Midwives were often older mothers who used their knowledge to help others deliver their babies safely at home. But through the years, their position has been taken over by doctors and hospital staff. Natural home birth is often seen as old fashioned or too risky.
In “The Birthing Room”, Michele Ernsting speaks to midwives from Europe and North America about the joys and difficulties of the job which they consider their calling.
Producer: Michele Ernsting
Broadcast: November 1997