Elizabeth Nihell

18th-century English midwife and writer

Elizabeth Nihell (1723–1776) was an influential English midwife and writer known for her advocacy against the use of obstetric forceps and her support for traditional midwifery practices. Her work was significant in the history of obstetrics and gynecology, as she challenged the male-dominated medical practices of her time.

Early Life

Elizabeth Nihell was born in 1723 in England. Little is known about her early life and education, but it is evident that she received training in midwifery, a field that was predominantly occupied by women during the 18th century. Her experiences and observations in the field led her to become a vocal critic of the emerging medical practices that were being introduced by male physicians.

Career

Elizabeth Nihell

Nihell practiced as a midwife in London, where she gained a reputation for her skills and knowledge. During this period, the use of obstetric forceps was becoming more common, a practice introduced by male physicians to assist in difficult births. Nihell was a staunch opponent of this practice, arguing that it was often unnecessary and could be harmful to both mother and child.

In 1760, she published her most famous work, A Treatise on the Art of Midwifery, in which she criticized the use of forceps and defended the traditional methods used by midwives. Her treatise was a response to the growing trend of male-dominated obstetrics and the marginalization of female midwives.

A Treatise on the Art of Midwifery

Treatise on the Art of Midwifery

Nihell's A Treatise on the Art of Midwifery was a comprehensive work that outlined her views on childbirth and the role of midwives. She argued that childbirth was a natural process that should be managed by experienced midwives rather than male physicians who lacked practical experience. Her work was both a practical guide for midwives and a polemic against the medicalization of childbirth.

The treatise was well-received by some, but it also faced criticism from the medical community, particularly from male physicians who saw it as a threat to their growing influence in the field of obstetrics.

Legacy

Elizabeth Nihell's contributions to midwifery and her advocacy for women's roles in childbirth have been recognized as significant in the history of medicine. Her work highlighted the importance of traditional midwifery practices and challenged the male-dominated medical practices of her time. Although her views were controversial, they sparked important discussions about the role of women in medicine and the ethics of medical interventions in childbirth.

Related Pages

• Midwifery
• Obstetrics
• History of medicine
• Women's health