Fielding Ould

Sir Fielding Ould. Watercolour. Wellcome V0004386 (cropped)

Fielding Ould (1710–1789) was an influential Irish obstetrician and a pioneer in the field of midwifery. He is best known for his contributions to the understanding and practice of childbirth, particularly through his seminal work, "A Treatise of Midwifery," published in 1742.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Fielding Ould was born in Ireland in 1710. Little is known about his early life and education, but it is believed that he received his medical training in Dublin, where he later established his practice.

Career[edit | edit source]

Ould began his career as a practicing obstetrician in Dublin. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and innovative approaches to childbirth. In 1742, he published "A Treatise of Midwifery," which became a foundational text in the field. The treatise was notable for its practical advice and emphasis on the safety and well-being of both the mother and the child during childbirth.

Contributions to Midwifery[edit | edit source]

Fielding Ould's work was groundbreaking in several ways:

He advocated for the use of the obstetric forceps, a relatively new instrument at the time, to assist in difficult deliveries.
He emphasized the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in the delivery room, which was a significant departure from the practices of his time.
Ould was one of the first to describe the mechanism of labor in detail, including the stages of labor and the movements of the fetus during delivery.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Fielding Ould's contributions to midwifery had a lasting impact on the field. His treatise was widely read and used by midwives and physicians throughout Europe, and his emphasis on safety and hygiene helped to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Ould's work laid the groundwork for many of the practices and principles that are still used in obstetrics today.