that a woman functioning as a midwife was acting within her cultural confines, midwifery allowed women power in society not typically afforded them. They often acted as physicians—ministering to non-pregnant women as well as those with child. Moreover, there was a legal component to the job. They recorded births, deaths, and parentage. When a woman gave birth out of wedlock, the name of the father declared by the mother during labor was recorded by the midwife. The midwife's record of parentage was used to hold men responsible for the care of their offspring. Martha Ballard left behind a comprehensive diary from which we know more about her life and her profession.
Bibliography
Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher. "A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard based on her diary, 1785–1812." (Vintage Books, Random House Publishers, 1991)
A Midwife's Tale, PBS, American Experience series.
Martha Ballard's diary online: http://dohistory.org/
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