This paper examines the history of midwifery in Appalachia. Throughout history, women in labor have been supported by other women. Midwives learned as apprentices, gaining skills and knowledge from older women. Eventually, formalized training for midwives was developed in Europe, but no professional training existed in the United States until…

Ina May Gaskin, a traditional midwife and founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Summertown, Tennessee, discusses how she first became involved in midwifery, where she learned her skills, the status of midwifery, and her future plans. Ms. Gaskin has been instrumental in the revolution of birth practices worldwide. (LP)