受けついでいきたい熟練助産師の技・魂-島根県六日市で共同助産所に携わった開業助産師の活動-

概要

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After World War II, childbirth places gradually moved from the home to the hospital, and practicing midwives in local communities followed accordingly to the medical institutions. However, as medical doctors began to play a major role in assisting delivery, the role of the midwife became uncertain. Gradually, the midwife's professional identity and independence were lost. Nowadays, midwives are still faced with an unclear role at a time of fewer delivery sites, an insufficient number of obstetricians, a greater number of pregnant women with high-risk conditions, and the diverse need of comprehensive assistance during the puerperal period, including child rearing methods. To acquire a greater understanding of the history and transition of the role of midwives, the author interviewed an elderly midwife who worked in a midwives' mutual institution from its opening to its closing in Mutsukaichi City in Shimane Prefecture. Aspects of the interview included the traditional midwife's role in protecting the lives of both expectant mothers and neonates, and the comprehensive support by a midwife for the happiness of pregnant women and their families. The author believes that awareness of the spirit and care methods of traditional midwives provides an opportunity to reconsider the fundamental role of midwives, enhances the scope of the midwife's work, and presents ideas for future midwife activity.