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This thesis explores the transition in childbirth practices from female midwifery to male-dominated obstetrics in 18th century Britain.

May 17, 2026Open Access

Between Touch and Text : Gendered Expertise and the Making of Reproductive Authority

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Thesis examines the shift from midwifery to obstetrics in childbirth, highlighting cultural power dynamics.

This thesis explores the transition in childbirth practices from female midwifery to male-dominated obstetrics in 18th century Britain.
Analyzed midwifery treatises by practitioners like Jane Sharpe and Sarah Stone.
Explored works by William Smellie and William Hunter.
Utilized Michel Foucault’s concept of medical gaze to understand knowledge dynamics.
Identified a cultural shift that marginalized female midwives in favor of medical authority.
Highlighted resistance from female midwives like Elizabeth Nihell advocating for experiential knowledge.
Demonstrated the transformation was intertwined with societal power relations.

Simar Sandhu (2026) studied this question.

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