Google Doodle honors Justine Siegemund, a trailblazing German midwife from the 17th century. Her groundbreaking book, “The Court Midwife,” made her the first woman to publish a seminal medical text in German.
Who was Justine Siegemund?
Born on December 26, 1636, in Rohnstock (now known as Roztoka, Lower Silesia), Siegemund was inspired to study obstetrics at the age of 20 after experiencing mistreatment by midwives who wrongly assumed she was pregnant. Her journey began with offering free services to underprivileged women, gradually earning her reputation among noble families. In 1683, she became the City Midwife of Lignitz, and later, in 1701, the Court Midwife of Berlin.
As the Court Midwife, Siegemund attended to the royal family‘s childbirths. Her skills impressed Mary II of Orange, leading to a request to create a training manual for midwives.
“The Court Midwife” became the first comprehensive guide to childbirth in Germany, offering illustrations and techniques developed by Siegemund herself. The book challenged prevailing gender norms, emphasizing compassion towards women and prioritizing the mother’s well-being over the child’s during life-threatening situations.
The Legacy of Justine Siegemund
Throughout her career, Siegemund faced sexist attacks from male physicians and midwives who accused her of unsafe practices. However, she withstood all challenges. Unlike her male counterparts, Siegemund used minimal pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments during procedures. Her approach focused on empowering women through knowledge and care.
Justine Siegemund passed away on November 10, 1705, at the age of 68. By the time of her death, she had assisted in delivering nearly 6,200 infants. Today, Tuesday, March 28, holds great significance as it marks the date in 1690 when the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) certified “The Court Midwife” as an official medical textbook. This recognition solidifies her impact and legacy in the field of obstetrics.
As we remember the remarkable contributions of Justine Siegemund, her legacy continues to inspire generations of midwives and women in medicine. Her courage to challenge patriarchal norms and her compassion towards women during childbirth leave an enduring mark in history. Today, we celebrate her groundbreaking work and her unwavering dedication to the well-being of mothers and their infants.
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