Monthly nurse

Monthly nurse is a term that was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to refer to a woman who was employed to care for both a new mother and her infant, for the first month after birth. The role of a monthly nurse encompassed a range of duties, including midwifery, nursing, housekeeping, and child care.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of the monthly nurse has its roots in many cultures around the world, where it was common for a woman, often a relative or a member of the community, to assist a new mother during the postpartum period. In the 19th century, this role became professionalized in Western societies, and the term "monthly nurse" was coined.

In the Victorian era, the monthly nurse was a common figure in middle and upper-class households in Britain. She was typically a woman of lower social status, but with a wealth of practical experience in childbirth and infant care. The monthly nurse would move into the family's home for the duration of her employment, providing round-the-clock care and support.

Duties and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

The primary duty of the monthly nurse was to care for the new mother and her baby. This included assisting with the birth, providing postnatal care for the mother, and caring for the newborn. The monthly nurse would also often take on additional duties, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for other children in the family.

In addition to these practical duties, the monthly nurse also played an important role in providing emotional support and guidance to the new mother. She would offer advice on everything from breastfeeding to infant sleep patterns, and was often a source of comfort and reassurance during this challenging time.

Decline and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The role of the monthly nurse began to decline in the early 20th century, as medical knowledge and practices evolved. The development of modern obstetrics and the increasing medicalization of childbirth meant that more women were giving birth in hospitals, under the care of doctors and trained nurses.

However, the legacy of the monthly nurse lives on in the form of modern-day doulas and postpartum doulas, who provide similar support and care to new mothers.